Employment: New South Wales

Ashurst has a well-resourced employment group with an impressive reputation for large-scale industrial relations disputes and major company restructurings. The team is called upon by many of Australia's largest energy and transport companies for its expertise in developing enterprise bargaining agreements. It is well placed to represent clients in employee class actions and in disputes with unions. The firm acts for major clients on the employment aspects of M&A and compliance, and advises employers on health and safety issues. Notable clients include AGL Energy, Anglo American and the Commonwealth Government.

"I have confidence in Ashurst's ability to handle complex matters."

"Their service level and responsiveness are beyond reproach. I can call at any time to discuss a matter or, if not available, Ashurst very quickly makes the date and time to suit me and catch up."

Ashurst acted for Uber in proceedings in the Federal Court, concerning the status of drivers who utilise the Uber Rides platform and whether they are employees or independent contractors.

Helen McKenzie continues to be highly respected for her extensive experience advising across a wide range of employment issues including investigations, underpayments and industrial disputes.

Robert Lilburne has over two decades of experience acting for mining and shipping companies on a wide range of employment matters including collective bargaining and industrial relations disputes.

Ian Humphreys has a strong reputation for industrial relations disputes. "Ian is a pleasure to work with; his advice is brilliant and well thought through. Honestly, quite simply, the man is a genius."

Lea Constantine is well known in the work health and safety space and acts for a range of public and private sector clients on compliance, investigations and prosecutions relating to serious workplace incidents.

James Hall is a well-regarded employment lawyer in Queensland who is particularly known for assisting clients in the coal industry.

Scarlet Reid is well regarded in the market for her depth of knowledge in workplace health and safety. She often advises government clients on complex regulatory topics as well as on high-profile and fatal workplace incidents.

Stephen Woodbury acts for prominent international and domestic companies on industrial relations strategies and enterprise bargaining. "Stephen gives clear, calm and pragmatic advice in difficult situations. He has deep experience and knows what the best options are and is able to cut through quickly to solutions." "He is probably the most experienced lawyer in this space. And the calmest person you will ever meet, if you're ever in a crisis."

Jennie Mansfield advises on a range of compliance matters, including award compliance and repayment programmes, with a particular focus on the financial and insurance sectors. "Jennie is just a delightful person. She is a very smart lawyer, really low key, very accessible, has a great sense of humour, is very pragmatic and you can bounce ideas off her."

Jon Lovell is a Melbourne-based employment partner. He advises a string of notable clients on matters including enterprise bargaining, industrial relations and employment disputes.