Employment lawyers act for employees and employers on dismissals, contracts, discrimination, bullying and workplace investigations.
firms
440
specialisations
5
regions
66
AI-generated editorial image
Workplace law in Australia is largely set by the Fair Work Act and the National Employment Standards, with awards and enterprise agreements setting minimum pay and conditions. Employees usually come to an employment lawyer after a dismissal, redundancy, bullying or discrimination. Employers use them for contracts, policies, restructures and defending claims. Time limits for some claims are very short, so early advice matters.
Why employment law matters
Work disputes affect income and wellbeing, and short time limits apply.
The Australian context
The national Fair Work system covers most private sector employees, with state systems for some public sector workers.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Kings Park, NSW · Western Sydney
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(82)Google rating from 82 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers provides legal services in Kings Park, NSW. Listed practice areas include Employment Law, Unfair Dismissal and Business & Commercial Law.
Employment Law+7 moreUnfair Dismissal · Business & Commercial Law · Workplace Bullying & Stop Bullying Orders · Workplace Discrimination & Harassment · Mediation & Dispute Resolution · Skilled & Business Visas · Health & Medical Practitioner LawFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(49)Google rating from 49 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Lynch Lawyers & Co provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Employment Law and Unfair Dismissal.
Employment Law+1 moreUnfair DismissalNo win, no feeThe firm mentions no win, no fee arrangements. Confirm terms in writing.Free first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Kent Town, SA · Adelaide Metro
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(17)Google rating from 17 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
WK Lawyers provides legal services in Kent Town, SA. Listed practice areas include Unfair Dismissal, Personal Injury and Workers Compensation.
Unfair Dismissal+4 morePersonal Injury · Workers Compensation · Motor Vehicle Accidents / CTP · Employment LawNo win, no feeThe firm mentions no win, no fee arrangements. Confirm terms in writing.Free first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Bunbury, WA · South West
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(11)Google rating from 11 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Workwise Employment Lawyers provides legal services in Bunbury, WA. Listed practice areas include Employment Law, Unfair Dismissal and Business & Commercial Law.
Employment Law+3 moreUnfair Dismissal · Business & Commercial Law · Defamation
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Robina, QLD · Gold Coast
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(6)Google rating from 6 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Catton Roderick Lawyers Sunshine Coast provides legal services in Robina, QLD. Listed practice areas include Employment Law, Business & Commercial Law and Workers Compensation.
Employment Law+6 moreBusiness & Commercial Law · Workers Compensation · Health & Medical Practitioner Law · Workplace Bullying & Stop Bullying Orders · Unfair Dismissal · Residential Tenancy
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Cairns City, QLD · Cairns & Far North
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(4)Google rating from 4 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Cairns Employment Lawyer provides legal services in Cairns City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Unfair Dismissal, Employment Law and Workplace Bullying & Stop Bullying Orders.
Unfair Dismissal+4 moreEmployment Law · Workplace Bullying & Stop Bullying Orders · Health & Medical Practitioner Law · Partner & Family VisasNo win, no feeThe firm mentions no win, no fee arrangements. Confirm terms in writing.
Understand the next step
A practical guide to employment & workplace
Choosing the right kind of assistance
A workplace enquiry may concern dismissal, wages, a contract, discrimination or an investigation. Say whether you are the employee or employer and whether the employment has ended. Employment advice and a related injury claim are different types of work.
How the engagement may progress
01
Gather the contract, dates, pay records and relevant correspondence. Identify the employer’s legal name rather than only a trading name.
02
Ask which law or process applies and whether its requirements are met. Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal applications have a 21-day filing timeframe, making prompt advice important.
03
Agree how to respond, prepare for a meeting or assess a settlement. Have any release and confidentiality terms explained before signing.
Fees and the scope of work
Advice on a single document, an investigation response and ongoing representation need different estimates. Ask what negotiation and appearance work is covered.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Put the dismissal or decision date in the first enquiry. Ask whether an external deadline is running while an internal complaint is being considered.
Questions to ask a employment & workplace adviser
Which claim or response fits these facts?
What deadline applies and what do you need now?
Does the engagement include conciliation or a hearing?
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to claim unfair dismissal?
An unfair dismissal application must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect. Late applications are only accepted in exceptional circumstances.
Can my employer change my contract?
Not without your agreement, unless the contract allows it. Changes that reduce pay or conditions below the award or agreement are generally not allowed.
What counts as workplace bullying?
Repeated unreasonable behaviour towards a worker that creates a risk to health and safety. Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way is not bullying.
