Gadens

We had a lot of fun celebrating the merger of Gadens and Trinity Law with valued clients and friends of our firms at the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. Gadens and Trinity Law were two ambitious firms with shared values and a shared vision – and we are now on a combined journey to create one of Australia’s leading, independent law firms. One with Australia, Australian communities, Australian businesses and Australian policies at the centre of everything that we do. CEO and Managing Partner Mark Pistilli shared with guests the history of Gadens and our commitment to support our communities across the country from our offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney – and now Canberra – and to help guide our clients and others through an increasingly complex and regulated world. John Irvine, head Partner in our Canberra office, extended his thanks to the Canberra community that has been part of Trinity Law’s journey for the last 20 years. Thank you to Lisbeth Campbell for expertly guiding our guests through the evening. We are excited for what’s to come for Gadens as a national firm. Images: Ben Calvert Photography

The Gadens Workplace and Advisory Disputes team hosted People Professionals Discussion Groups in our Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney offices over the last week. We engaged our clients in in-depth discussions on key workplace trends for 2024, including legislative change, Fair Work Commission activities, likely federal election focus, and the major focus for people managers in 2024 and beyond. The right to disconnect, Respect@Work, psychosocial safety and management of mental health in the workplace, wage compliance and post-employment obligations proved to be the hot topics for most of this year. Each session was vibrant and insightful, led by Partners Jonathon Hadley and Sarah Toohey in Brisbane; Siobhan Mulcahy, Amanda Junkeer, Deivina Peethamparam, George Haros and Will Marshall in Melbourne; and Erin Lynch and Louise Rumble in Sydney. Thank you to our clients for attending and contributing to engaging conversations with us – it was great to share insights around each room. If you require any employment advisory assistance or have queries, please reach out and our team would be happy to discuss how we can support: https://lnkd.in/g9HV_qK9 #EmploymentAdvisory #WorkplaceTrends

Last night, Gadens hosted its annual Property Developers Forum in Melbourne, attracting clients and guests from the Victorian property and development industry. The expert panel of Richard Temlett (Charter Keck Cramer), Victor Istanto (Cbus Property), Paul David (Hutchinson Builders), Jim Serafim (Bank of Melbourne), and Brihony Boan (Gadens) considered the performance of the Victorian development industry in 2024, including identifying what is holding back the market and the opportunities for 2025 and beyond. The lively Q&A session was moderated by Partner, Andrea Towson. Commenting on the event, Andrea said: “The Gadens Property Developers Forum has become a calendar highlight – allowing clients across our Real Estate and Banking Teams to come together and discuss the important issues they are facing across the entire development lifecycle – from acquisition and planning, through to construction and project finance. The last few years have been a very challenging time for Victorian developers – due to a mix of market conditions and a lack of planning and investment certainty. However, the overwhelming mood in the room last night was one of positivity, with the panel concluding that the next 12 to 18 months presents good opportunities and upside – with Victoria having the ability to go from an F to an A”. #Property #Development #Planning #Government #Policy #Housing

In the latest edition of the Queensland Corruption and Integrity Update, Daniel Maroske (Partner), Anna Fanelli (Senior Associate) and Max Drummond (Paralegal) outline various updates issued by the CCC, summarise the highlights from the annual reports of various integrity bodies, and consider recent changes to the operating powers of the Queensland Ombudsman. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gg_2GfNW If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens' updates, click here: https://lnkd.in/gwqNGne #auslaw #corruption

A new building regulator with new powers: the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is set to be abolished and replaced with the Building & Plumbing Commission. The Weir Report found that the VBA has, for several years, failed to effectively regulate the Victorian building industry creating an environment where ‘poor standards of building work and unethical conduct have been allowed to flourish. Adrian Clifford (Partner) and Daniel Mitchell (Lawyer) go through seven case studies. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g4WYX7df #Auslaw If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here: https://lnkd.in/gwqNGne

In the spirit of Gadens ongoing commitment to pro bono, we have proudly partnered with Anika Legal as match giving sponsors for Anika Legal Giving Day on 21 November 2024.   We believe as a law firm, we have a privileged and professional standing that confers a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of our community. Anika Legal is a free online service that helps Victorian renters take control of their living situation. Contributing to this cause enables Anika Legal to continue their important work in supporting our communities – providing free legal support to renters and helping them maintain safe, secure housing. Gadens has committed to matching $10,000 in donations for Anika Legal Giving Day, and we are looking forward to helping Anika Legal reach their target of $100,000. Find out more about the important work of Anika Legal here: https://lnkd.in/gGyvi2wt #Probono #AnikaGivingDay24

Joanne Moss (Partner), David Smith (Consultant) and Josh Firmin (Associate) examine intellectual property issues in trade promotions and provide helpful tips on structuring promotions and prizes. Read the full article in our October 2024 edition of Consumer Express here: https://lnkd.in/g2G44hTB #Auslaw #Consumerlaw #Consumerexpress #FMCGExpress #FMCG #tradepromotions #prize If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here: https://lnkd.in/gwqNGne

In a rare decision, the Fair Work Commission has ordered costs against a paid agent. George Haros (Partner) and Ellie Pitcher-Willmott (Lawyer) examine the significance of this decision for employers considering cost applications. The decision highlights the importance of realistic assessments of claims and provides timely guidance as the Commission advances reforms to raise paid agent standards. Read our full article to explore the case, its potential impacts, and upcoming reforms: https://lnkd.in/gSyzMPTm #Auslaw #FWC If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here: https://lnkd.in/gwqNGne

The Victorian Government recently issued a response confirming its support for an extensive range of recommended reforms to Victorian security of payment legislation. These reforms will impact on payment processes and the adjudication of payment disputes under construction contracts and will be the most significant construction law reform in Victoria for decades. Daniel Middleton (Partner) and Sarah Zampaglione (Senior Associate) have prepared a summary of the top 10 proposed reforms that are likely to impact construction industry participants. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ggR9Cnnk #Auslaw If you found this insight article useful and you would like to subscribe to Gadens’ updates, click here: https://lnkd.in/gwqNGne

We were thrilled to officially open our new Sydney office at 8 Chifley Square with a memorable celebration alongside 200 of our key clients and friends, who had come from all States and Territories around the Country to join us. CEO and Managing Partner Mark Pistilli shared with guests the history of Gadens and our commitment to support those in Sydney and broader NSW as well as our communities all around Australia, helping navigate the increasingly complex and regulated world. Kyah Simon, proud Anaiwan and Biripi woman and a decorated Matilda, shared her journey of building an international career from Sydney. She highlighted the importance of the city and the role of collaboration in successful teams created with people from all different places, with the support of key stakeholders. Something we are trying to emulate here at Gadens in Sydney, to create a national champion Australian law firm. 8 Chifley Square is now home to 150 of our team members, offering a dynamic space that fosters the collaboration we value so highly at Gadens. The building also aligns with Gadens commitment towards achieving net zero by 2030 thanks to its 6-star Green Star rating. Thank you to those who were able to celebrate together with us - we look forward to welcoming more of our clients to our new offices at 8 Chifley Square. Images: KR Photography