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EMPLOYMENT
LAW SPECIALISTS

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We practise across practise across the full spectrum of employment law, with particular skill-sets in:

  • ​Litigation, including complex disputes

  • Collective bargaining and union issues

  • Restraints of trade and confidentiality

  • Restructures

  • Workplace investigations

  • Employment issues arising in business acquisitions

We look forward to working with you to achieve the outcome you seek

Michael O'Brien reviewing legal documents at his Auckland employment law practice.
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Employment law advice requires a tailored solution that successfully navigates legal issues, while considering commercial, interpersonal, and reputational issues.
Your desired outcome will set the strategy as we work through your employment law issue.

Notable Litigation

As employment law specialists, we have acted on many precedent setting matters in the employment jurisdiction

> McCormack v Reserve Bank of New Zealand [2025] NZERA 754 (Joseph Plunket junior counsel): Acting for former employee of the Reserve Bank who was successful in his claim that the RBNZ’s General Counsel had unlawfully outed the employee as a whistleblower in breach of the confidentiality provisions of s 17 Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022. Determination subject to current challenge in the Employment Court.

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> Taylor v Jetstar Airways Limited [2025] NZERA 282: Successful opposition to application for interim reinstalment by a pilot with important public interest factors considered.

> UJX v KQB [2025] NZERA 700 (Joseph Plunket junior counsel): Acting on successful application for interim reinstatement of employee of public sector organisation dismissed for medical incapacity based on neurodivergence issues.

> Bowen v Bank of New Zealand [2024] NZERA 361: Acting for a former manager at the BNZ who was successful in her claim that that the bank had unlawfully retaliated against her as a whistleblower for making a protected disclosure, which included the BNZ concocting a sham redundancy proposal and unlawfully dismissing her. Read more about it: www.lawfuel.com

Navigating Complex Employment Matters Michael O’Brien Barristers

For Employers

Practical, commercially focused employment law advice designed to help employers navigate complex workplace matters with confidence.

For Lawyers

Working alongside lawyers and firms throughout New Zealand to provide trusted employment law advice and advocacy.

For Employees

Strategic representation for employees facing disputes, investigations, restructures and other significant employment issues.

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Get In Touch

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