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Leanne Nickels

Leanne Nickels

Partner
Leanne is responsive and has a good understanding of our business. I value her calm demeanour, and I trust what she is telling me as she can articulate it in a way that I understand and am clear on the strategies.
Client
About

Leanne leverages over three decades of specialised expertise in employment law to navigate clients through the intricate landscape of workforce management. With a demonstrated history of successfully guiding businesses in adhering to workplace regulations and resolving disputes, she embodies a profound understanding of the legal issues associated with workforce management.

Her approach is distinguished by a commitment to exceptional client service, consistently aligning legal strategies with business objectives to deliver actionable solutions. Leanne's adept handling of complex legal challenges garners trust from clients who rely on her reliability, knowledge, and unwavering dedication to quality service.

Beyond her professional realm, Leanne actively champions social causes, including prevention of and support for women affected by domestic violence and ensuring access to justice for vulnerable members of the community. A passionate advocate and knowledgeable presenter, she stays at the forefront of industry changes, leading insightful discussions on upcoming trends and their implications for businesses.

Clients trust Leanne as a partner committed to delivering tailored, strategic, and effective legal solutions, ensuring compliance, conflict resolution, and sustainable success for their businesses.

Areas of FocusEmployment
Professional QualificationsBarrister and Solicitor of the High Court of AustraliaBarrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Western AustraliaSolicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales

EXPERIENCE

  • Acting for the employer in the matter of Collins v Trimatic Contract Services Pty Ltd [2019] FCCA 1018, which subsequently went on appeal from the Federal Circuit Court. This matter involved a dispute with a senior executive over leave and termination entitlements and characterisation of the relationship based on the contractual arrangements.
  •  Acting for the employer, a university in defending proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia in 2017 until the matter was ultimately resolved some years later and which involved multiple alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the enterprise agreement and the contract of employment.
  • Acting for 7 respondents including the employer and the Board members in proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia before Her Honour Justice Jagot prior to her elevation to the High Court. The matter resolved prior to trial but Leanne appeared as Counsel on argued matters relating to discovery and legal privilege as well as at mediation. The claim involved allegations of breach of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), breach of the employment contract, breach of the Constitution and breach of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
  • Acting for the Plaintiff in the matter of Talent Konnects Pty Ltd v Marvelli and Ors [2022] WASC 128, a matter in the Supreme Court of Western Australia involving an injunction application to protect goodwill and confidential information based on the restraints in the employment contract.

  • Acting for the employer in a long running dispute with United Voice about redundancy entitlements arising from a transferred enterprise agreement. The matter progressed through the Federal Court to the stage of a special leave application to the High Court.

  • Acting for the employer in a dispute in the Supreme Court of Tasmania with the Tasmania Long Service Leave Board concerning long service leave entitlements.

  • Acting for two of the four Respondents in the matter of FWO v Quest South Perth Holdings Pty Ltd and Ors (No 4) [2017] FCA 580 which involved sham contracting allegations and was subsequently appealed to the High Court.

  • Acting for the Respondent in the matter of ABCC v Corestaff WA Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 893, an age discrimination matter in the Federal Court of Australia.

  • Acting for Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd in the matter of Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd v Australian Federation of Air Pilots [2017] FWCFB 487, in relation to a dispute over payments to pilots during a period of stand down.

Education
  • University of Sydney, Master of Labour Law and Relations, MLLR, 2003
  • University of Western Australia, Bachelor of Laws, LLB, (Hons), 1993

Awards

Best Lawyers Australia

  • Labour and Employment (2014-2024)

Chambers Australia

  • Employment: Western Australia – Rank 3 (2022-2024)

Legal 500

  • Labour and Employment (2018 ed), (2020-2024 ed)

Memberships And Affiliations

  • Law Society of Western Australia

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