Workplace Services

'We unravel the tangled issues that can make or break employers - creating clarity from complexity.'
Ross Jackson, Partner

The complete team

The Maddocks Workplace Services Group is a large and successful employment law team in Australia. With 4 partners, (including a dedicated Immigration team leader), 2 special counsel, 3 senior associates and 11 lawyers, we have the depth and breadth of experience to service the HR and employment law needs of businesses, corporations and all three tiers of government.

Our partners and senior lawyers have strong experience across all areas of employment law including: industrial relations, workplace agreements, termination of employment, employment contracts, anti-discrimination and occupational health and safety. We have a dedicated Immigration team within our group, so that we can provide a "whole of life" service, from assisting in the sourcing of and gaining entry to Australia for skilled workers, through their engagement to the termination of their employment if that becomes necessary.

Our broad and deep experience is teamed with the Maddocks hallmark of unpretentious, personalised and accessible service.

We know our industry

We are at the forefront of workplace issues, in particular working with the Work Choices legislation. We regularly present and write for industry on topical issues. Some of our team members sit on industry group panels and committees. Because of our dedicated industry involvement, we anticipate issues and develop strategies for managing risk well before they become a concern for our clients. We add value to our clients by being pro-active in the advice we give.

We understand government, we also understand corporates

Our credentials in government are exceptional. For example, we are a leading supplier of legal services in employment law in the State of Victoria and we advise the majority of Victoria's local governments. In New South Wales, our work for the Department of Health reflects our growing profile in that state. Our leadership in this area is demonstrated through the high profile and sensitive work we carry out for government clients.

But we are much more than just government focussed. The unique strength of our team is built on a mix of public sector knowledge coupled with a strong understanding of the commercial imperatives that drive the private sector. Our experience working with the private sector is the fastest-growing component of our Workplace Services practice in Victoria.

We ensure that our work is always directed towards helping our clients achieve their business objectives. We know that a workplace that uses best practice in managing its people is a productive, competitive workplace and an employer of choice. We have helped many small to medium enterprises and emerging businesses to achieve just that. Through the provision of a virtual helpdesk, we have helped clients, including "household name" major corporates and all levels of government, manage not only legal compliance and risk management issues, but have assisted them to develop strategies and blueprints for achieving best practice.

Our Approach

We recognise that prevention and resolution of issues demands more than just a legal perspective. It means:

gaining a thorough knowledge of the way your organisation works
taking the time to visit your organisation and getting to know your people
developing clear solutions that suit your culture and business aims
keeping you informed of all potential personal and corporate liabilities
guiding you through all available courses of action - promptly, practically and professionally - to the preferred solution

Our way of doing business

We never over service
Our advice is practical and adds real value
We always look for a cost effective solution consistent with your strategic objectives
We work alongside you to implement your business plan

Examples of our work include:
Developing industrial relations strategies and action plans for dealing with unions and groups of employees to achieve an employer’s strategic objectives
Undertaking negotiations on behalf of employers in conciliation conferences and representing employers in the AIRC under dispute resolution clauses in workplace agreements
Drafting, negotiating and making Work Choices-compliant workplace agreements, both collective and individual, and for greenfields sites
Advising on rights and obligations under industrial awards, registered workplace agreements and common law employment agreements (including allowable matters, preserved award terms and protected award conditions under Work Choices)
Drafting short form letters of employment and complex senior management employment contracts
Advising on and representing employers in dispute resolution (including in common law litigation in the Supreme and Federal Courts) arising out of breach of contract claims
Advising employers on effective performance and conduct management procedures and actions taking into account the corporate values of the employer and with the objective to minimise claims arising out of any resultant termination of employment
Developing policies providing for equal opportunity during recruitment and in employment, and prohibiting discrimination, harassment and bullying
Advising employers on WorkSafe investigations and enquiries
Guiding employers through their legal obligations when a notifiable incident occurs, including risk management initiatives to avert prosecution under OHS laws
Advising employers on the extent of their responsibilities to rehabilitate injured workers
Assisting employers to navigate a path through overlapping workers compensation, safety, anti-discrimination and unfair dismissal laws
We have significant experience representing clients at various courts, tribunals and commissions including the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC), Federal Court and various anti-discrimination tribunals

Contact Partners

Karl Blake
Darren Gardner
Ross Jackson
Bruce Moore - Special Counsel