About Gerard

Gerard provides practical, commercial and strategic advice for a range of private and public sector clients on industrial relations matters, equal opportunity and discrimination, contracts of employment, disciplinary proceedings, transfers of business, unfair dismissal claims and general protections matters.

Gerard is known for his straight-forward manner and practical advice. He particularly enjoys working with his clients to learn their business, and navigate a path through complex employment issues.

Experience

• Due diligence and transfer of business

  Assisting private sector clients by drafting purchaser and vendor due diligence reports from an employment perspective, and providing advice on award coverage and transfer of business obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

• General protections and unfair dismissals

  Assisting public and private sector clients to defend general protections claims and unfair dismissal claims in the Fair Work Commission. This has included drafting responses, appearing at conciliation conferences, interviewing witnesses, drafting witness statements and drafting legal submissions.

• Enterprise agreement approvals

  Drafting and reviewing proposed enterprise agreements, drafting submissions to the Fair Work Commission and providing legal advice regarding approval requirements including the BOOT.

• Workplace investigations

  Advising employers (including local councils and government bodies) on all aspects of workplace grievances including investigations and next steps following the investigation.

• Non-profit organisations

  Assisting non-profit organisations with various employment queries, including providing award coverage advice; advice about whether employees and contractors are appropriately characterised; and drafting employment contracts.