Employment Lawyer Brisbane
Employment issues rarely arrive at a convenient time. A difficult termination, an unfair dismissal claim, a restraint that needs enforcing or a workplace complaint that has to be investigated all carry legal risk for the business and for its directors. An employment lawyer in Brisbane can help you act decisively and within the law.
Astris Law practises employment law for employers and business owners across Brisbane and Queensland. We advise on the full employment relationship, from contracts and policies at the start to terminations, disputes and Fair Work Commission proceedings at the end.
As a boutique firm, you deal with the same senior lawyer throughout. That continuity matters in employment matters, where the right advice depends on understanding your business, your people and the commercial result you are trying to protect.
Our Employment Law Services
We provide practical employment law advice for Brisbane employers, from prevention through to defending claims.
Unfair Dismissal and General Protections
We defend unfair dismissal and general protections claims for employers, assessing jurisdiction and merits, and representing you through conciliation and any hearing in the Fair Work Commission. We also advise before a dismissal so the process is sound.
Employment Contracts and Policies
We draft and review employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, workplace policies and codes of conduct that comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the relevant modern award, and that protect confidential information and intellectual property.
Restraints of Trade
We draft enforceable post-employment restraints and act when a departing employee threatens client connections or confidential information, including urgent injunctive relief where it is warranted.
Terminations, Redundancies and Investigations
We guide employers through terminations, genuine redundancies and consultation obligations, and run or advise on workplace investigations into misconduct, bullying and harassment so the outcome stands up to scrutiny.
Key Legislation in Employment Law
Employment in Australia is governed by a framework of federal and Queensland legislation that shapes obligations, entitlements and remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Law
How much does an employment lawyer cost in Brisbane?
Employment lawyer fees in Brisbane depend on the type of matter and the billing arrangement. For defined pieces of work, such as drafting an employment contract, preparing a workplace policy or responding to an unfair dismissal claim, we offer fixed-fee quotes so you know the cost before we start. For matters whose scope is uncertain, such as a contested proceeding in the Fair Work Commission, we explain the likely cost at each stage and agree the basis in writing first. We do not quote a single figure without understanding your matter, because that would be guesswork.
We act for employers. Can Astris Law defend an unfair dismissal claim?
Yes. We act for employers and business owners. If an employee brings an unfair dismissal or general protections claim, we assess whether there is a jurisdictional objection, advise on the merits and the risk, and represent you through conciliation and, if it proceeds, a hearing in the Fair Work Commission. The strongest position is usually built before any dismissal, through a fair process and good records, so early advice matters.
Are restraint of trade clauses enforceable in Queensland?
A post-employment restraint is enforceable only so far as it is reasonably necessary to protect a legitimate business interest, such as confidential information or client connections. A restraint that is too wide in duration, geography or scope can be read down or struck out. Careful drafting at the contract stage, and a considered approach when enforcing a restraint, make the difference between a clause that holds and one that does not.
What is the difference between a redundancy and an unfair dismissal?
A genuine redundancy occurs when the role is no longer required and the employer has met its consultation obligations under the relevant award or agreement and considered redeployment. A genuine redundancy is a defence to an unfair dismissal claim. Where the process is not followed, or the role is in substance filled by someone else, the dismissal may not be a genuine redundancy and the employer can be exposed. Getting the process right is what protects the business.
What should an employment contract include?
A sound employment contract sets out the position and duties, remuneration, the applicable award or agreement, probation, leave, confidentiality, intellectual property assignment, any post-employment restraint and the terms of termination. It should be consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and the relevant modern award, because a contract cannot undercut an employee's minimum entitlements. A well drafted contract reduces the room for later dispute.
Why Choose Astris Law for Employment Law
Astris Law is a boutique commercial law firm in Brisbane. We act for employers and business owners, not for both sides, so the advice is squarely focused on protecting your business. Your matter is handled personally by our principal, which means senior attention from the first call.
We are candid about merits, cost and risk, and we look for the commercial result rather than the longest fight. For businesses that need ongoing employment support, our Astrons General Counsel retainer provides access to an employment lawyer at a predictable monthly cost.
Need an employment lawyer in Brisbane? Talk to Astris Law.
We act for employers and business owners across Brisbane and Queensland on unfair dismissal, contracts, restraints, investigations and Fair Work compliance.