With offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth, market leader Ashurst boasts a strong national presence which attracts a plethora of blue-chip multinationals, domestic corporates as well as federal and state governments. The team is well versed in conducting workplace investigations, dealing with psychological risks and cases of harassment, bullying and discrimination. The team is home to practice head Lea Constantine, in the Sydney office, who is known for her sound strategic advice along with her work with high-risk events, investigations and inquiries, as well as former prosecutor Scarlet Reid, who has in-depth knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) law and advises on prosecutions and safety compliance. James Hall’s health and safety expertise is sought out by major coal companies in Queensland in particular.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has strength across its practices, with some particularly skilled and experienced practitioners.'
- 'They are personable and clear in their advice in a way that provides a high degree of confidence.'
- 'Lea Constantine and Julia Sutherland care about the people and the organisations they are working with and are committed to supporting them through what are usually difficult situations.'
- 'Stephen Woodbury provides savvy, commercially focussed advice and is approachable and good to work with. Julia Sutherland always takes the time to understand our business and what we want to achieve.'
- 'Ashurst have a very strong workplace relations practice with market leading lawyers. Their legal advice is always of an excellent standard.'
- 'The WHS team at Ashurst is exceptional, providing advice and support in stressful situations that works for the business - they are very conscious they are dealing with people.'
Key clients
- NSW Government
- Woolworths Group Limited
- Qantas Airways
- Anglo American
- AGL
- Endeavour Energy Network
- Commonwealth Government
- Lendlease
- Port Kembla Coal Terminal
- Victorian Government
- Alcoa of Australia Limited
- Newcrest
Work highlights
- Advising Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) in relation to two landmark prosecutions brought by SafeWork NSW in the District Court of NSW for failures to minimise the risk of psychosocial harm in the workplace.
- Acting for Qantas Ground Services in relation to prosecutions commenced by SafeWork NSW following allegations of discriminatory conduct towards a health and safety representative.
- Advising Anglo American with respect to a fatality that occurred at its Moranbah North mine on 25 March 2022.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Scarlet Reid
AshurstNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
James Hall
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Lea Constantine