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 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
1. Providing employment advice to clients on issues such as:
2. commencement of employment;
3. terms and conditions of employment;
4. performance management;
5. termination of employment;
6. equal opportunity;
7. preventing bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment;
8. occupational and workplace health and safety;
9. independent contractors.
10. Drafting contracts of employment, contracts for service, Deeds, policies, procedures, pleadings, etc.
11. Negotiating, preparing, and lodging Enterprise Agreements.
12. Providing advice on award coverage and interpretation of enterprise agreements.
13. Conducting litigation such as unfair dismissal, adverse action, industrial action, bullying claims at the FWC; breach of contract claims in State Courts; and discrimination claims at VEOHRC or AHRC.
14. Advising on mandatory reporting and compliance with reportable conduct schemes.
15. Dealing with student discipline, safety, and wellbeing 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 student safety and wellbeing, is desirable.
* Experience in litigation and/or corporate governance is desirable.
* Excellent drafting skills and ability to handle a varied workload.
* Strong initiative, critical thinking, and strategic ability.
Further Information
Questions can be directed to Heidi Connell at (03) 9609 1517 or To apply, visit our careers page. Employment offers are subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with over 340 staff in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services, supported by market-leading expertise across key sectors.
Our team offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and learning opportunities. We foster a professional, inclusive, and balanced work environment that values diversity and inclusion, including gender equality, First Nations peoples, accessibility, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity.
We support flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments, including accessible formats. For recruitment adjustments, contact Carla Viglino at 039609 6770 or
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, paying respects to their Elders, cultures, laws, and governance systems.
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