Areas of Expertise
Andrew helps workplaces work to their full potential.
Andrew is an experienced and trusted employment and industrial relations lawyer who has been in practice since 2014, advising on litigious and non-litigious matters. Throughout his career, Andrew has worked with government (local, State and federal), corporate, not-for-profit and charitable employers in a broad range of industries, including transport, health and aged care, education, emergency services, professional and financial services, hospitality and pharmaceuticals.
Andrew’s in-depth understanding of the practical realities for clients and management imperatives stems from his considerable experience advising employer clients as well as his secondments with prominent corporate and NSW Government clients as part of their in-house legal and conduct management teams. Andrew has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by employers operating in the ever-changing employment regulatory landscape.
Clients benefit from Andrew’s ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently, effectively and with a considered strategy. He is committed to delivering practical solutions that balance legal and organisational considerations.
Qualifications/Memberships
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Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Bachelor of Commerce – Professional Accounting (Macquarie University)
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Member – Golden Key Honour Society, Macquarie University Chapter
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Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia
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Member - Law Society of NSW
A word from Andrew
Employment law and industrial relations is an area of intersecting issues, with people at its heart, which creates interesting and complex situations.
It is incredibly rewarding to help our clients effectively manage these various considerations in a way which maintains the culture of their organisation to ensure their employees are committed and happy, which ultimately leads to productivity in the workplace. If an employee is not the right fit, is not (or cannot) perform, or has misconducted themselves, I enjoy providing solutions and strategies for clients to navigate different considerations (and obligations) to arrive at an outcome that is best for their organisation.
When an employee does bring a claim, I provide an effective and considered advice on the best defence, and exploring early settlement options (if appropriate), to protect our clients’ interests.
Career highlights
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Defending unfair dismissal proceedings, involving sensitive allegations, and achieving successful outcomes through settlement, jurisdictional objections or defence of substantive claims. Such defences require calm litigation management skills and compassionate treatment of witnesses and complainants to ensure a robust defence.
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Securing summary dismissal claims in the State jurisdiction and federally, saving clients significant costs and management time by avoiding lengthy evidentiary hearings.
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Supporting corporate transactions by identifying areas of exposure that could impact value, and suggesting strategies for resolution of areas of exposure.
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Successfully acting in the appellate jurisdiction to achieve a positive outcome for a client, which supported its interpretation of the application of the relevant industrial instrument.
- Favourable resolution of a number of contentious and highly sensitive matters involving complex issues and concurrent obligations and avoiding potential reputational and financial risks for the client.
Specific areas of focus
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Advising on transfer of business issues
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Complaint management and disciplinary investigations
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Management of ill and injured workers
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Employment attraction and retention systems and documentation
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Senior management change processes and negotiated exits
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Work, health and safety advice and management
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End-to-end management of, and advice in relation to, employment litigation in State and federal jurisdictions, including complex industrial disputes, general protections, unfair dismissals, victimisation, discrimination and contractual disputes.
