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.
EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO PROTECTION & ADVERSE ACTION CLAIMS
We understand the challenges employers encounter with General Protection & Adverse Action Claims. Our experienced legal team is prepared to offer specialised advice and strong representation to effectively manage these complex situations. We are dedicated to guiding you through every phase of this nuanced process, ensuring you have the necessary support and resources to appropriately respond to these claims.
Karena Nicholls Partner
General protection laws protect workplace rights which protect most people from:
The majority of disputes related to general protection revolve around adverse actions. In such instances, employees are required to demonstrate their eligibility to file a claim and present evidence indicating that adverse actions have been taken against them for reasons prohibited by law. These General Protection and Adverse Action provisions serve to safeguard workplace rights, preserve freedom of association, and offer protection against discrimination, along with remedies for those who have experienced discrimination.
An application for a general protection claim must be lodged within 21 days from the date of dismissal and employers must respond to any such application within 7 days. There may be an exemption to the time limitations in exceptional circumstances. To ascertain whether you fit within the limitation period or can apply for an exemption, please contact Coutts so we can provide assistance and clarify your position.
IMPORTANT: An employee can only bring one claim either through unfair dismissal or general protections/adverse action.
General Protections include protecting the employees:
Adverse Action means that an employer cannot adversely take action against an employee who has exercised a workplace right or proposes to exercise that workplace right. These actions include:
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.
General protection laws are designed to shield workplace rights, protecting individuals from:
An adverse action arises when an employer takes negative action against an employee because they have exercised a workplace right or intend to do so. Such actions can range from dismissing the employee, depriving them of legal entitlements, or providing differential terms and conditions compared to other employees in similar roles.
General Protections predominantly focus on safeguarding employees’ rights in the workplace, their freedom of association, shielding them from workplace discrimination, sham contracting, and unjust treatment arising from temporary absences due to illness or injury. Conversely, Adverse Action specifically deals with negative actions taken by employers against employees who have or plan to exercise their workplace rights.
Individuals have a 21-day window post-dismissal to submit a general protection claim. Employers, on the other hand, must furnish a response within 7 days of receiving such an application. While these timelines are strict, exemptions might be considered under extraordinary situations.
No. An employee must choose one path, opting to lodge either an unfair dismissal claim or a general protection/adverse action claim.