Drawing upon the strength of eight offices in Australia, and backed by support from offices in London and across the Asia Pacific region, ‘nothing is too hard’ for the employment team at Minter Ellison. The group is led by Brisbane’s Trent Forno, who often handles high-profile matters and is a key point of contact for large mining and energy companies, major banks and insurers, as well as government agencies. The bench includes Jim Fox, a trusted advisor to national and multinational companies, Dan Williams, who is well known for his prowess in dispute management and industrial relations advice, in addition to Amanda Watt, who, with over 30 years of experience working in employment law, is entrusted with sensitive investigations and discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment cases. Melissa Harvey is a ’standout’ lawyer.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'They stand out for the intelligence and practicality of their advice and support.’
‘Melissa Harvey is a standout lawyer. She goes beyond expectations to assist with employment matters. She is very respectful in all dealings. Her ability to understand situations and clarify into words is exceptional.’
‘The team is completely dependable. Nothing is too hard. ’
‘Amanda Watt - very experienced operator, pragmatic, thorough.'
‘Minter Ellison is unique insofar as it always approaches legal issues and problems in a practical, pragmatic and commercial way.'
'Has long-term relationships with its clients, which enables them to better understand the context of the legal advice they provide and solutions they recommend.'
- 'They have extensive experience in employment and industrial litigation involving all aspects of workplace relations and workplace health and safety law.'
Key clients
- Linfox
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia
- Westpac
- Department of Education and Training (Vic)
- Department of Treasury and Finance (Vic)
- State of Victoria
- Queensland Rail
- Gold Fields Australia Pty Ltd &Ors
- Woolworths
- ABC
- Optus
Work highlights
- Represented Linfox Armaguard in an industrial dispute with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) before the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
- Represented CBA in Federal Circuit and Family Court proceedings brought by the Finance Sector Union (FSU).
- Assisting Westpac Banking with major aspects of its industrial relations strategy and reform.
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.
Amanda Watt
Minter EllisonDan Williams
Minter EllisonPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Trent Forno