Non-Contentious work is the mainstay of our practice. It is when we get to work most closely with our clients, and as extensions to their businesses. We act predominantly (but not exclusively) for employers, including Boards.

This area of law is usually extremely urgent. Turning around prompt, correct and practical advice is crucial. We put a lot of emphasis on crafting and providing strategic, legal and practical advice.

Typically, we provide telephone, in person and written advice on the following legal issues that arise on a daily basis:

Human Resource and Employment Relations issues (HR and ER):

• Drafting and/or reviewing and/or interpreting employment and contractor documentation and procedures, including individual employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, policies and House Rules
• Disciplinary and dismissal procedures
• Restructures, including redundancies, and organizational change
• Medical retirement/incapacity/sickness issues
• Incompatibility issues
• Managed exits
• Workplace stress
• Workplace bullying
• Parental leave
• Discrimination
• Employee Incentive Schemes, including bonus, phantom equity and share schemes
• KiwiSaver and superannuation (as benefits of employment)

Industrial Relations Issues (IR):

• Industrial relations strategies for employers dealing with collective issues, including:
  • collective bargaining
  • collective agreements (bargaining, ratification and drafting)
  • industrial action (strikes, lockouts and pickets)
  • union access issues
• Transfer of “Protected Employees” under Part 6 Employment Relations Act 2000 in circumstances in which undertakings are contracted out

Legislative and policy change

Parliamentary Select Committee submissions and representation