Employment law services we provide

Our employment lawyers in Shellharbour can provide an extensive range of services, including: Representation and advocacy before the Fair Work Commission and the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW Compliance of policy training and safety documents Compliance with industrial relations and awards Discrimination and harassment resolution Employment contracts and contract arrangements Employees’ entitlements, rights and conditions Enterprise agreements Issues relating to outsourcing Disputes with Independent Contractors Occupation Health and Safety Act compliance Occupation Health and Safety Act prosecutions Strategic workplace relations advice Termination of employment negotiations and documentation Unfair dismissal and unlawful termination claims Workplace accidents resolution.

Occupational Health and Safety Act prosecutions

Kells brings proven experience in representing employers facing prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our lawyers regularly appear before the Chief Industrial Magistrate and in the District Court of NSW. We have secured standout results, including successfully arguing for no conviction to be recorded during plea hearings for corporate clients. We focus on strategic outcomes that reduce risk and limit exposure. By addressing issues early, we help businesses avoid prolonged disputes and limit the financial and reputational cost of proceedings. Our team works with precision and a strong understanding of workplace obligations to deliver outcomes that reflect each client's unique circumstances.

Issues relating to termination of employment

We specialise in assisting both employers and employees in matters involving dismissal from employment. We act in proceedings before the Fair Work Commission and aim to resolve disputes quickly to minimise disruption and expense. We’ve represented clients on both sides of the table in disputes covering unfair dismissal, unlawful termination, and general protections claims. Whether you are pursuing action or responding to a claim, we provide clear, strategic representation that focuses on achieving the best available result for your situation.

Expertise

Employment Law

Employment Lawyers in Shellharbour

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Employment Law Specialists

From ambitious new ventures to established enterprises, we provide a wide spectrum of commercial legal services shaped to meet your specific goals and operational realities.

Readily Accessible

With our office conveniently located in Shellharbour, we are always ready to assist. When you need trusted legal guidance, our team provides decisive, practical solutions for your specific needs.

Bespoke Legal Solutions

We don’t force you to conform to pre-set frameworks or cookie-cutter solutions. We invest the time to understand your goals and deliver outcomes that elevate your business to the next level.

Here to Help

Workplace problems can escalate quickly. Whether you're navigating a dispute, dealing with compliance obligations, or responding to safety breaches, these issues can place heavy pressure on employees and employers alike. At Kells, we work across all aspects of employment law, industrial relations, and workplace safety regulations.

Our professionals provide practical, outcome-focused advice under the Fair Work system and the NSW work health and safety framework. With a strong understanding of relevant laws and procedures, we help resolve employment matters with efficiency.

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How Can Our Employment Lawyers in Shellharbour Help?

At Kells, we focus on resolving employment issues in ways that reduce stress, avoid disruption, and lead to workable resolutions. Wherever possible, we aim to keep matters out of court by encouraging cooperation and constructive dialogue.

Our team brings advanced skills in mediation and has access to a network of specialists across multiple fields. We also work with respected external mediators, helping you manage disputes in a balanced and efficient manner.

If litigation becomes the most suitable path forward, we deliver strategic advocacy and stay closely involved at every stage. Our clients remain updated throughout the process and are given clear options for moving ahead.

We manage a wide variety of employment cases, from workplace disputes and safety matters to broader industrial relations concerns. Book a consultation with our experienced employment law team servicing Shellharbour. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.

Employment law services we provide
Our employment lawyers in Shellharbour can provide an extensive range of services, including:
- Representation and advocacy before the Fair Work Commission and the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW
- Compliance of policy training and safety documents
- Compliance with industrial relations and awards
- Discrimination and harassment resolution
- Employment contracts and contract arrangements
- Employees’ entitlements, rights and conditions
- Enterprise agreements
- Issues relating to outsourcing
- Disputes with Independent Contractors
- Occupation Health and Safety Act compliance
- Occupation Health and Safety Act prosecutions
- Strategic workplace relations advice
- Termination of employment negotiations and documentation
- Unfair dismissal and unlawful termination claims
- Workplace accidents resolution.
Occupational Health and Safety Act prosecutions

Kells brings proven experience in representing employers facing prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Our lawyers regularly appear before the Chief Industrial Magistrate and in the District Court of NSW. We have secured standout results, including successfully arguing for no conviction to be recorded during plea hearings for corporate clients.

We focus on strategic outcomes that reduce risk and limit exposure. By addressing issues early, we help businesses avoid prolonged disputes and limit the financial and reputational cost of proceedings. Our team works with precision and a strong understanding of workplace obligations to deliver outcomes that reflect each client's unique circumstances.
Issues relating to termination of employment

We specialise in assisting both employers and employees in matters involving dismissal from employment. We act in proceedings before the Fair Work Commission and aim to resolve disputes quickly to minimise disruption and expense.

We’ve represented clients on both sides of the table in disputes covering unfair dismissal, unlawful termination, and general protections claims. Whether you are pursuing action or responding to a claim, we provide clear, strategic representation that focuses on achieving the best available result for your situation.

Get Expert Employment Law Advice in Shellharbour

Do you have any questions about an employment law-related matter?

Get in touch with us today, and one of our experienced team members will get back to you as soon as possible.

Call (02) 4295 8400

Request a Callback

Long Service Leave changes explained: are you meeting the new requirements?

By Alice Laurence, Special Counsel • April 21, 2026

Long Service Leave (LSL) has long been one of the most misunderstood areas of employment compliance in New South Wales. With evolving work arrangements, varying employment types, and inconsistent interpretations over the years, many businesses have faced uncertainty, and in some cases, costly disputes, around employee entitlements. That’s now changing. The NSW Government has released updated Long Service Leave guidance in March 2026 , providing much-needed clarity on how LSL should be calculated, applied, and managed across a wide range of employment scenarios. For employers, this marks a significant shift, and an important opportunity to ensure compliance. What’s changed? The updated guidance provides clearer direction on several key areas, including: Accurate LSL calculations Improved guidance on how to calculate entitlements, particularly for employees with irregular hours, bonuses, or varying pay structures. Pro-rata entitlements More detailed explanations around when employees may be entitled to pro-rata LSL, especially in cases of resignation, redundancy, or termination. Casual and part-time employees Clarification on how continuous service is assessed for non-full-time employees, an area that has historically caused confusion. Service continuity and breaks Updated interpretation of what constitutes “continuous service,” including how gaps, stand-downs, or changes in employment status are treated. Record-keeping obligations Reinforced expectations for employers to maintain accurate, detailed records to support compliance. Why this matters for employers These updates are not just administrative, they carry real risk if misunderstood or ignored. Incorrect LSL calculations or misinterpretation of entitlements can lead to: Employee disputes and claims Back payments and penalties Reputational damage Increased scrutiny from regulators. With clearer rules now in place, there is less room for ambiguity, meaning businesses are expected to get it right. What you should do next If you employ staff in NSW, now is the time to: Review your current LSL policies and calculations Audit employee records and entitlement tracking Ensure payroll systems align with the updated guidance Seek advice where situations are complex (e.g. long-term casuals, variable hours, or employment breaks). Need help navigating the changes? If you’re unsure how the new guidance affects your business, or you want to review your LSL practices, our highly experienced employment law team can help you navigate the changes and ensure you’re fully compliant. Staying proactive now can help you avoid issues later, and give you confidence that your business is meeting its obligations under the updated LSL framework. Contact our employment law team today for understand how we can help you navigate this new law.