Employment & Workplace
Employment lawyers advise on contracts, dismissals, entitlements and workplace disputes.
They act for employees and employers across the Fair Work system and state workplace laws.
Work is central to income and wellbeing. Employment disputes move fast and time limits are short.
Most private sector employment is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards and modern awards, administered by the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman. Some state public sector and WA sole trader employers remain under state systems.
Employment Law firms in the directory
394 firms
Bundall, QLD · Gold Coast
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Bundall, QLD. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Cabramatta, NSW · Western Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Cabramatta, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Penrith, NSW · Western Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Penrith, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Blacktown, NSW · Western Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Blacktown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Liverpool, NSW · Western Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Liverpool, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Ballarat Central, VIC · Ballarat & Central Highlands
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Ballarat Central, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Windsor, NSW · Western Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Windsor, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Geelong, VIC · Geelong & Surf Coast
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Geelong, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Sutherland, NSW · Southern Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Sutherland, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Bankstown, NSW · Southern Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Bankstown, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Hurstville, NSW · Southern Sydney
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Hurstville, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
North Curl Curl, NSW · Sydney North Shore & Northern Beaches
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in North Curl Curl, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Gordon, NSW · Sydney North Shore & Northern Beaches
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Gordon, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Burwood, NSW · Eastern Suburbs & Inner West
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Burwood, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Ringwood, VIC · Eastern Melbourne
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Ringwood, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Ballina, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Ballina, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Tweed Heads South, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Tweed Heads South, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Byron Bay, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Byron Bay, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Criminal Law.
Murwillumbah, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Murwillumbah, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Lismore, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Lismore, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Tintenbar, NSW · Northern Rivers
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Tintenbar, NSW. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Frankston, VIC · South East Melbourne
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Frankston, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Bentleigh, VIC · South East Melbourne
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in Bentleigh, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
South Melbourne, VIC · South East Melbourne
Go To Court Lawyers Woolloongabba provides legal services in South Melbourne, VIC. Listed practice areas include Drink & Drug Driving, Wills & Estates and Immigration & Visas.
Understand the next step
Explain whether the matter concerns a contract, pay, leave, termination or a workplace process. Identify the employer and your role so the lawyer can determine the relevant framework.
An employment issue and an injury or insurance claim may need separate instructions.
Gather the contract, dates, pay records and relevant correspondence. Identify the employer’s legal name rather than only a trading name.
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.
Agree how to respond, prepare for a meeting or assess a settlement. Have any release and confidentiality terms explained before signing.
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.
Put the dismissal or decision date in the first enquiry. Ask whether an external deadline is running while an internal complaint is being considered.
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
Generally yes, but it can't provide less than the National Employment Standards or applicable award.
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.
Not without your agreement, unless the contract allows it. Changes that reduce pay or conditions below the award or agreement are generally not allowed.
