Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers is a powerful female-founded law firm with a core value system that puts people first. Our reputation as the legal business of choice in New South Wales is recognised by our many awards.
The team at Coutts have the expertise and experience to stand behind you and give you legal advice in a language you understand... without the legal jargon.
Coutts welcomes the opportunity to help you start a business, purchase a business, or sell a business in Australia.
Coutts Commercial and Business team takes pride in providing comprehensive legal services to businesses of all sizes.
At Coutts, our legal team offer the best service in a time where you feel at odds with the law.
Coutts provide expert legal advice in all employment related matters for both employers and employees including, but not limited to the following key areas.
Coutts provide legal advice in all areas of family law including; property settlements, divorce settlements, all types of parenting matters and the drafting of binding financial agreements and binding child support agreements.
At Coutts, we understand the devastating impact personal injuries can have, not only in a physical capacity, but also your emotional, mental and financial well-being also.
The important role conveyancers plays when people are buying and selling of property.
Have you been called as a witness by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability? If so, you may be eligible to receive government funded legal representation.
A will is a legal document that specifies how you wish your assets and liabilities to be distributed following your death.
ARE YOU BEING BULLIED OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AT WORK?
When confronting claims of workplace bullying and discrimination, having a legal defence is paramount. Our team excels in handling these complex situations, providing strategic advice and assertive representation. We focus on a strong defence to achieve the best outcome for employees.
Karena Nicholls Partner
Workplace discrimination is where an employee is treated less favourably than another person in a hurtful, degrading, demeaning and unfair manner within the workplace because of reasons such as, but not limited to:
Often, workplace discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action (such as dismissing an employee or treating the employee unfairly) based on the above characteristics of the employee.
Discrimination of an employee by an employer is unlawful. All employees are protected, regardless of their employment status (full-time, part-time, casual etc.)
If you feel you have been discriminated against by your employer, you may be able to initiate a claim against them with the Fair Work Commission or Ombudsman. We recommend obtaining legal advice to receive accurate information about workplace discrimination and your own personal circumstances.
There are both statutory and common law remedies avenues available. If you believe you have been terminated based on discriminatory grounds, you will need to lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days.
Workplace bullying is repeated, and unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee or a group of employees that creates a risk to their health and safety. This could include intimidation, humiliation, or victimisation of an employee.
Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. Protections are provided to employees under state and federal anti-discrimination law as well as under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Employees who may have experienced discrimination and/or bullying in the workplace should seek advice regarding the options available to them.
Bullying should not be confused with reasonable action taken by management, such as disciplinary action, control over the way in which work is carried out and decisions about performance.
Anti-bullying laws cover most workplaces, and therefore, most employees. It also covers volunteers, contractors, work experience students and outworkers.
If you have been bullied or harassed, you could reach out to the appropriate internal manager or human resources department within the organisation you work in. If matters are not resolved internally or you wish to take matters further, you could obtain legal advice and lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission.
Reach out to Coutts Lawyers via our website, phone, or in person. Briefly describe your matter.
Schedule and attend a meeting with a Coutts lawyer / Conveyancer to discuss the specifics of your matter and desired outcomes.
Share all related documents and information. Your lawyer / Conveyancer will review everything, clarify aspects as needed, and then advise on the best action course.
Based on the advice, an appropriate action plan will be formulated. This may involve communication, documentation processes, or further legal steps.
Execute the action plan, addressing a range of legal scenarios as necessary.
Navigate towards a resolution, with the path determined by the nature of the matter. Your Lawyer / Conveyancer will outline any final actions or considerations.
Meet Karena, a Partner at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers, and the head of our esteemed Injury Compensation and Employment Law teams. With over two decades of experience in the field of Insurance Law, Karena’s passion, dedication, and client-focused approach have established her as a leading authority in compensation and employment law.
Workplace discrimination is when an employee faces unfavourable treatment due to characteristics such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, family responsibilities, or religion. Discriminatory actions might range from unfair treatment to outright dismissal.
Yes, it’s unlawful to discriminate against an employee. Every employee, irrespective of their employment status (whether full-time, part-time, or casual), is safeguarded. If you believe you have been discriminated against, you may have grounds to lodge a claim with the Fair Work Commission or Ombudsman.
Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable behaviours directed towards an employee or a group, creating a risk to their health and safety. Such behaviours might encompass intimidation, humiliation, or victimisation. However, it does not include reasonable management actions, such as performance evaluations or disciplinary measures.
Most workplaces fall under anti-bullying laws, which protect the vast majority of employees. This also includes volunteers, contractors, work experience students, and outworkers. These protections are rooted in both state and federal anti-discrimination laws, as well as the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Initially, those affected can report the matter to their internal manager or HR department. If it remains unresolved internally or if the victim wishes to escalate the situation, they should consider seeking legal advice and possibly lodging an application with the Fair Work Commission.