Martin O’Connor
Partner
"Changes in the employment area can leave employers unsure about their obligations. I help them understand their options and provide a practical and commercial perspective so they can make decisions for their business."
Martin’s practice focuses on employment law matters and disputes.
He advises and assists employers in managing employment and associated relationships with both staff and senior executives. His advisory practice extends from contracting through disciplinary issues, workplace investigations, terminations and post-employment issues.
He brings over 30 years’ experience conducting major and complex litigation and dispute resolution matters to his employment disputes practice. He acts for clients in arbitrations and matters before courts and tribunals including the Fair Work Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Clients also seek Martin’s advice on issues affecting their workplaces, including obligations and compliance with respect to workplace health and safety laws.
Clients value his deep experience and pragmatic commercial perspective. They value the negotiation and dispute resolution skills that have seen him recognised as a leading Australian practitioner in publications such as “Best Lawyers in Australia™” in the specialties of litigation and labour and employment law.
Arbitration and subsequent Federal Court of Australia proceedings — acted for a company against former independent contractors in respect of their breach of their post-termination restraints.
Australian Human Rights Commission and New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Board — acted for various employers in proceedings commenced by employees alleging discrimination in the workplace.
District Court of New South Wales — acted for companies in investigations and prosecutions under the Work Health & Safety Act 2011.
Fair Work Commission — acted for various employers in numerous unfair dismissal proceedings under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Federal Circuit Court of Australia — acted for various employers in numerous adverse action claims under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
Federal Court of Australia — acted for an employee in successfully opposing an injunction seeking to restrain him from working for a competing business.
Federal Court of Australia — acted for a company against a former employee with respect to the mis-use of the company's confidential client information.
Supreme Court of New South Wales — acted in proceedings for employers and employees in relation to the enforcement and opposing enforcement of post-termination restraints.
Recognition
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Labour and Employment Law — 2013 - 2025
Best Lawyers in Australia™ — Litigation — 2013 - 2025
Committees and memberships
Member, Intellectual Property Society of Australia and New Zealand
Member, Society of Notaries of NSW, Inc
Industries
Energy & Resources
Entertainment
Gambling
Infrastructure
Professional Services
Qualifications
BLegS, Macquarie University