Leonie McAuley

Associate

I have gained over 14 years experience both internationally and in Australia in human resources, workplace and industrial relations, having delivered strategic business partner and executive level support within a magic circle law firm, major investment bank and leading Australian oil and gas company.

I specialise in providing flexible, commercial advice to businesses on how to mitigate workplace risk through the use of well drafted policies, clear employment contracts and other tools to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other state and federal industrial laws. As an experienced workplace investigator I have conducted a number of complex investigations into workplace behaviour and employee allegations, acting on behalf of employers to defend claims such as unfair dismissal, general protections, discrimination and bullying. My experience extends to analysing enterprise and collective agreements, contracts and modern awards against existing pay structures to ensure compliance and avoid underpayment demands, also advising on industrial action, enterprise agreement strategy and bargaining.

As a lawyer working in human resources, I have also developed and delivered a number of training programs for leaders and HR Business Partners - how to avoid unfair dismissal claims; conduct an effective, unbiased investigation; contact officer training and manage chronic sick leave and long term absence, as well as other HR focussed training programs. 

I have a combined economics and law degree from the Australian National University and completed my Masters of Laws specialising in employment law at the University of Sydney in 2015 and was admitted as barrister and solicitor in South Australia in 2018. 

My full biography can be reviewed on LinkedIn.