Nine Perth employment law firms, with which side each one acts for, and the WA and federal rules on dismissal, pay, long service leave and discrimination.
Google ratings checked 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Free, no obligation initial phone discussion, subject to availability. The firm says over 95% of its work is fixed fee.
Office
Level 5, 231 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
MKI Legal trades as Perth Employment Lawyers and has worked only in employment law since 2012. Directors Stefan Banovich and Nicholas Marouchak lead a team of around eight lawyers and graduates from an Adelaide Terrace office. It acts for employees, contractors and businesses, and handles WA state system claims in the Industrial Relations Commission as well as Fair Work matters. The firm says over 95% of its work is done on fixed fees. A free, no obligation phone discussion is offered first, subject to availability, with advice given once you become a client.
Founded in 2012
Also worth knowing
Its team includes two directors, two senior associates, an associate, a lawyer and a graduate.
Lawyers
Stefan Banovich, Director
Nicholas Marouchak, Director
Marta Marouchak, Director of Operations, employment lawyer
Enquire online, with a reply within 48 hours. Upfront fee estimates, itemised billing and flexible fixed fee services.
Office
Level 3, 8 Outram Street, West Perth WA 6005
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
MDC Legal is a West Perth employment and industrial relations firm that director Mark Cox set up in January 2010. It describes itself as a dedicated employment law firm and acts for employers, employees, unions and their members. The bench is solid, with two senior associates and several lawyers working in the area. Beyond dismissal claims, it takes on enterprise bargaining, protected industrial action and union disputes. Enquiries go through its website, and the firm says it gives fee estimates up front, itemised bills and some fixed fee services.
Founded in 2010
Also worth knowing
Mark Cox is listed in Best Lawyers 2025 and as a Doyle's market leader, according to the firm.
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
Level 5, 179 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Panetta McGrath is a Perth boutique run by directors Enore Panetta and Gemma McGrath, with workplace relations, safety and employment law as one of its core areas. Its employment team acts for employers, not employees, with a strong lean towards health, aged care and safety heavy industries. Special Counsel Jenny Edinger is in the 2026 Doyle's Guide for WA employment law, according to the firm. The team writes on WA state system decisions, including WAIRC cases. It suits organisations that want a firm with WorkSafe and safety experience. Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Also worth knowing
The firm says it was a first tier firm in the 2026 Doyle's Guide rankings.
Lawyers
Gemma McGrath, Managing Director
Enore Panetta, Director
Jenny Edinger, Special Counsel, employment law
Cyle Schneider, Associate, Employment, Workplace Relations and Safety Team
Initial consultation to outline your options. Ask the firm about its fees.
Office
Level 8, Cloisters Square, 863 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
HHG Legal Group is a large WA full service firm with a Perth CBD office and branches from Joondalup to Albany. Its employment work sits in the business team under Managing Associate Luke Davies. The firm says it mainly acts for employers, though it also advises employees on dismissals, underpayment and workplace disputes. Coverage runs from contracts and investigations through to Fair Work Commission hearings and WorkSafe matters. It suits businesses that want employment advice alongside their commercial lawyers. An initial consultation is offered to outline your options.
Also worth knowing
It has offices in Perth, Joondalup, Mandurah, Bunbury and Albany.
Lawyers
Luke Davies, Managing Associate
Mo Berrached, Associate
Justise Woods, Graduate
Areas of employment law handled
Unfair dismissal and general protections
Discrimination complaints
Employment and contractor agreements
Workplace policies and procedures
Performance management and investigations
Termination, redundancy and restructures
Work health and safety and WorkSafe matters
Fair Work Commission proceedings
Employee underpayment claims
Office
Level 8, Cloisters Square, 863 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Other details
Other offices
Joondalup, Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany and Mount Barker
Free phone appraisal, then an upfront fee estimate. Fixed price options for unfair dismissal and general protections applications where suitable.
Office
Level 28 AMP Tower, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Nicholas Legal is a one lawyer employment practice run by Jack Nicholas, who has worked in employment and industrial law for more than 15 years. Before going out on his own he led the legal teams at the CFMEU and the LHMU, now United Voice, according to the firm. It acts for employees, on dismissals, underpayments, discipline and discrimination. It offers a free phone appraisal first and an upfront fee estimate, with fixed price options for some unfair dismissal and general protections applications. Meetings are in Perth or Fremantle.
Also worth knowing
It lists the WA Industrial Relations Act 1979 as a practice area.
Lawyers
Jack Nicholas, Principal
Areas of employment law handled
Unfair dismissal claims
General protections and unlawful dismissal
Wrongful dismissal
Entitlements and underpayments
Disciplinary processes
Employment contract advice
Discrimination claims
Redundancy advice
Bullying and harassment
Restraint of trade
Office
Level 28 AMP Tower, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Office
Ground Floor, 25 Richardson Street, West Perth WA 6005
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Williams + Hughes is a West Perth commercial and litigation firm that dates to 1986 and is the WA member of the Meritas network. Its employment work leans commercial, covering executive and service agreements, share schemes, restraints and confidentiality disputes, with Principal Damian Quail leading it. It advises employers, employees and contractors. It suits businesses and senior executives with contract, restraint or poaching issues more than everyday dismissal claims. Contact the firm to ask about first consultation terms.
Founded in 1986
Also worth knowing
Its employment work includes no poach and non compete clauses and share schemes.
Lawyers
Damian Quail, Principal
Greg Mohen, Commercial Counsel
Areas of employment law handled
Employment and executive service agreements
Consulting, subcontracting and labour hire agreements
Restraints and non compete clauses
Confidential information disputes
Entitlement disputes
Employment law compliance advice
Employee share and incentive schemes
Employment related and industrial disputes
Office
Ground Floor, 25 Richardson Street, West Perth WA 6005
Request a consultation online. Ask the firm about its fees.
Office
Level 8, 233 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Culshaw Miller is a long running Perth CBD firm best known for estates and commercial work, with a smaller employment and workplace practice led by Darren Miller, its commercial and estate planning director. The work is aimed mostly at employers, covering contracts, policies and restraints, though the firm says it represents both employers and employees in dismissal litigation, including in the State Industrial Relations Commission. It suits businesses that want employment advice from the firm that already handles their commercial work. Consultations are booked through an online form.
Also worth knowing
It also has a Melbourne office trading as Culshaw Badenoch Lawyers.
Lawyers
Darren Miller, Legal Practice Director, Commercial and Estate Planning
Suite 3, Level 1, 7 Ventnor Avenue, West Perth WA 6005
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
DPSK Lawyers is a small West Perth practice set up by Legal Practice Director David Kiel, who was admitted in WA in 2016 and lists employment law as his main strength. The firm leads with employment and industrial relations work, covering unfair dismissal, general protections and Fair Work advice, and says it helps both employees and employers. It also runs litigation, commercial, property and criminal matters. It suits people after a direct, low key first conversation, with a free 15 minute consultation on offer.
Also worth knowing
It offers a free 15 minute consultation.
Lawyers
David Kiel, Legal Practice Director
Areas of employment law handled
Unfair dismissal claims
General protections claims
Fair Work advice
Employment contracts
Employment claims and disputes
Workplace legal advice
Tribunal and court representation
Office
Suite 3, Level 1, 7 Ventnor Avenue, West Perth WA 6005
Fixed fee initial consultation with no retainer required.
Office
Ground Floor, Irwin Chambers, 16 Irwin Street, Perth WA 6000
Full profile: lawyers, services and sources
About the firm
Robertson Hayles traces back to 1958, when Charles Robertson opened a practice in the Perth CBD. Today it is a general firm run by directors Eric Tan, Kevin de Souza and Wee Chong Tay, with employment law listed beside family, estates, commercial and property work. It says it acts for employers and employees on everything from enterprise agreements to dismissals, underpayments and WorkSafe prosecutions. A fixed fee first consultation is on offer with no retainer needed. It suits clients who want one firm for employment and their other legal matters.
Founded in 1958
Also worth knowing
Its employment page covers WorkSafe prosecutions and industrial action.
Lawyers
Eric Tan, Director
Kevin de Souza, Director
Wee Chong Tay, Director
Areas of employment law handled
Unfair dismissal
Enterprise agreements
Employment contracts
Restructuring and redundancy
Restraint of trade and confidential information
Investigations and performance management
OHS and WorkSafe prosecutions
Discrimination and adverse action
Bullying and harassment
Underpayment of wages
Office
Ground Floor, Irwin Chambers, 16 Irwin Street, Perth WA 6000
Firm details come from each firm's own website. Google ratings are shown as published on Google and don't set the order. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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How we compiled this list
We include firms with a Perth office whose own websites show real employment and workplace relations work. For each firm we read its website in October 2026 and wrote the description ourselves. Some firms act only for employers, some mainly for workers and some for both, and we say which in each write-up. We also note where a firm says it handles WA state system claims in the WA Industrial Relations Commission. We only call someone an accredited specialist where the firm's site or a register says so, and we name the accrediting body. Free consultations and fee terms are as the firm describes them, so confirm them when you call.
No firm pays for its place on this list, and the order is our own. We write the descriptions ourselves, and firms don't get to edit them. If something here is out of date, let us know. There's more detail on how we rank law firms.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules, time limits and fees are as published by the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman, the WA Industrial Relations Commission, the Industrial Magistrates Court, the WA Government, the Equal Opportunity Commission WA, the Australian Human Rights Commission, WorkCover WA and the Legal Practice Board of WA in October 2026. Fees, thresholds and salary limits are as at 1 July 2026.
Federal or state: which system covers your job in WA
Western Australia has two systems of employment law, and which one you're in depends on how your employer is set up, not on your job or your award. The WA Government says employers and employees can't choose. Getting this wrong can mean lodging a dismissal claim in the wrong place, so it's the first thing to check.
Who you work for
System
Dismissal claims go to
A Pty Ltd company, an incorporated partnership or an incorporated trust
National Fair Work system
Fair Work Commission
A sole trader, an unincorporated partnership or an unincorporated trust
WA state system
WA Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC)
A WA local government (since 1 January 2023)
WA state system
WAIRC
A WA state government department or agency
WA state system
WAIRC, through its separate public sector process
An incorporated association or not for profit
Can be either
Check before you lodge
The Fair Work Ombudsman says most people working for a private business are in the national system. Some Fair Work applications by local government staff that were made before 1 January 2023 could continue under the Fair Work Act.
In the national system, the National Employment Standards apply whatever your award, agreement or contract says. They include a maximum 38 hour week plus reasonable additional hours, annual, sick and carer's leave, 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave a year, notice of termination, redundancy pay of up to 16 weeks' pay for employees with at least 1 year of service, and the right to receive the Fair Work Information Statement. Casuals only get some of these. Minimum notice runs from 1 week for a year or less of service to 4 weeks for over 5 years, plus a week if you're over 45 with at least 2 years of service. The Fair Work Ombudsman deals with pay complaints, on 13 13 94.
In the state system, pay and conditions questions go to Wageline on 1300 655 266, weekdays 8:30am to 4:30pm. Breaches of the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 and unpaid award entitlements are claimed in the Industrial Magistrates Court.
Dismissed? Time limits in each system
Deal with the deadline first. Both commissions must receive your application in time, and both accept late claims only in very limited circumstances. Not knowing about the deadline isn't an excuse.
Fair Work Commission (national system)
WA Industrial Relations Commission (state system)
Deadline
Received within 21 days after the dismissal takes effect
Received within 28 days of the date of dismissal. The Registry sends a copy to your employer
Filing fee
$92.70 from 1 July 2026, with a waiver for serious financial hardship
$50, which the Registry can waive for significant financial hardship
Length of service
At least 6 months, or 12 months with an employer of fewer than 15 employees
Employees on probation or with less than 3 months' service can claim, but the Commission takes that into account
Income limit
If no award or agreement covers you, you must earn less than $190,100 from 1 July 2026
If no award or agreement covers you, your contract salary must be below $212,800 from 1 July 2026
The test
Harsh, unjust or unreasonable, not a genuine redundancy and, for a small business, not in line with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. All must apply
Harsh, oppressive or unfair
Remedies
Reinstatement first. Compensation only if that isn't appropriate, capped at the lesser of 6 months' pay or $95,050 from 1 July 2026
Reinstatement to the old job or another suitable one. If that isn't practical, compensation of up to 6 months' pay
The 21 day count. The clock starts the day after the dismissal takes effect, which is usually the last day of your employment contract and can be later than your last day at work. Weekends and public holidays count, and if day 21 is a weekend or public holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. The Commission must receive the application by 11:59pm, and postal delays don't count. The Commission says late applications are generally not accepted.
General protections: a national system employee dismissed for a prohibited reason, such as race, sex, age, pregnancy, disability or family or carer's responsibilities, or for having a workplace right like complaining about pay, can make a general protections dismissal claim. The same 21 days applies. If it doesn't settle, the Commission issues a certificate, and you then have 14 days from its date to go to a federal court or, if both sides agree, to ask the Commission to arbitrate. Choosing arbitration rules out court
One claim only: you can only make one type of dismissal application in the Fair Work system, so get advice on which fits
Unlawful termination: people who can't use general protections, usually because they aren't national system employees, can apply to the Fair Work Commission for unlawful termination, for example if they were dismissed because of age, a disability, temporary absence through illness or union membership
Small businesses: a national system employer with fewer than 15 employees can rely on the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code. It allows dismissal on the spot if the employer believes on reasonable grounds that the conduct, such as theft, fraud or violence, was serious enough. Otherwise the employer needs a valid reason based on conduct or capacity, a warning that the job is at risk and a reasonable chance to improve, and it must be able to show it followed the Code
In both commissions, parties generally pay their own legal costs. In some cases the WAIRC may also order the employer to pay earnings lost because of the unfair dismissal.
Unpaid wages, contract claims and the Industrial Magistrates Court
The Industrial Magistrates Court in Perth hears claims about legislated minimum entitlements and industrial instruments. That includes claims under the WA Industrial Relations Act 1979, such as damaging action and Minimum Conditions of Employment Act breaches, claims under the Long Service Leave Act 1958, orders of the WAIRC, and Fair Work Act claims.
Fair Work small claims: national system employees can use the small claims procedure for up to $100,000, in the Industrial Magistrates Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Lawyers generally aren't needed, and a party needs the court's permission to be represented. Penalties can't be sought in a small claim, and the claim can't go back more than 6 years
Damaging action: for damaging action under the state Act, the Court can order penalties, reinstatement or compensation
Denied contractual benefits: state system employees can claim a benefit due under their employment contract that the employer has refused, in the WAIRC, where it isn't an entitlement under an award, agreement or Act. The same salary limit applies where no award or agreement covers you. Award and minimum conditions claims go to the Industrial Magistrates Court instead
Wage theft is a federal crime. Since 1 January 2025, a national system employer that intentionally underpays wages or entitlements can commit a criminal offence under the Fair Work Act. It only covers underpayments that happen on or after that date. Honest mistakes aren't covered, and individuals face up to 10 years in prison. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigates and refers cases to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions or the Australian Federal Police. If it's satisfied a small business with fewer than 15 employees complied with the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, it can't refer that underpayment for prosecution, but the money still has to be paid back.
Long service leave in WA
Long service leave in WA comes from state law, the Long Service Leave Act 1958, even if the rest of your job is under the Fair Work system. It covers many private sector full time, part time and casual employees in WA, in both the state and national systems, including most people on national modern awards, unless an agreement or other law gives them their own long service leave. Many construction workers are covered by a separate portable scheme instead.
Continuous employment
Entitlement
10 years
8.667 weeks
Each further 5 years
Another 4.333 weeks
Leaving after at least 7 but less than 10 years
Pro rata, worked out on 8.667 weeks for 10 years and counting part years
Leaving after 10 years
Pro rata of 0.8666 weeks for each full year since the last 5 year mark
Pro rata leave is payable on resignation, redundancy, death or termination for any reason except serious misconduct. The WA Government's online calculator works out an entitlement, and unpaid long service leave is claimed in the Industrial Magistrates Court.
Discrimination, harassment and bullying
Federal and WA discrimination laws both apply in Perth workplaces. Since December 2022, employers and businesses of every size have had a federal positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act to take reasonable and proportionate steps to eliminate sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sex based harassment, hostile workplaces on the ground of sex and related victimisation, as far as possible.
Where to go
Time limit
What happens
WA Equal Opportunity Commission
The incidents must have happened within 12 months before you lodge, unless the Commissioner accepts good cause
A written complaint and conciliation, in person, by phone or by video. If conciliation fails, or the Commissioner dismisses the complaint, it can go to the State Administrative Tribunal
Australian Human Rights Commission
It can decline complaints made more than 24 months after the conduct
A free written complaint, no lawyer needed, investigation and conciliation. If it's ended, you have 60 days to apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court
The WA Government's complaint page, updated 11 September 2026, says the incidents must have happened within 12 months before you lodge, and older incidents can be accepted for good reason. The Commission is on (08) 9216 3900.
Sexual harassment at the Fair Work Commission: since 6 March 2023, you can apply if you were sexually harassed in connection with work in the last 2 years, for an order to stop it, for help resolving the dispute, or both. A union can apply for you. If it isn't resolved, you can go to court within a short time limit after the Commission's certificate, or have it arbitrated if both sides agree
Bullying: repeated unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety. Reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way isn't bullying. The Fair Work Commission can order it to stop where there's a risk it will continue, but can't award compensation, and its orders only cover workers in a business run by a corporation or the Commonwealth. The WAIRC's fee list includes applications for orders to stop bullying or sexual harassment, so state system workers should ask the WAIRC
Injured at work? Workers compensation is a separate scheme run by WorkCover WA. Report the injury to your employer, get a certificate of capacity and lodge your claim form within 12 months. Our Perth personal injury lawyers page covers it in more detail, and WorkCover WA's advice line is 1300 794 744.
Choosing a Perth employment lawyer, costs and free help
Start with which side the firm acts for. On this list, Panetta McGrath acts for employers only and Nicholas Legal acts for employees, while most of the others act for both. Then ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the system your job is in, because WAIRC and Industrial Magistrates Court work is different from Fair Work Commission work. Bring your contract, payslips, any warning or termination letter and a timeline of what happened.
Costs disclosure: WA has applied the Legal Profession Uniform Law since 1 July 2022. If your legal costs are likely to be more than $750, your lawyer must give you a written estimate and explain how they'll charge. This doesn't apply to commercial or government clients. You can negotiate the costs agreement and ask for an itemised bill
No win, no fee: the agreement must be in writing, signed by you, say what counts as a win and include a cooling off period. Any uplift fee is capped at 25% of legal costs
Disputing a bill: you can generally take it to the Legal Practice Board of WA within 60 days of the costs becoming payable, or 30 days if you asked for an itemised bill
Accreditation: the Law Society of WA's specialist accreditation scheme covers family law and wills and estates only. If a lawyer says they're an accredited employment specialist, ask which body accredited them
Circle Green Community Legal: provides statewide specialist employment law services and lists employees among the people it helps. (08) 6148 3636, Ground Floor, 445 Hay Street, Perth. Legal Aid WA says community legal centres give free information and advice
Wageline: 1300 655 266, for pay and conditions in the WA state system
Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94, for pay, leave and entitlements in the national system. Long service leave questions go to Wageline, whichever system you're in
Discrimination bodies: the WA Equal Opportunity Commission on (08) 9216 3900, or 1800 198 149 from the country, and the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419
Legal Aid WA Infoline: 1300 650 579, which can point you to other help
Law Access: the Law Society of WA points people who can't afford a lawyer to Law Access, which arranges pro bono help
Perth employment law: common questions
How long do I have to make an unfair dismissal claim in WA?
It depends on your system. In the national Fair Work system, the Fair Work Commission must receive your application within 21 days after the dismissal takes effect, counting weekends. In the WA state system, the WA Industrial Relations Commission must receive it within 28 days of the date of dismissal. Both accept late claims only in very limited circumstances.
How do I know if I'm in the WA state system or the Fair Work system?
Look at how your employer is set up. Staff of a Pty Ltd company, incorporated partnership or incorporated trust are in the national system. Staff of sole traders, unincorporated partnerships and unincorporated trusts, WA local governments and the WA public sector are in the state system. Some not for profits can be in either, so check before you lodge. You and your employer can't choose.
Can I claim unfair dismissal if I've worked there less than 6 months?
In the Fair Work system, generally not. You need 6 months with the employer, or 12 months if it has fewer than 15 employees. In the WA state system, employees on probation or with less than 3 months' service can claim, but the WAIRC takes that into account when it decides whether the dismissal was unfair.
Does WA long service leave apply if I'm on a federal award?
Usually yes. WA's Long Service Leave Act 1958 covers many private sector workers in WA, in both the state and national systems, including most people on national modern awards, unless an agreement or other law gives them their own long service leave. The entitlement is 8.667 weeks after 10 years, with pro rata leave on leaving after 7 years unless you're dismissed for serious misconduct. Many construction workers have a separate portable scheme.
Where do I complain about discrimination at work in Perth?
You can complain in writing to the WA Equal Opportunity Commission, which conciliates and can refer unresolved complaints to the State Administrative Tribunal, or to the Australian Human Rights Commission under federal law. The incidents must generally have happened within the 12 months before you complain to the WA Commission, so get advice early.
Which Perth firms act only for employers or for employees?
On this list, Panetta McGrath acts for employers only, and Nicholas Legal acts for employees. HHG Legal Group mainly acts for employers but also advises employees. MKI Legal, MDC Legal, Williams + Hughes, Culshaw Miller, DPSK Lawyers and Robertson Hayles act for both sides, according to their firms.
Are there accredited employment law specialists in WA?
The Law Society of WA's accreditation scheme only covers family law and wills and estates, so it doesn't accredit employment lawyers. Accreditation isn't needed to practise. If a Perth lawyer says they're an accredited specialist, ask which body accredited them.
General information only, not legal advice.
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