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Rick Catanzariti

Partner
About

With Rick, clients receive not only exceptional technical legal advice but also the unwavering support of a trusted Partner dedicated to prioritizing their best interests.

Specializing in the dynamic realm of employment law, Rick adeptly harmonizes the analytical intricacies with the personal dimensions inherent in each case. Drawing from a wealth of experience spanning government, industrial relations, and workplace health and safety, Rick's nuanced comprehension empowers him to offer strategic legal counsel, ensuring his clients' businesses navigate regulatory landscapes with precision.

Renowned for his composed demeanour, especially in navigating formidable disputes, Rick demonstrates a deep empathy for the profound impact his work has on individuals' lives and careers. Accordingly, he is deeply entrenched in every case, meticulously attending to details to ensure each client receives comprehensive guidance tailored to their unique needs.

Rick's commitment transcends conventional legal practice; he remains steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge, diligently staying abreast of industry trends and developments. His altruistic endeavours, including pro bono work with esteemed organizations like Legacy Australia and the Hannover Legal Clinic, underscore his dedication to giving back to the community.

A masterful communicator, Rick effortlessly forges connections with a diverse array of individuals, earning him referrals from international clients who attest to his reliability and unwavering competence as a legal professional.

Areas of FocusEmployment
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria, 1993

EXPERIENCE

  • Negotiating enterprise agreements for a large consumer goods manufacturer and dealing with defence of industrial action and advising on proactive industrial strategies.
  • Successfully upholding that the expiry of a sixed term contract renewed several times was not a termination of employment in an unfair dismissal case for a large consumer goods manufacturer.
  • Providing road maps and high-level employment and health and safety developments manuals for a leading US global technology company.
  • Defending high profile general protections claims against members of Parliament.
  • Advising government in relation to industrial relations issues in various rail projects.
  • Negotiating enterprise agreements with employees and their unions and dealing with disputes over enterprise agreements in health and government sectors.
  • Advising a large Australian airplane manufacture on industrial relations strategies in relation to its expansions, including identifying and establishing its key industrial relations objectives and framework.
  • Conducting sensitive internal investigations for a number of public hospitals involving fraud and financial concealment.
  • Defending a range of reasonable adjustment cases brought against public hospitals.
  • Defending more than 100 COVID-19 related unfair dismissal and general protections claims for public hospitals.
  • Conducting comprehensive workplace audits of clients as part of compliance requirements for their customers
  • Advising on industrial action and disputes with bus companies in Queensland in connection with the renegotiation of their new enterprise agreements.
Education

    Recognitions

    Best Lawyers Australia

  • Labour and Employment Law (2014-2024 ed)
  • Chambers Australia

  • Employment: Victoria – Rank 5 (2024)
  • Legal 500

  • Labour and Employment (2018-2024 ed)
  • Who’s Who Legal (WWL)

  • Labour, Employment & Benefits – Recommended (2024)
  • Connect

    Phone

    +61 3 9274 5810
    (Work, Melbourne)