Expert Employment Lawyer Canberra Trust
When it comes to your career, your workplace rights and your future, having an expert employment lawyer in Canberra by your side can make all the difference. At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we specialise in providing individuals with tailored legal advice and representation across a wide range of employment issues. Whether you are dealing with a complex workplace dispute, facing unfair dismissal or need advice on your rights under Australian employment law, our experienced team is here to help.
With over 60 years of combined experience in employment law, our employment lawyers in Canberra are highly skilled at navigating the intricacies of workplace rights and responsibilities. We provide practical solutions that are designed to protect your rights, guide you through disputes and ensure that your legal interests are well represented.
Understanding Your Employment Rights
Navigating the complexities of employment law is important for understanding fundamental rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Employment rights are essential for ensuring that employees are treated fairly, and they protect individuals from exploitation or mistreatment. Employment rights can include contract terms, working hours and leave entitlements. They aim to promote fairness and prevent discrimination and harassment. Recognising these rights can help empower employees and guide employers in creating a respectful work environment.
Being aware of your rights allows employees to advocate for themselves and ensures that employers remain accountable to fair treatment standards. Understanding your rights can also help prevent workplace disputes and ensure that the terms of employment are met. Informed employees are empowered to identify and report violations, while employers who respect these rights are more likely to foster a loyal and productive workforce. This knowledge can help create a culture of respect and cooperation, fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and safe.
Being informed about these rights may foster a culture of transparency and accountability, helping all parties to contribute to a positive and productive workplace. When both employees and employers are aware of their rights and obligations, it leads to fewer misunderstandings, a stronger sense of fairness and a more harmonious working relationship.
Key Areas of Employment Law
Employment law can cover various areas. These include:
- Employment Contracts: They can serve as the foundation of the employment relationship, detailing the rights and obligations of the parties involved. Employment contracts are critical as they outline key terms such as job duties, remuneration and work conditions. These documents are legally binding and ensure that both the employer and employee understand their respective rights and responsibilities. Contracts also provide protection in case of disputes or misunderstandings, ensuring that both parties are clear on expectations. Our team can help you understand the terms of your contract, negotiate fair conditions and ensure that your contract complies with Australian employment standards.
- Workplace Misconduct: Certain actions may include instances such as bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment that hinder a safe working environment. Workplace misconduct, including bullying, harassment and unfair treatment, can create toxic environments that not only harm individuals but also reduce overall productivity and morale. Understanding your rights regarding misconduct is vital, as it empowers employees to take action and report such behaviour. Employers are legally obligated to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. If you are experiencing or witnessing misconduct, it’s crucial to understand your rights under employment law. Our team can assist in filing complaints and guiding you through the process of addressing these issues while ensuring that your workplace rights are protected.
- Termination: There are guidelines around unfair or unlawful termination, which can help protect employees from wrongful dismissal and assist employers in navigating the legal exit of a worker. Termination laws are in place to protect employees from being unjustly dismissed, whether due to personal reasons, discriminatory actions or breaches of contract. Understanding the proper procedures for termination can help prevent wrongful dismissal claims. Both employers and employees must ensure that termination is handled fairly, with due process followed to avoid unnecessary legal complications. If you’ve been unfairly terminated or need advice on navigating a dismissal, our team can provide expert legal counsel to ensure your rights are upheld.
- Workplace Disputes: Internal and external processes and rights often exist to resolve conflicts in the workplace. Disputes in the workplace can arise from a range of issues, including disagreements over job performance, contractual disputes or conflicts between colleagues. These disputes can often be resolved through internal grievance processes, mediation or external legal avenues. Knowing the right channels and processes to resolve conflicts is crucial for maintaining a harmonious work environment. Our employment lawyers can help resolve workplace disputes efficiently, whether through negotiation, mediation or, if necessary, legal action. We guide you through the best course of action to ensure that your concerns are addressed promptly and fairly, helping you achieve a resolution that protects your professional interests.
Why Choose an Employment Lawyer in Canberra?
Choosing the right employment lawyer in Canberra is crucial when you’re dealing with workplace issues. At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we understand the complexities of employment law and work closely with each client to ensure they receive the best possible legal support and guidance. Here’s why we are trusted by individuals throughout Canberra for employment-related matters:
Over 60 Years of Expertise in Employment Law
With decades of experience, we have successfully represented individuals in a wide variety of employment law matters. From navigating wrongful dismissal claims to ensuring compliance with workplace rights, our team has the depth of knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex cases. We are proud to have helped hundreds of clients achieve favourable outcomes in their employment disputes.
Tailored Legal Services for Every Employment Issue
We recognise that every employment issue is unique. That’s why we offer a tailored legal approach, adapting our services to suit the specific circumstances of each client. Whether you are a full-time employee, part-time worker or contractor, we provide solutions that are aligned with your situation and ensure that you understand every aspect of your case. We take the time to listen to your concerns and work collaboratively with you to achieve the best possible resolution.
Our experienced Employment Law team values the importance of respect when dealing with all employment matters.
Through genuinely living and breathing a collaborative approach, and creating authentic connections, our team thrives on delivering the best outcomes for our clients.
In 2023 our Wills & Estates Team was recognised as a “Leading Employment Law Firm for Employee & Union Representation” by the Doyles Guide.
The team at Snedden Hall & Gallop Lawyers are experts in the following employment specific areas:
- Employment Contracts
- Workplace Misconduct
- Such as bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment
- Unfair or unlawful termination
- Workplace Disputes.
How an Employment Lawyer in Canberra Can Help You
At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we offer structured support at every stage of an employment dispute. An employment lawyer in Canberra on our team is committed to helping you resolve your workplace issues in a timely and effective manner. Whether you’re facing discrimination, wrongful dismissal or other workplace challenges, we provide the expertise needed to navigate these legal issues with confidence.
Providing Legal Advice and Representation
We offer comprehensive legal advice to help you understand your rights and the best course of action for your situation. Our team provides ongoing support, helping you understand the implications of your case and assisting with negotiating settlements or representing you in tribunals or courts. We make sure you are fully informed throughout the process, ensuring that you make the best decisions for your future.
Negotiating with Employers on Your Behalf
Often, workplace disputes can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Our employment lawyers act as intermediaries, liaising with your employer or their representatives to secure a fair and reasonable outcome. Whether it’s negotiating better contract terms, compensation for unfair dismissal or handling settlement discussions, we are here to advocate for your interests and help you achieve a positive resolution.
Common Employment Law Issues and How We Can Resolve Them
At Snedden Hall & Gallop, we have successfully handled numerous cases across a range of employment law issues. Below are some of the most common challenges that employees face and how we help resolve them.
Unfair Dismissal and Redundancy
Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is dismissed without valid reason or due process. If you believe your dismissal was unfair or if you’ve been made redundant without proper procedure, we can help. Our team offers expert advice on lodging unfair dismissal claims, seeking compensation or pursuing reinstatement.
Disputes Over Wages, Hours and Entitlements
Disputes over pay and hours are common in employment law. If you’ve been underpaid, denied leave entitlements or faced issues with your working hours, our team can help you claim what you’re owed. We’ll guide you through the process of making a claim with the Fair Work Commission and ensure that your rights are upheld.
Contact an Employment Lawyer in Canberra Today
If you are facing an employment-related issue, our employment lawyers in Canberra are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
We offer initial consultations where we review the details of your case and advise you on the best steps forward. Our lawyers are here to provide expert guidance, whether you’re dealing with a workplace dispute or need assistance with your employment contract.
Dedicated Legal Support for Employees in Canberra
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected in the workplace. We offer clear, practical and affordable legal solutions designed to protect your interests and resolve disputes efficiently. Let us be your trusted legal partner in navigating your employment law challenges.
FAQs
Individuals who lose their jobs due to redundancy may receive severance pay, which is compensation for the loss of their jobs. The entitlement to redundancy pay is governed by the National Employment Standards (NES), which can provide a minimum scale based on the employee’s continuous service with their employer. However, some conditions may apply to be eligible for redundancy pay, such as the size of the organisation and the circumstances of the redundancy. Consulting with a legal service provider on employment law can help clarify your rights and guide you through the process.
The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and state-based discrimination legislation offer protections against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This includes any unfair treatment based on a protected attribute, including but not limited to: race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion. These protections cover various employment aspects, from recruitment to termination. If you encounter such issues, it’s advisable to immediately report the behaviour through your employer’s internal channels in an attempt to reach an early resolution or prevent further discrimination/ harassment. Lawyers can help you understand your rights.
Reporting workplace misconduct or breaches of employment law can be done through several means. Initially, it may be appropriate to raise the issue internally using your employer’s grievance or complaint procedures. If the matter is not resolved or it is not appropriate to address it internally, you can consult a legal service provider who may advise you about other forums where you can raise your concerns—for example, the Fair Work Commission or the Merit Protection Commissioner. Legal advice can guide you through the complexities of employment law, helping to address your concerns and protect your workplace rights in the most advantageous forum.
If you experience an injury or illness at work, it is important to report the incident to your employer as soon as possible. Your workplace should have protocols for such situations, which may include reporting the incident to a specific insurance body or completing certain forms to document the event. Where possible, it is best to seek medical attention for your injury or illness and obtain medical documentation, as this will be important for any claims process. For guidance on managing the aftermath of a workplace injury, consulting with a legal service on employment issues is advisable.
