Failing to stay on top of recent changes in employment law could leave your clients vulnerable to costly legal pitfalls. From contracting out of award entitlements to managing unprotected industrial action, the stakes are higher than ever. Don’t risk falling behind on critical issues like the Fair Work Ombudsman’s enforcement powers or workplace right of entry laws. Ensure you're prepared to thrive in the evolving landscape of employment law and avoid costly missteps that could jeopardise your clients and your practice.

Presenters

Nicholas Ellery, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Nick is a barrister focussing on employment, industrial relations and workplace safety issues. He works with leading industries in WA with large and complex workforces such as government, healthcare, maritime, oil and gas, construction, mining and others. He has been regularly recognised as a leading practitioner in various industry guides such as Best Lawyers, Chambers, Doyles Guide and others. At the forefront of legal employment issues Nick regularly provides training, workshops and news commentary. He is a national committee member at the Australian Labour Law Association, and was Partner in Charge of the Corrs Perth office for over 10 years, before joining the Bar in early 2023.


Natasha Leedman, Specialist Workplace Lawyer & Consultant
Natasha operates a private consulting business providing specialist advice and representation in workplace law for both corporate and individual clients. Specifically, Natasha provides front-end advisory work and conducts litigation on state and federal workplace relations law, equal opportunity and discrimination law, work health and safety, vocational regulation, privacy, and confidentiality, and is also experienced in freedom of information matters. She has strong experience in working across some key sectors including transport, energy and resources, technology, government, financial and professional services, construction, property, manufacturing, retail, health, and education. Natasha has over 20 years' collective experience working in the banking and finance, and government, sectors as well as in private practice, including a secondment to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (now Fair Work Commission). In her most recent role, Natasha was a Partner in the Workplace practice group of a leading national firm. Natasha has varied interests outside of work, including being an active board and committee member of a leading independent school in Perth.


Steve Heathcote, Barrister & Principal, Heathcote Workplace Law
Steve has had careers in banking, training/education, industry associations, and his latest (and last) career is in law. He has completed a Commerce degree majoring in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations, and a Bachelor of Laws. Steve has worked at several law firms ranging from boutique Labour Law firm Bartlett & Co to top-tier firm Clayton Utz, and some mid-tier firms too. Steve established his own practice in July 2013 in which he works as a sole practitioner where he continues to look after a group of loyal long-term corporate clients.


Rosemary Roach, Partner, Hall & Willcox
Rosie has over 20 years' experience in employment, industrial, work health and safety and discrimination law. Rosie has assisted clients with large and diverse workforces, across a variety of industries on all aspects of employment law and industrial relations, from sensitive disciplinary matters to dealing with complex industrial strategies and litigation. Rosie enjoys getting to know her clients and their business imperatives. Rosie understands how important it is to communicate legal issues in a manner that makes sense to the client and addresses their objectives.


Nikita Barsby, Special Counsel, Modern Legal
Nikita is an experienced employment lawyer who advises both employers and employees (and occasionally Unions and other employee associations) on a range of employment law matters. Nikita’s experience and regular practice in advising both employee and employer clients distinguishes her practice and gives her a holistic understanding of employment law issues from 'both sides of the fence' – assisting her in devising and achieving innovative and effective solutions for her clients. Nikita particularly enjoys negotiating creative and practical solutions for her clients, efficiently and cost effectively and in a manner aligned with their objectives. Nikita is recognised as a preeminent employment lawyer in Doyle's Guide to the Legal Profession (employee representation) and has been recognised in Doyle's Guide annually since 2018. Nikita advises on all aspects of State and Federal workplace laws and frequently collaborates with Human Resources practitioners and business owners to develop and implement workplace relations strategies. Nikita is experienced in conducting workplace investigations and also has extensive experience in assisting employees who have been compelled to participate in WorkSafe investigations. Nikita has advocacy and negotiation experience in the Federal Court of Australia, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Supreme, District and Magistrates Courts in Western Australia, as well as in the Fair Work Commission, Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission, the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Employment Law Bundle 2

Unlock 10 CPD Points with our Employment Law Bundle, featuring two of our top-rated programs delivered live online. 

Start with the Workplace Law Summit: Redefining Duties, Definitions & Employment Rates, where we’ll dive into major developments—from unconscious bias and psychosocial hazards to redefining ‘employee’ status and advancing gender equality in wage structures.

Next, join us for Industrial Relations and Employee Rights: Critical Updates for Employment Lawyers, covering everything from contracting out of award entitlements to navigating unprotected industrial action. Stay ahead on key issues like the Fair Work Ombudsman’s enforcement powers and workplace right of entry laws.

This bundle is perfect for WA practitioners but applicable for professionals across all States and Territories—don’t miss out!