Erica Hartley specialises in all areas of employment and safety law with particular expertise in complex employment disputes and termination of employment claims such as unfair dismissal, general protection, bullying and sexual harassment, whistleblowing and equal opportunity matters. Erica also has experience running investigations under privilege and advises on all aspects of safety law including psycho-social risks, safety incidents and defending safety prosecutions.
Erica advises corporate clients across industries including mining and resources, engineering and construction, hospitality, government trading enterprises, community sector and age and disability services. Erica regularly appears in the Fair Work Commission, state and federal courts and equal opportunity tribunals.
Erica has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Occupational Health and Safety Law (2025) and recognised for Labour and Employment Law, and Employee Benefits Law by Best Lawyers™ Australia
Expertise
Experience
- Mining company Defending an injunction claim from a union seeking reinstatement of an employee who was dismissed as a result of taking medicinal cannabis in a high risk work environment.
- Engineering company Defending a large multinational engineering company in a complex Federal Court claim by an ex-senior executive for breaches of Fair Work Act general protection provisions, Corporations Law and common law.
- Universities Defending universities against lengthy and complex Federal Court claims for breaches of employment law, breaches of contract and equitable claims.
- NOT-FOR-PROFIT Conducting complex investigations into allegations by employees of harassment and bullying under both employment and safety laws.
- Aged Care & Disability services Advising on legal obligations under applicable awards and to assist with enterprise agreement negotiation and drafting.
- Manufacturing company Defending prosecutions for breaches of the Work Health and Safety Act and what remedial actions are needed to ensure compliance moving forward.
- Transport and Logistics company Drafting of employment contracts and procedures, enterprise agreements, advising on disciplinary matters and defending unfair dismissal and other employment related litigation such as general protection and stop bullying claims.
- Entertainment and Hospitality company Managing complaints and litigations arising from a change management process including conducting detailed investigations into allegations by employees and Fair Work Commission dispute claims.
