CLAUDIA LEWIN

I was admitted to practice in early 2017. Although I began my working life in a mid-sized firm working in general litigation, it became apparent to me early on that my passion was employment and industrial law.

In hindsight, my appreciation for employment law and industrial relations began when I was young. I grew up watching my mother run a business and saw first-hand the amount of time that is dedicated to managing the relationship between employees and employer. Regardless of whether you are an employee or employer, your experiences at work have an undeniable impact on the quality of your life. I enjoy helping clients manage this important part of their lives, and guiding them through stressful situations.

I have represented a range of clients in employment proceedings, including local governments, local branches of international and national companies and individuals. This has led to me appearing for both employees and employers in the Federal Court, Fair Work Commission, WA Industrial Relations Commission and the WA Industrial Magistrates Court. I have represented individuals prosecuted by WorkSafe and assisted in other, larger workplace safety investigations.

Some of my most rewarding work has been acting for clients in discrimination claims in the Equal Opportunity Commission and Australian Human Rights Commission. I have a particular passion for gender equality and sexual harassment matters.

I also regularly assist clients with non-litigious employment issues, preparing and advising on employment contracts, Award entitlements and restraints of trade.

In my other area of interest, contentious estate matters, I have assisted in complex matters concerning issues of paternity and DNA for the purposes of the Administration Act 1903 (WA) as well as assisting major charities in Family Provision Act claims.

I think the most important step in any legal action is finding out what the client truly wants to achieve, both financially and personally. Knowing this allows me to be up-front about costs, manage expectations and establish an open and effective pattern of communication.

Outside of work, I am usually spending time with my husband, very spoilt sausage dog and my son Sammy, who arrived in August 2021.

Contact Claudia Lewin