Workplace Lawyers Adelaide
Losing your job or being treated unfairly at work affects your income, your confidence and the people who rely on you. When it happens, you need to know quickly where you stand and what you can do about it.
Our employment lawyers in Adelaide act for employees only. That means our advice is always about protecting your rights, your job and your entitlements, never your employer’s.
We explain your options in plain language, tell you honestly whether you have a claim, and support you through every step, from the first phone call to the final outcome.
Employment Disputes, Handled Clearly
An employment dispute can feel like you are against a business with far more resources. We even that out by giving you clear advice and doing the heavy lifting on your behalf.
We can help you:
- Work out which claim fits your situation, and whether it belongs in the Fair Work Commission or the South Australian Employment Tribunal.
- Prepare and lodge your application correctly and on time, with the evidence that supports it.
- Represent you at conciliation and negotiate with your employer to reach a fair resolution.
- Review your contract, redundancy or settlement offer before you sign anything.
Employment Matters We Help With
Every workplace problem is different. Our employment lawyers in Adelaide help employees across South Australia with matters including:
Unfair dismissal
If you were dismissed and believe the decision was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, you may be able to seek reinstatement or compensation through the Fair Work Commission.
General protections and unlawful termination
It is against the law to dismiss you or take other adverse action because you made a complaint, took leave, joined a union or exercised another workplace right.
Workplace bullying and sexual harassment
If you are still employed and are being bullied or harassed, there are ways to have the behaviour stopped and to hold your employer to its obligations.
Discrimination at work
Being treated unfairly because of your age, sex, race, disability or another protected attribute may breach federal law or South Australia’s Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
Employment contracts and redundancy
We review employment contracts, redundancy packages and settlement terms so you understand what you are agreeing to and whether you are getting your full entitlements.
Injured at Work and Lost Your Job?
When a workplace injury is followed by a dismissal, you can face two legal problems at once. Questions about your compensation and questions about whether you were treated fairly at work overlap, and they need to be looked at together:
- Why you were dismissed: Dismissing someone because of a temporary illness or injury can be a protected reason, which may give you a general protections claim.
- Your workers’ compensation claim: A dismissal does not automatically end your entitlements. Our work injury lawyers can review where your claim stands.
- Two sets of deadlines: The 21-day limit for dismissal claims runs separately from the time limits for your workers’ compensation claim, so both need attention early.
- One team for both: Because we handle employment and compensation matters, we can advise on your job and your injury claim together rather than leaving you to juggle two firms.
If you have been injured and then dismissed, talk to us before you make any decisions.
Which Tribunal Will Hear Your Claim?
Knowing where your claim belongs is one of the first things we sort out, because lodging in the wrong place can cost you valuable time.
Most private sector employees in South Australia are covered by the national system, so unfair dismissal and general protections claims go to the Fair Work Commission. Employees covered by the state system, such as many local government workers, bring their claims in the South Australian Employment Tribunal instead.
In both places, most disputes go to conciliation first, where the parties try to reach an agreement before any hearing. Our lawyers have experience in the South Australian Employment Tribunal, and we prepare you properly for conciliation and, if needed, a hearing.
Why Choose Mahony’s for Your Employment Matter
Choosing an employment lawyer who is firmly on your side makes the process far less stressful. Since 1978, Mahony’s Lawyers has given South Australian workers straightforward advice they can act on.
- Over 47 years of helping South Australians with their legal problems
- Employee-only advice, so there is never a conflict with your interests
- Free first consultation to find out whether you have a claim
- Experience in the South Australian Employment Tribunal
- Employment and compensation lawyers under one roof
- Four offices in Campbelltown, Salisbury, Woodville and Mount Gambier
We know that a problem at work is rarely just about work. It affects your finances, your health and your family, and we take the time to understand all of it before we advise you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to make an unfair dismissal claim?
Your application must usually reach the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of your dismissal taking effect. The Commission only extends this in exceptional circumstances, so it is important to get advice straight away.
What is the difference between unfair dismissal and general protections?
Unfair dismissal looks at whether your dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable. A general protections claim focuses on why you were dismissed, for example because you made a complaint or exercised a workplace right. We can tell you which one suits your situation.
Can I make both an unfair dismissal and a general protections claim?
No. You generally have to choose one claim about the same dismissal. Choosing the right one matters, which is why it helps to get advice before you lodge anything.
Does my claim go to the Fair Work Commission or the SA Employment Tribunal?
It depends on whether you are covered by the national or the state workplace system. Most private sector employees go to the Fair Work Commission, while some state system employees, such as many local government workers, go to the South Australian Employment Tribunal.
I was injured at work and then dismissed. What should I do?
Get advice quickly. You may have a dismissal claim with a 21-day deadline as well as a workers’ compensation claim. Our employment and work injury lawyers can look at both together and make sure nothing is missed.
I am being bullied at work but have not lost my job. Can you help?
Yes. You do not have to be dismissed to take action. We can explain your options for stopping the bullying, including an application to the Fair Work Commission, and help you deal with your employer.
Will my claim go to a hearing?
Not always. Many disputes are resolved at conciliation, where both sides try to agree on an outcome with the help of a conciliator. If your matter does not settle, we can represent you at a hearing.
Do I need a lawyer for an employment dispute?
You can run some claims yourself, but the time limits are short and the process can be confusing. An employment lawyer helps you choose the right claim, lodge it on time and negotiate a fair outcome with your employer.
