Employment & Workplace Relations

Employment and workplace law can be vast, complex and constantly changing. In this modern digital age, where different working modes are fast becoming the norm, it has never been more important for employees and employers to understand their legal rights and obligations.

Our dedicated team of employment lawyers understand that workplace disputes regarding employees can cause significant loss to a business if not handled in a proactive and correct manner. Similarly, employment matters can cause significant emotional and financial stress to an employee, which is compounded by the strict statutory timeframes in which an employee needs to take action.

At Murfett Legal, our Employment and Workplace Law team will work with you to provide timely and commercial legal solutions tailored to you or your business. We advise on all aspects of employment, human resources (HR), workplace, industrial relations and occupational safety and health law. 

As a specialist employment law firm, we draft workplace documents and policies, prepare enterprise agreements, represent clients in commissions and courts and draft defences to workplace claims such as unfair dismissals and equal employment opportunity (EEO) and discrimination claims. 

Types of Workplace and Employment Law

At Murfett Legal, our experienced employment lawyers advise on all employment and workplace law aspects, including employee performance, entitlements and behaviour. We work with clients to draft compliant and effective employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, restraint of trade clauses, workplace manuals, policies and procedures, HR documents, termination letters and performance improvement plans. 

Advice is frequently provided on managing workers using email and social media in the workplace and associated issues around confidentiality and intellectual property.

We have expertise in the WA industrial relations system, including workers and businesses covered by this system, such as sole traders and owner-drivers.

Advocacy

We represent both employers and employees in industrial and workplace courts and tribunals throughout Australia. Our employment lawyers regularly appear in the Fair Work Commission and the Commonwealth Courts.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Discrimination and Workplace bullying

We advise on bullying, harassment, discrimination and appropriate workplace behaviour and frequently prepare claims or responses regarding these matters. We have represented clients in conciliations and mediations before State and Federal bodies.

Industrial relations

We advise on enterprise bargaining, award compliance, and right-of-entry matters, and we have expertise in drafting and negotiating enterprise agreements.

Workplace investigations

Conducting an expedient, independent and factual workplace investigation is essential where allegations have arisen in a workplace. We regularly conduct such investigations for our clients and prepare legally privileged investigation reports. Investigations span from allegations of unacceptable workplace behaviours, fraud, and sexual harassment to safety breaches and fatalities.

Workplace training

Our team enjoys working with clients to formulate workplace training packages that suit your workforce and minimise your legal risk. We can prepare or deliver EEO training and induction and safety training.

Workplace health and safety

We can advise on occupational safety and health obligations and draft safety documents such as JSAs. We are particularly skilled in investigating safety events and issues, including leading investigations into serious safety breaches or fatalities. We can attend regulator interviews with our clients or assist in managing safety regulators when subject to an audit or investigation.

Unfair dismissal

Our employment lawyers can assist in unfair dismissal situations where employment has been terminated and the circumstances appear to be unfair, unreasonable or harsh.

Why Choose Murfett Legal?

Murfett Legal works closely with your organisation to achieve the best possible outcomes, both in the short and long term. Our team of workplace lawyers maintain an exemplary track record by:

• Focusing on the outcomes and results of legal proceedings;
• Maintaining up-to-date commercial awareness and a proactive approach;
• Listening to and understanding the legal needs of our clients;
• Maintaining open and clear communication across client and advisor channels;
• Forming an integral part of your business and its operations with our legal services; and
• Emphasising the importance of client and staff wellbeing.