If you’re looking for an employment lawyer in Melbourne, we’re way ahead of you. While you’re never out of options, finding the right firm for you might not always be that simple.
That’s why we share with you our list of the ten best employment lawyers Melbourne citizens trust and what makes them a good choice for you. Read on.
Why Do You Need an Employment Lawyer?
There are two general reasons why you might need to hire an employment lawyer— if you’re an employee or an employer.
If you’re an employee and you’ve had an unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, violations of your employment rights, workplace discrimination, or any legal matters or workplace issues that have marred employment relationships, you need a competent lawyer to present your case.
On the other hand, if you’re an employer, you need a competent employment law advisor to guide you through drafting employment contracts and to make sure that you comply with workplace law. They can also help you resolve disputes in the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Court of Australia.
Our top five choices (check out the full list below):
| Law Firm | Specialisations | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers | Unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, redundancy, discrimination, contract advice, sexual harassment | Expert advice for employees, no-win no-fee service, affordable services for all employee levels |
| Executive Rights Employment Lawyers | Employment contract reviews, wrongful termination, redundancy matters, disciplinary issues | Fast turnaround, expertise for middle and senior management, reputation and résumé protection |
| Cogent Legal | Unfair dismissal, general protections, Fair Work Ombudsman, Federal Court matters | Client-focused, experienced in Fair Work Tribunal, no-cost initial discussions |
| Pentana Stanton Lawyers | Employment contracts, workplace discrimination, unfair dismissal, wage underpayments | Comprehensive support for both employers and employees, free 30-minute meeting |
| Yarn Legal | Unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, harassment, redundancy, sexual harassment | Culturally safe, trauma-informed assistance, competitive fees |
How We Chose Our Top Employment Lawyers in Melbourne
When selecting our employment lawyers of choice, these were some of the things we looked at:
1) Specialisation in Employment Law
First, we looked at if employment law was the firm’s specialisation. Lawyers with a dedicated focus on workplace issues have the expertise to provide tailored advice and effective representation.
2) Proven Track Record
We looked at dozens of employment lawyers and chose the ones with a history of successful cases and positive outcomes for clients. We believe these highlight a lawyer’s ability to handle employment matters effectively and professionally.
3) Membership in Professional Associations
Lawyers who are members of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) or employment law organisations show a commitment to high ethical standards and staying up-to-date with changes in workplace legislation.
4) Clear and Transparent Fee Structure
We also checked if lawyers on this list offered an upfront pricing and explained their billing practices so that clients can make informed decisions about their legal representation.
The 10 Best Employment Lawyers in Melbourne
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the ten best-rated employment law firms. These practices have been selected based on objective criteria that take into account their track record, client feedback as well as fees. We came up with a list of the best employment lawyers for employment dispute cases, adverse action claims, and other legal cases related to employment issues. Take a look.
1. Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers
Key Highlights: Specialises in unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, discrimination, and underpayment of entitlements, with a no-win no-fee service available.
Jewell Hancock Employment Lawyers is a leading employment law firm in Melbourne that acts exclusively for employees.
The firm is led by Andrew Jewell and Trent Hancock, who, between them, have more than two decades of combined experience assisting employees in all types of workplace disputes, including;
- Unfair dismissal
- General protections
- Workplace bullying
- Redundancy
- Discrimination
- Contract advice
- Sexual harassment
- Underpayment of entitlements
- Sham contracting
The firm provides affordable and expert advice to the full spectrum of employees, from apprentices to senior executives in both the public and private sector. It can also offer a no-win no-fee service to eligible clients.
Address: Level 3, 480 Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone Number: (03) 8610 6369
Website: jhel.com.au
2. Executive Rights Employment Lawyers
Key Highlights: Focuses on employment contract reviews, wrongful termination, redundancy matters, and protecting clients’ reputation and résumé with efficient service.
Executive Rights Employment Lawyers have extensive experience and expertise in providing employment law advice to middle to senior management employees and repatriates/expatriates.
Their services are cost-effective and they offer a fast and efficient turnaround for employment contract reviews, Deeds of Separation, redundancy matters, wrongful termination, disciplinary issues and handling bullying complaints etc.
The focus of this law practice is on providing advice that not only maximises the financial outcome for the client but also protects their reputation and résumé. To speak to an employment lawyer, you can contact them using the details below.
Address: Level 27, 101 Collins Street Melbourne
Phone number: 1300 789 302 (or +61 3 96539123 for international calls)
Website: executiverights.com.au
3. Cogent Legal
Key Highlights: Client-focused firm experienced in Fair Work Ombudsman matters, including unfair dismissal and general protections, offering no-cost initial discussions.
Cogent Legal is a 5-star Google Review, client focused commercial and employment law firm. Operating in the Melbourne Region, with their head office in Bayside Area of Cheltenham Victoria.
The solicitors at Cogent Legal have experience in the Fair Work Ombudsman Tribunal, Arbitration and Conciliation as well as employment matters in the Federal Court. They have assisted with Unfair Dismissal Applications and Defence as well as matters that fall in the jurisdiction of General Protections as under the Fair Work Act.
Contact Cogent Legal for a no cost discussion of your matter today.
Address: 15/328 Reserve Road, Cheltenham
Phone Number: (03) 7022 6707
Website: cogentlegal.com.au
4. Pentana Stanton Lawyers
Key Highlights: Provides comprehensive support for both employers and employees, specialising in unfair dismissal, wage underpayments, and workplace discrimination, with a free 30-minute meeting.
Pentana Stanton Lawyers in Melbourne are an excellent choice for those seeking legal assistance across all areas of Employment Law. Assisting both employers and employees, Pentana Stanton provide comprehensive support for all employment-related needs.
If you are an employer, Pentana Stanton can help you navigate complex legal matters such as employment contracts, workplace discrimination or harassment claims, and other legal disputes brought forth by current or former employees. They are dedicated to assisting you to protect your rights and to ensure compliance with employment laws.
If you are an employee who has experienced unfair treatment in the workplace, including unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination, adverse action, wage underpayments, unpaid entitlements, or redundancy, Pentana Stanton is here to fight for your rights. They will work tirelessly to secure what you are rightfully entitled to, whether it’s reinstatement, compensation, or other remedies.
To explore how Pentana Stanton can assist you, book a free 30-minute meeting online, over the phone, or at one of their offices. Their experienced team is ready to listen, provide guidance, and advocate for your best interests.
Melbourne CBD Address: Level 3, 552 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Dandenong Address: Suite 9 (Level 1) 50-54 Robinson Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
Phone: (03) 900 22 800
Email: reception@pstanton.com.au
Website: pentanastanton.com.au
5. Yarn Legal
Key Highlights: Offers culturally safe, trauma-informed legal support for workplace-related issues, including unfair dismissal, bullying, and redundancy, with competitive fees.
Yarn Legal is an employment law firm located in Melbourne, offering legal support for a wide range of workplace-related issues. We go above and beyond to protect your rights and maximise your outcomes. We focus on understanding each client personally, ensuring culturally safe and trauma-informed legal assistance.
Yarn Legal will navigate all aspects of unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, bullying and harassment, sexual harassment and redundancy and workplace change, allowing you to focus more on your work life and wellbeing. With our competitive fees, Yarn Legal can help you navigate these complex employment matters.
Contact Yarn Legal today to learn more.
Contact Details:
Address: Unit 19/34 King William Street, Broadmeadows 3047
Phone: 1300 861 131
Website: www.yarnlegal.com.au
6. PH Solicitor
Key Highlights: Ranked as one of the top employment lawyers in Melbourne in unfair dismissal claims. Offers additional services in confiscation law and sports law.
Ranked as one of the top employment lawyers in Melbourne, this firm is highly recommended for your employment law matter. Although the firm is mostly known for its employment law services such as unfair dismissal claims, it also other services in confiscation law as well as sports law. It also has excellent litigators.
To book an appointment with the firm, contact its team with the phone number give above.
Address: 4/179 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: (03) 9642 0435
Website: phsolicitor.com.au
7. McDonald Murholme
Key Highlights: Specialises in workplace disputes, unfair dismissals, and contract negotiations, with a focus on clear communication and practical outcomes for clients.
McDonald Murholme specialises in cases of workplace disputes, unfair dismissals, and contract negotiations. The firm offers tailored legal solutions with a focus on empowering clients. Their expertise is evident through their approachable, client-focused team that ensures clear communication and practical outcomes.
McDonald Murholme has a firm dedication to resolving complex employment matters with professionalism. They’re a trusted resource for navigating workplace challenges. If you’re seeking experienced advocates for fairness and justice in employment law, McDonald Murholme is an excellent choice.
Address: 6/45 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: +61396504555
Website: mcdonaldmurholme.com.au
8. Nevett Ford Lawyers
Key Highlights: A multispecialty firm offering expertise in discrimination, harassment, and occupational health and safety, alongside other areas like family law and migration law.
Nevett Ford is a respectable multispecialty firm operating in Melbourne. We highly recommend its employment law team.
The firm is a multispecialty practice. It specialises in numerous areas of law ranging from conveyancing to family law, and from migration law to succession law and of course employment law. The firm’s employment law specialists handle matters such as discrimination, harassment, occupational health and safety as well as dispute resolution. Visit the firm’s website to learn more.
To discuss your matter with the firm’s team, contact it using the contact details above.
Address: Level 16, South Tower, Rialto Building, 525 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone Number: (03) 9614 7111
Website: nevettfordlawyers.com.au
9. Kelly Workplace Lawyers
Key Highlights: Serves small and medium enterprises, trade unions, and employees, with expertise in unfair dismissal, redundancy, and enterprise agreement negotiations.
Kelly Workplace Lawyers can help you with your employment law issues. They mostly serve small and medium enterprises, trade unions, and employees. Their expertise encompasses unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, and the drafting and negotiation of enterprise agreements and workplace policies.
Address: 54 Victoria St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Phone Number: +61396396003
Website: kwlawyers.com.au
10. STAL Employment Lawyers
Key Highlights: A results-driven firm with over 20 years of experience, focusing on tailored strategies for unfair dismissal, workplace bullying, and discrimination cases.
STAL Employment Lawyers is a specialist employment law firm with over 20 years of experience. The firm is results-drive and focuses on strategic approaches tailored to each client’s unique situation.
Client testimonials highlight their professionalism, empathy, and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
Address: Level 11/456 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone Number: +61396002508
Website: stal-legal.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cases do employment lawyers specialise in?
There are various cases that an employment lawyer can handle, but these are some of the most common:
- Unfair Dismissal – Assisting employees who believe they have been unfairly dismissed from their jobs. This includes cases where the dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable.
- General Protections – Handling cases where an employee’s workplace rights have been infringed upon, including freedom from discrimination, coercion, and undue pressure regarding workplace rights and entitlements.
- Adverse Action – Representing clients in matters where adverse actions (such as demotion, discrimination, or dismissal) have been taken because an employee exercised a workplace right.
- Discrimination – Advising and representing clients on issues of discrimination in the workplace based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and other protected attributes.
- Workplace Harassment and Bullying – Dealing with cases of workplace bullying, sexual harassment, and other forms of harassment.
- Wage and Entitlement Disputes – This includes disputes over payment of wages, bonuses, leave entitlements, and other benefits.
- Contract Disputes and Interpretations – Assisting with disputes over the interpretation and enforcement of employment contracts and enterprise agreements.
- Redundancy – Advising on matters related to redundancy payments and the processes employers must follow when making a position redundant.
- Occupational Health and Safety– Working on cases related to breaches of workplace health and safety laws, including representing both employers and employees in compliance matters.
- Industrial Actions and Union Rights – Handling cases involving industrial disputes, union negotiations, and other collective employment issues.
How much do employment lawyers cost in Melbourne?
The fee will vary depending on the kind of legal service you need and the level of complexity of your case. Most of the time, you’ll pay a flat fee for an initial consultation and charge you an hourly rate- ranging from $200 to over $1,000 per hour.
Some employment lawyers work on a “no win, no fee” basis, but that’s not always available as an option. The weight of your case and chances of winning will play a factor in deciding whether a firm will give you this option.
Do I need an employment lawyer to file an employment-related case?
While it’s not technically required, it’s highly recommended to consult an employment lawyer before filing an unfair dismissal claim in Australia with the Fair Work Commission. Employment lawyers can help with a variety of employment law matters, including the following:
- Reviewing new employment contracts
- Advising on entitlements, pay, and super disputes
- Helping with workplace bullying or discrimination
- Guiding you in meetings that may affect your employment
- Helping file a lawsuit for wrongful termination or job injuries
Final Thoughts
Any of the ten firms listed above will give you solid legal advice and representation. That said we are aware that our list is not conclusive. With that in mind, we are eager to hear from those who have had positive experiences with firms around Melbourne that are not listed above. Feel free to contact us. All the best!
