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Maurice Blackburn names new head of employment law in Qld
National plaintiff firm has appointed a former 30 Under 30 winner as the new state head of its employment law practice in Queensland, taking over from Giri Sivaraman, who was recently appointed Australia’s race discrimination commissioner.
Jerome Doraisamy
Last month, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus announced the appointment of Maurice Blackburn principal Giridharan Sivaraman as the new race discrimination commissioner.
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He commences in the role today (4 March), filling the vacancy resulting from the conclusion of the term of the current commissioner, Chin Tan.
Assuming Sivaraman’s role as head of employment law in Queensland will be principal Patrick Turner (pictured), who won the workplace relations, employment and safety category at the 30 Under 30 Awards in 2017.
In his new role, Turner will continue to work closely with unions to ensure workers’ rights are protected and enforced, the firm said in a statement.
The news also follows Maurice Blackburn’s recent promotion of 24 lawyers to more senior roles in December.
Speaking about his new role, Turner said: “We have built a reputation for excellence representing unions and workers in Queensland through hard work and tenacious advocacy.
“I am proud to lead a team with a strong legacy and a bright future. It is a privilege to work with the mighty union movement in Queensland.”
“When people are dismissed, discriminated against, bullied or otherwise mistreated in the course of their employment, this can pose a serious threat to their financial state and mental health,” Turner continued.
“At Maurice Blackburn, we practise employment law to fight for those who have suffered wrongs and who most need an advocate.”
The firm noted that Turner has represented hundreds of employees since joining Maurice Blackburn and has recovered millions for wronged workers, including recovering nearly $6 million for underpaid 7-Eleven workers who had been systematically exploited.
