Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said the Canberra office frequently handled procurement matters that involved workplace relations matters associated with commercial and administrative law.

“There is a commonality between the procedural fairness issues which are raised in an employment context and in an administrative law context,” Mr Nerurker said.

Andrew Klein will launch the firm’s new practice and join the firm as a partner from January next year. The workplace relations specialist and former Russell Kennedy principal will be joined by senior associate Stephen White and a paralegal.

A statement from Mills Oakley said that Mr Klein’s clients have included government departments at Commonwealth and state levels. Among them are the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the ACT Health Directorate, the ACT Chief Minister, the Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, and the NSW Ministry of Health.

The firm also noted that Mr Klein was experienced in complex and sensitive workplace investigations.

“Andrew will be an excellent fit for Mills Oakley,” Mr Nerurker said.

Mr Klein has previously worked with DLA Piper and Clayton Utz, as well as an in-house lawyer for a number of Commonwealth agencies.

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“The issues he provides advice on include the reduction and management of workplace health and safety risks, unfair dismissal and adverse action claims, discrimination claims and workers’ compensation claims,” Mills Oakley said.

According to Mr Klein, the firm’s Canberra office has improved since first opening in 2014. He described Mills Oakley as a “positive agent of change in the market”. 

“I have observed Mills Oakley go from strength to strength in Canberra since launching in 2014,” Mr Klein said.

“It is great to now be part of that story and to help deliver a full service offering for our Canberra clients.”