Brian Powles

Partner Walter Baden

Sydney, NSW

About Brian

Brian Powles is a partner at Walter Baden, where he focuses on delivering tailored legal solutions across the spectrum of workplace law. With a keen interest in both contentious and non-contentious matters, Brian represents employers throughout Australia in areas such as general protection applications, unfair dismissals, employment contracts, breach of contract issues, and workplace investigations. His expertise extends to redundancy, restraint of trade, intellectual property disputes, and discrimination cases. Brian's comprehensive grasp of the industrial relations landscape includes modern award interpretation and enterprise bargaining, providing clients with well-rounded advice. Before venturing into law, Brian had a distinguished career in hospitality, managing significant workforces which equipped him with invaluable insights into the challenges employers face. His background enables him to approach workplace legal issues with a practical and contextual perspective, making his advice particularly relevant and effective. Brian's legal journey began at PCC Lawyers, where he honed his skills through extensive legal research and document preparation. His responsibilities included drafting correspondence, preparing court documents, and assisting with firm administration. This foundational experience set the stage for his later leadership role at Olexo Workplace Law, where he spent several years as a director specialising in employment law and business advisory services. Academically, Brian achieved First Class Honours in his Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of New England. He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Reading, reflecting his diverse interests and talents.

Practice areas

Employment Law

Intellectual Property

Resume

Experience

Partner, Employment Law

Walter Baden

Feb 2024 - Present • 2 years 8 months

Director

Olexo Workplace Law

Sep 2018 - Feb 2024 • 5 years 5 months

Graduate / Solicitor

PCC Lawyers

Jun 2014 - Sep 2018 • 4 years 3 months

Head Chef, Manager, Founding Owner

The Coughing Gherkin

Nov 2010 - Sep 2013 • 2 years 10 months

Head Chef, Manager, Founder

Red Grapevine Restaurant & Bar

Oct 2004 - Jun 2014 • 9 years 8 months

Manager

Micky's Cafe

Oct 1998 - Sep 2004 • 5 years 11 months

Education

Bachelor's Degree, Law

University of New England (AU)

2012 - 2016

Bachelor's Degree, Music Theory and Composition

University of Reading

1992 - 1995

Contact information

Sydney, NSW

Suite 904, Level 9, 25 Bligh St, Sydney, NSWWebsite

Practice certificate

Name: Brian Powles
Date of admission: 2016
Specialisations: Employment & Industrial Law
Certification type: Employee of a law practice
Class: Law Practice
Region: NSW

Last checked: 3 Sept 2026 • Checked with Law Society of NSW

Practice areas

Employment Law

Intellectual Property