Your employment and discrimination law experts.
Workplace issues are often complex and emotionally charged. That’s why it’s important to have someone work in partnership with you to help you navigate the right path. Our team of employment and discrimination lawyers are prepared to stand up for you, walk that path with you, and ensure you get the fair and just outcome you deserve.
The right people on your side
At Gordon Legal, we know that work is one of the most important parts of every person’s life. We understand the fundamental importance of fair and decent treatment in the workplace. And we know how important it is to receive appropriate, compassionate representation and support in employment-related matters, particularly when things go wrong at work. Dealing with a dispute with an employer, or another employee, can be difficult, stressful and costly, and can have lasting impacts on your career, well being and sense of self.
We pride ourselves on providing our clients with dedicated, expert advice and advocacy in all areas of employment and discrimination law, in both the public and private sectors. Our lawyers are recognised nationally for their experience in the following areas:
- Unfair dismissal
- Workplace discrimination and equal opportunity
- Sexual harassment
- Workplace bullying
- Workplace investigations, grievances and other disciplinary matters
- Redundancy entitlements and workplace change
- Advice on employment contracts
- Advice on restraints of trade
- Disputes relating to pay, leave and other entitlements including short term and long term incentives and bonuses
- Professional regulation and discipline
How can we help?
Our expert lawyers can help you with all stages of employment issues, including:
Pre-employment – negotiating your contract, conditions and advice around any restraints
On the job – help if you face discrimination, harassment, bullying or disciplinary issues, as well as access to entitlements including long service leave and parental leave
Termination of employment – if you feel like you have an unfair dismissal case, unlawful dismissal, restraint of trade issue, claim for redundancy, or a discrimination, harassment or breach of your rights case, we can help.
What you might be entitled to:
*Compensation
*Reinstatement
*Unpaid wages
*Other entitlements.
*Fair treatment
What our customers say
The best legal minds with a passion for workers have been drawn to Gordon Legal – that’s where we’re heading too.
Troy Gray
IT’S PERSONAL – and that’s exactly how Fiona Rothville handled my matter. When I was helpless and felt like giving up, Fiona stepped in, dug deep and supported me through a very stressful period in my life. Thank you Fiona, you truly went above and beyond in a time of need!
Jason
Had to deal with an issue regarding an end of employment and fighting for my entitlements. The team especially lovely Carol Saunders were incredible, compassionate and full of great advice and knowledge during a very stressful situation. Can not recommend the team more!
Lee
The best legal minds with a passion for workers have been drawn to Gordon Legal – that’s where we’re heading too.
Troy Gray
IT’S PERSONAL – and that’s exactly how Fiona Rothville handled my matter. When I was helpless and felt like giving up, Fiona stepped in, dug deep and supported me through a very stressful period in my life. Thank you Fiona, you truly went above and beyond in a time of need!
Jason
Had to deal with an issue regarding an end of employment and fighting for my entitlements. The team especially lovely Carol Saunders were incredible, compassionate and full of great advice and knowledge during a very stressful situation. Can not recommend the team more!
Lee
Building on a proud legacy of standing up for working people and workers’ rights
Our employment and discrimination lawyers have provided advice to unions and working people for decades. We are proud to have the best and most experienced team of union dedicated lawyers in Australia. Our team, led by Senior Partner, Peter Gordon, has an unrivalled record in fighting for justice for working people.
We are proud to advocate on behalf of key unions, including the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Electrical Trades Union, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, the Victorian Ambulance Union and the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia.
We understand and value the importance of unions in making our society fair and just and standing up for working people.
Our lawyers have been involved in key industrial litigation, including anti-union Royal Commissions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Employment and Discrimination Law
How much will it cost?
In an initial appointment with one of our employment and discrimination lawyers we will review your documents, discuss your matter and provide you with advice on your options and next steps. An initial appointment can usually be arranged for a fee of $660 (including GST).
In some circumstances we can assist on a no win, no fee basis.
Why do I need an employment lawyer?
Understanding your rights can be complicated. However, despite the complications, it is vitally important that you do understand your employment rights so you can ensure you are paid correctly and treated fairly in the workplace. This is where an employment lawyer from Gordon Legal comes in. Our job is to explain your rights and entitlements in a way that you understand so you can be informed about what is best for you. Seeing an employment lawyer does not mean you have to confront your boss. Some of our clients just like to seek our advice so they know what is right and wrong. Our advice is completely confidential and we act on your instructions.
How do I know if I have suffered discrimination?
If you have suffered unfair treatment in the workplace, chances are that you have experienced unlawful discrimination, harassment and/or bullying. Many people are not aware of their rights. For example, in Victoria, there are about 19 different categories of people who are protected from discrimination. Add to that the possibility of action to stop bullying and other forms of harassment, and there is a wide range of behaviour which is covered by the law. It is always worth getting advice and making sure that you can make informed decisions, rather than wondering if there is something you can do. And always make sure you get advice sooner rather than later, because there may be time limits or time frames which may make it difficult for you to do anything if you have delayed taking action.
What are some things I can do to prepare for a consultation with an employment lawyer from Gordon Legal?
Our lawyers are skilled at listening to your story and asking the right questions to get the information they need. Do not stress if you do not have every document that you think is relevant. However, if you do have documents available, we often ask for a copy of any contract of employment, the name of any relevant enterprise agreements and a short outline of the issue that you are seeking advice on. This enables us to focus and make use of the time we have available in our initial consultation. But, again, don’t worry if you do not have everything. We can work with you.
Other helpful links:
The above information is related to claims in Victoria. For claims outside the state, please contact our office for specific information as potential claims and time frames vary from state to state.
Don’t delay a possible claim
When your employment has been terminated, we can help, however, we need to act quickly. Most claims involving the termination of employment need to be made within 21 days of your last day.
The best way to know if you have a claim is to call us on 1300 58 46 26 and talk to us about the next steps.
What if you have been injured in the workplace?
team
Employment and Discrimination Law Experts
Marcus Clayton
Marcus Clayton
Partner
Marcus is our Head of Industrial Law. He is one of Australia’s best-known union industrial lawyers. He has represented a wide range of unions, union officials and union members in industrial litigation, penalty proceedings, two anti-union Royal Commissions, general protections matters, rules disputes, administrative law challenges, coronial inquests, contempt of court cases and criminal prosecutions. In his over 40 years as a lawyer, Marcus has won a well-deserved reputation for his strategic, practical and industrially and politically astute advice. Marcus is Chair of the Migrant Workers Centre Inc which assists migrant workers and their communities to enforce and improve their rights.
Brad Annson
Brad Annson
Partner
Brad is an experienced and highly regarded industrial and employment lawyer. Brad has acted for a broad range of unions, union officials and union members in Federal and State courts and industrial tribunals. He has significant experience in complex and high profile cases. Brad is passionate about advancing the interests of unions and union members. He prides himself on his strategic and practical advice to his clients.
Denis O’Callaghan
Denis O’Callaghan
Principal Lawyer
Denis specialises in employment and industrial law. He also advises health practitioners under investigation by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. He is committed to providing the best representation for health professionals and healthcare workers when their livelihoods are under threat. A former nurse, Denis has experience in legal and healthcare settings in Melbourne and regional Victoria, including as an organiser and industrial officer with the Australian Nursing Federation.
Nick White
Nick White
Partner
Nick is an Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations. He has broad experience in industrial and employment law, and has represented clients in most of the State and Commonwealth courts, including the appellate jurisdictions. He regularly represents unions and employees in the Federal Court of Australia and the Fair Work Commission.
Marina Leikina
Marina Leikina
Senior Associate
Marina is an experienced lawyer who works in employment and industrial law, as well as institutional abuse cases. Before joining Gordon Legal, Marina worked as a lawyer in regional Victoria, acting for workers and employees in personal injury and employment law matters. Marina volunteers at West Justice in the employment law project that provides assistance to migrants and refugees.
Angelica Nippard
Angelica Nippard
Lawyer
Angelica is a lawyer working in the Industrial & Employment Law Team, having previously worked in the Class Actions Team as a graduate lawyer. Angelica completed her Juris Doctor at RMIT University in November 2022 and was admitted to practice law in August 2023. While completing her Juris Doctor at RMIT, she joined Gordon Legal as a paralegal, where she gained valuable experience in commercial law, litigation and class actions, including the Robodebt Class Action, Box Hill Institute Student Pilot Class Action and the Doctors in Training Class Actions. Prior to completing her law degree, Angelica attained a Bachelor of Arts (with majors in Politics and History) through the University of Melbourne. Angelica practices in civil litigation, including class actions, personal injury, and industrial and employment matters. She has acted for a number of unions, employees and victims of abuse in various disputes, including urgent industrial disputes, discrimination and sexual harassment claims, institutional abuse, public liability and enterprise bargaining.
Thomas Singleton
Thomas Singleton
Lawyer
Thomas joined Gordon Legal as a paralegal after completing his studies and now works as a Lawyer in the Employment and Industrial Law team. As a paralegal, Thomas gained experience in the client intake team and across several class actions. While studying the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne, Thomas volunteered as a paralegal at Fitzroy Legal Service. Thomas enjoys working closely with clients to help them enforce their work rights. Prior to completing his law degree, Thomas completed a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) at the University of Melbourne.
Lauren Gerondakis
Lauren Gerondakis
Lawyer
Lauren is a lawyer in the Employment and Industrial Team. Before commencing with Gordon Legal, Lauren worked for a specialist employment law community legal centre. There, she provided pro bono advice and representation to Victorian workers in relation to employment, industrial and discrimination matters. Lauren has a particular interest in human rights practice and has represented numerous applicants in civil sexual harassment claims. She enjoys working closely with her clients to help them exercise their legal rights. Lauren volunteers with Barwon Community Legal Centre in their night service. She completed her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne.
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