Business Details
30 Years
experience
Australia's Leading Employment Law Specialists
Established in 1996, Harmers Workplace Lawyers has grown to become one of Australia's largest and most awarded employment and industrial law practices. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, our firm specialises in innovative, high-quality problem-solving and preventive approaches to workplace law. We serve corporate Australia, senior executives, employees, and representative organisations, maintaining a unique balance between commercial interests and workplace fairness.Our team has represented major corporations and industry leaders in landmark cases, shaping employment and discrimination law across diverse sectors. We combine deep legal expertise with strategic counsel to deliver tailored solutions, prioritising client relationships and long-term workplace compliance. Our international alliance with L&E Global extends our capabilities to cross-border labour law matters, supported by a global network of 32 practices and 2,000+ attorneys.
Services
Employment Law
Industrial Relations
Work Health Safety
Workplace Investigations
Executive Employment Contracts
Discrimination Claims
Sports Sector Law
Legal Risk Management
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Award-winning employment law practice with 28+ years of specialist experience
- Represented landmark cases shaping Australian employment law
- International reach through L&E Global alliance network
- Recognised leaders in workplace diversity and corporate citizenship
- Customised strategies for corporate clients and individual executives
Associations and certifications
- Australasian Lawyer
- HRD Magazine
- Lawyers Weekly
- Chambers Global
- AsiaPacific Legal 500
- Doyles Leading Lawyers
What people say
Timely advice
Added significant value
World-class legal advice
Successful outcomes
Technical excellence
Services
Employment Law
Our employment law services cover all aspects of employer-employee relationships, including contract negotiations, termination disputes, and compliance with workplace regulations. We provide strategic advice to corporations and executives on managing legal risks while maintaining workplace fairness. With extensive experience in complex cases, our team delivers practical solutions that protect client interests and prevent future disputes.
Industrial Relations
We specialise in navigating complex industrial relations frameworks, advising on enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, and compliance with Fair Work Act requirements. Our proactive approach helps businesses maintain productive workplace relations while avoiding regulatory penalties. We represent clients in negotiations with unions and handle matters before the Fair Work Commission and courts.
Work Health and Safety
Our WHS services include compliance audits, incident investigations, and prosecution defence. We help businesses implement safety systems that meet regulatory standards while fostering a culture of workplace safety. Our team provides tailored training programs and strategic advice to mitigate risks and respond effectively to workplace incidents.
Workplace Investigations
We conduct independent workplace investigations into allegations of misconduct, bullying, and discrimination. Our process ensures thorough, impartial assessments that comply with legal standards while protecting organisational reputation. We provide detailed reports and recommendations to resolve issues effectively and prevent recurrence.
Sports Sector Employment Law
Harmers is a leading advisor in sports employment law, representing athletes, clubs, and governing bodies on contractual matters, disputes, and regulatory compliance. We understand the unique challenges of the sports industry, offering tailored solutions for endorsement agreements, disciplinary proceedings, and athlete representation while maintaining strict confidentiality.
People
Michael Harmer
Chairman & Senior Team Leader
Founder of Harmers Workplace Lawyers with over 30 years' experience in employment law. Recognised as a leading practitioner by Chambers Global and Who's Who Legal. Specialises in complex workplace disputes and corporate transactions.
Amy Zhang
Executive Counsel & Team Leader
Award-winning employment lawyer with expertise in workplace relations and safety law. Leads major client accounts and has been named Special Counsel of the Year by Key Media. Provides strategic advice to Fortune 500 companies.
Jenny Inness
Executive Counsel & Team Leader
Specialises in discrimination law and workplace investigations. Ranked in Who's Who Legal and AsiaPacific Legal 500. Advises on high-profile cases involving executive terminations and regulatory compliance.
Paul Lorraine
Executive Counsel & Team Leader
Industrial relations expert with extensive experience in enterprise bargaining and industrial disputes. Represents major corporations in Fair Work Commission matters and complex workplace negotiations.
Greg Robertson
Executive Counsel & Team Leader
Specialises in legal risk management and workplace safety compliance. Provides strategic advice to clients on WHS obligations and defends prosecutions under state and federal legislation.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialise in?
We focus on employment law, industrial relations, work health and safety, workplace investigations, and sports sector employment law.
Do you represent both employers and employees?
Yes, we provide services to corporations, executives, employees, and representative organisations while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional standards.
How do you handle urgent workplace matters?
Our team offers priority response for urgent issues, providing immediate strategic advice and legal representation for time-sensitive workplace disputes.
Can you assist with international employment law issues?
Through our L&E Global alliance, we provide cross-border employment law advice with access to 32 international practices and 2,000+ attorneys worldwide.
What sets your firm apart from other law practices?
We combine specialist employment law focus with innovative solutions, maintaining a unique balance between commercial practicality and workplace fairness principles.
