The national team at Mills Oakley offers clients a blend of industrial relations, employment and litigation services, attracting leading international and ASX-listed companies from various industries. Ross Levin co-chairs the group from Melbourne, managing work from government bodies, as well as private and listed companies, while Laura Sowden does so from Sydney, drawing on her in-depth knowledge of both employment and health and safety law. Harold Downes leads from Brisbane, where he advises on industrial relations matters, while Canberra-based partner William Ward handles bullying, harassment and discrimination cases. Daniel White, in the Perth office, is noted for his ‘quality of advice’ and is active in employment disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The team are always ready to respond. Trusted advisors that give clear and reliable advice in even the most stressful situations.'

  • 'The personal approach is one where they are genuinely one of your team, with a keen eye for strategy and opportunity. They are our absolute go to team above others in the labour and HR field. ’

  • ‘Always contactable, deliver on timeframes, personable and easy to get along with, not just seen as a lawyer/employer relationship.’

  • ‘The team is extremely accessible and provides an exceptionally personalised service.’

  • ‘Quality of advice - Daniel White.’

  • ‘Mills Oakley as a law firm is very approachable and easy to collaborate with, from reception staff to support staff taking calls to accounts, they are always attentive and make you feel that you / your organisation is of upmost importance.'

Key clients

  • Bank of Queensland Limited
  • Maritime Offshore Vessel Operator and Crewing Agent Group
  • Curtin University
  • Industry Superannuation Fund
  • Department of Veterans’ Affairs
  • David Warner
  • Stanmore Resources Limited
  • Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
  • Contract Resources Pty Ltd
  • Most major Metropolitan and regional public hospitals in Victoria

Work highlights

  • Advised BOQ on employment transition issues during its acquisition of ME Bank.
  • Acting for MMA Offshore, Maersk, Solstad, DOF, Siem and Tidewater in respect of the current maritime and offshore enterprise bargaining with all three maritime unions.
  • Assisted Australia’s largest children’s research hospitals on a full range of employment law issues, including advice on modern award coverage.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ross Levin, Dr Laura Sowden, Harold Downs, Daniel White, William Ward