The 2014 listing of leading WA employment and workplace relations law barristers details barristers practising in the areas of employment, industrial relations and occupational health and safety matters in the Western Australian legal market who have been identified for their expertise and abilities in the area. It is compiled on the back of feedback from solicitors practising within these areas.
Senior Counsel
Recommended
Gail Archer SC – Francis Burt Chambers
Junior Counsel
Recommended
John Blackburn – Francis Burt Chambers
Tim Hammond – Francis Burt Chambers
Richard Hooker – Francis Burt Chambers
Tony Power – Francis Burt Chambers
Editorial Commentary
The pool of Western Australian based counsel actively practising in the area of employment law remains small but nonetheless continues to grow.
Amongst Senior Counsel Gail Archer SC is the standout ahead of a number of other commercial silks who dabble in the area with Sam Vandongen SC strong on OH&S prosecution work.
Within Junior Counsel veteran John Blackburn continues to enjoy a broad band of support and is described as “experienced” and “knowledgeable” while Richard Hooker is viewed as a “safe pair of hands”. Tim Hammond is seen as a “rising star” however a number of individuals noted the challenges his political career with the ALP and acting on behalf of employers presents.
Given the lack of local depth the practice of using Eastern states counsel continues with Victorian-based counsel such as Frank Parry SC, Justin Bourke SC and Stuart Wood SC regularly favoured. Significantly Sydney silk Ian Neil SC has set up at John Toohey Chambers and has already achieved both early courtroom success and the favour of a number of the market’s leading firms.
Also of note is Jason Raftos who moved to the bar in 2013 after having previously having worked as a Senior Associate at Ashurst and Minter Ellison and whose early work gains favourable reports.