Jennifer Patterson

|Partner

Jen has particular expertise in advising schools on all aspects of employment law, as well as discrimination issues regarding students and staff, safety and duty of care issues and dealing with child protection allegations. She has acted for the Association of Independent Schools in NSW for more than 15 years, and also advises numerous English language colleges. Jen was the lead adviser to the Association of Independent Schools in NSW on industrial strategy for its member schools following the two most recent and substantial legislative reforms. Her advice included assisting in the development of a new model for remuneration and progression based on achievement of professional standards.

Jen provides a holistic approach to her client's employment related needs – working with them to achieve integrated and consistent contracts of employment, policies, industrial instruments and training. She provides both strategic advice about employment related issues as well as providing a sounding board, safety net and extra pair of hands for her clients' HR teams as they manage their strategic and day to day challenges. Jen has particular expertise in providing guidance and support in relation to performance management, handling difficult grievances and dealing with termination of employment, including litigation. Jen has guided her clients through major restructures and sales and purchases of business. Jen is an experienced and effective litigator.

Jen is one of Australia’s leading discrimination lawyers. She advises on, and conducts investigations into, allegations of discrimination, harassment and bullying and represents employers in discrimination proceedings in state and federal courts and tribunals. Jen works in partnership with the client to address these matters – practically and effectively resolving situations where appropriate, litigating vigorously where necessary and ensuring that the client is provided with advice and guidance about lessons learned to avoid issues in the future. Jen also works with Boards and senior management teams to provide them with the tools to proactively manage these difficult issues.

Jen also advises on non-employment discrimination complaints related to the provision of goods and services and access to premises, for example access to transport services for passengers with disabilities and enrolment of students with special needs.

Jen acts for and advises a range of public sector employers across the full breadth of employment and industrial law issues. Jen understands the regulatory considerations and additional layers of policy which impact on public sector agencies when dealing with employment matters.

Jen has more than 15 years' experience in industrial relations strategy, negotiations and disputes. Jen takes a pragmatic rather than an ideological approach to industrial relations – achieving great outcomes for clients, usually without industrial action and focussed on maintaining the client's working relationship with its employees and their representatives. In addition to her many high profile media sector negotiations, Jen advises the Association of Independent Schools of NSW on industrial strategy, including in the context of their shift to the federal jurisdiction.

Jen is an experienced and highly regarded employment lawyer. She works in partnership with clients to positively and effectively manage business critical industrial relations, human resources, discrimination and employment issues.

Jen works with both public and private employers across a diverse range of industries including media, construction, transport, retail, manufacturing, finance, IT and education. Jen has an extraordinary practice in the media and entertainment sector including television, radio, digital media, film and television production and publishing, where her clients include ACP Magazines, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Austereo, Fairfax Media, Network Ten, the Nine Entertainment Co., Pacific Magazines, SBS and Seven Media.

Jen advises her media clients on all employment and industrial issues and has a deep understanding of sector. Jen has assisted clients to navigate their way through collective bargaining in the context of an evolving media environment and changing legal framework.

Jen is particularly sought after for her skill in dealing with highly sensitive discrimination, harassment, bullying and general grievance matters – often involving senior staff and reputation critical issues. Jen works in partnership with the client to address these matters – practically and effectively resolving situations where appropriate, litigating vigorously where necessary and ensuring that the client is provided with advice and guidance about lessons learned to avoid issues in the future. Jen also works with Boards and senior management teams to provide them with the tools to proactively manage these difficult issues. Jen is a preeminent trainer in this area.

In addition to Jen's media clients, some of her other clients include the Association of Independent Schools NSW, Australand, the Australian Olympic Committee, Clarendon Homes, David Jones, Google, Oakton, Qantas, the RTA, Sara Lee and Yahoo!7.

With a sound knowledge of OH&S laws and regulations, Jen works with clients to ensure compliance, prevent or reduce the risk of incidents occurring and respond proactively if an incident does occur. Jen’s work with construction and transport clients, including Qantas, involves: ensuring OH&S compliance is maintained in relation to contractor management; training and advising on preventative measures to avoid incidents; conducting internal investigatons; and dealing with investigations by WorkCover. Jen has also acted for a number of large employers in relation to industrial accidents resulting in deaths and serious injury, including representation in prosecutions and a coronial inquest.