Dentons Australia

At Dentons Australia, the Employment & Safety team delivers comprehensive legal support to employers across a wide range of workplace relations matters. Under the leadership of Paul O'Halloran, Partner and Head of the Melbourne Office, the team advises on managing complex employment disputes, including high-risk employee exits, enterprise bargaining negotiations, and union engagement strategies. Dentons assists clients with workplace investigations related to misconduct, bullying, discrimination, and whistleblower complaints, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and fostering safe and fair work environments. The team is well-versed in handling regulatory matters such as wage audits and dealings with workplace regulators, as well as advising on occupational health and safety issues, prosecutions, and safety investigations. Dentons supports organisations through workforce transitions, including restructures, redundancies, and international employee movements. The firm also provides strategic advice in managing unfair dismissal and wrongful termination claims, helping clients minimise risk and resolve disputes efficiently. Beyond dispute resolution and litigation, Dentons offers practical assistance with drafting and developing employment contracts, workplace policies, and handbooks tailored to clients’ operational requirements. The team also advises on collective labour law, including negotiations with unions and employee representatives. With expertise spanning numerous industries, Dentons delivers robust employment law advice aimed at supporting employer compliance, risk management, and effective workforce strategies.