Stephen Woodbury
AshurstAshurst garners praise for its 'real depth and a true full-service offering' in the employment law arena. Global practice head for employment Stephen Woodbury leads the labour and employment team, which is well versed in advising on workforce transition strategies and dismissals and allegations of misconduct at senior executive level. Ian Humphreys handles major bargaining disputes and class action proceedings before the Federal Court, and Jon Lovell is 'pragmatic, clear, commercial with expertise across all aspects of workplace relations and employment law'. Lea Constantine and Julia Sutherland are other key practitioners to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Ashurst labour and employment practice provides high quality advice, each and every time. Key strengths include industrial relations advice, employment litigation and collective disputes, and regulatory compliance. The team's strengths include their teamwork and collaboration, with their ability to provide commercial and pragmatic advice that meets our business's needs.’
‘Jon Lovell is an expert in his field. Pragmatic, clear, commercial with expertise across all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. Jon and his team are responsive, within the cost estimate and are able to demonstrate key insights and knowledge that assists with our legal issues.’
‘Ashurst is one of the few firms in the market with real depth and a true full-service offering. As a client, I have no doubt that any issue I can throw at them won't be caught and handled expertly.’
‘Jon Lovell is the lawyer I turn to for any 'existential' matter that comes up. When I have a legal problem, I know that Jon will be able to handle it.'
‘The team's strength is going above and beyond to help the client address the concerns that they are facing. They are ultra reliable, approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘Ian Humphreys is incredibly experienced and will find a way to get the best outcome for his client.'
‘Ashurst is a cut above and I think it's their client-centric approach to matters that sets them apart. Depth of expertise - they are also the thought leaders in underpayment matters including determining strategy and FWO engagement.'
‘Kathy Srdanovic is one of the smartest, most pragmatic, commercially-minded, highly-skilled lawyers I have worked with across my career. I trust her advice completely. ’
Key clients
- Woolworths Group Limited
- AGL Energy Limited
- Uber
- Qantas
- Commonwealth Government
- University of Melbourne
- McDonald's
- Queensland Government
- Westpac Banking Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising Woolworths on all employment law aspects of its business, including bargaining disputes.
- Representing Uber in ongoing proceedings in the Federal Court, concerning the status of drivers who utilise the Uber Rides platform and whether they are employees or independent contractors.
- Advising AGL on developing a workforce transition strategy, including arrangements for redeployment following the closure of its Liddell Power Station.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Julia Sutherland
AshurstPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Stephen Woodbury