Lawyer - Workplace Relations, Education & Safety

Lawyer - Workplace Relations, Education & Safety

As part of Russell Kennedy's continued growth of our national schools practice,we are seeking to appoint a Lawyer to join our Workplace Relations, Education & Safety team. The role offers diverse and engaging work, opportunities for direct client interaction and the chance to contribute to a growing, purpose-driven national team.

You'll work on complex and meaningful matters across employment, industrial relations, equal opportunity, student safety and wellbeing, duty of care, and stakeholder management work in independent education.

The ideal candidate will bring sound technical ability, a commercial outlook, and the motivation to build a long-term career in workplace relations. You'll thrive in a dynamic, intellectually engaging environment and be supported as you grow into a key contributor within the team.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Providing employment advice to clients on a range of issues, including:
• commencement of employment;
• terms and conditions of employment;
• performance management;
• termination of employment;
• equal opportunity;
• preventing bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment;
• occupational and workplace health and safety; and
• independent contractors.
• Drafting contracts of employment, contracts for service, Deeds, policies and procedures, pleadings etc.
• Negotiating, preparing and lodging Enterprise Agreements.
• Providing advice to clients about award coverage and the interpretation of enterprise agreements.
• Conducting litigation such as:
• unfair dismissal/ adverse action/ industrial action/ bullying claims at the FWC;
• breach of contract claims in the State Courts; and
• claims of discrimination at the VEOHRC or AHRC.
• Advising on mandatory reporting and compliance with reportable conduct schemes.
• Dealing with student discipline, safety and well being issues.
• Stakeholder and media management.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 - 3 years' post-admission experience in workplace relations law, with a strong commercial mindset and practical approach.
• Experience in the education sector, including in relation to student safety and wellbeing is desirable.
• Experience in litigation and /or corporate governance is desirable.
• Excellent drafting skills and have the ability to cope with a varied and intellectually stimulating workload.
• Well-developed initiative, with a demonstrated ability to think critically and strategically.

Further Information

Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Heidi Connell on For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only.

Our Firm and CultureRussell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

As part of our team, you'll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity.

Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Heidi Connell on

Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.