Michael Harmer, Chairman and Senior Team Leader of Harmers Workplace Lawyers, possesses over 40 years of experience in workplace relations. Having founded the firm in 1996, Michael has cultivated one of Australia’s largest standalone workplace relations practices, with locations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. His extensive expertise has contributed to Harmers gaining recognition in leading cases pertaining to sex discrimination and sexual harassment. The firm is lauded for its achievements, winning multiple awards including the HRD Magazine Readers Choice Awards for Employment Law and Safety Training, and being ranked as an Elite Firm by International Employment Lawyer.
Under Michael's leadership, Harmers has consistently been acknowledged for its excellence and innovation. The firm has received numerous accolades such as the Australasian Lawyer Top Specialist Law Firm for Employment Law and the HRD Magazine’s HR Service Provider Awards. Ethically driven, Harmers has been renowned for its commitment to diversity and social responsibility, securing awards like the Lawyers Weekly Diversity Law Firm of the Year and accolades from the Euromoney Best Firm for Women in Business Law.
Michael has been a prominent figure in legal circles, acknowledged as a Leading Australian Employment Lawyer in Chambers Global and the Asia Pacific Legal 500 for over two decades. His roles have encompassed a significant influence as a Thought Leader in the Lexology Index and recognition as the Client Choice Exclusive Winner for Labour Law and Employment for Australia. Among his individual achievements are the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards and the title of Distinguished Practitioner by Asia Law Profiles.
Michael's background is rich with significant positions, including managing an industrial law practice as a partner in one of Australia's major firms and serving as a Research Officer to the Presidential members of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. His roles have extended to the New South Wales Department of Industrial Relations and prominent advocacy in industrial relations and occupational health and safety.
At the heart of Michael's practice is a preventive law approach, assisting clients in managing human rights, workplace health and safety, and employment issues. He is notably recognised for his advice concerning senior executive employment. Furthermore, as President of the Australian Institute of Employment Rights, Michael plays a key role in fostering positive workplace relationships. Harmers steadfastly supports the institute's work, having contributed a significant portion of its profits towards promoting human rights and justice, focusing on the rights of women and aiding communities in Africa and Indigenous Australia.
Michael’s contributions to the legal profession and his firm’s dedication to ethical practices continue to shape the landscape of employment law in Australia and beyond.
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