Mr Duffy has 20 years' experience in workplace law.

His practice will predominantly focus on providing employers with advice on employment and industrial relations, WorkCover, workplace investigations, occupational health and safety, and employment practices liability insurance.

He will be working closely with the firm’s corporate and commercial team in the often complex area where there is an intersection of issues between employment and industrial relations, WorkCover or occupational health and safety.

Brian Ward & Partners managing director Philip Gleed said Mr Duffy’s work and reputation as a highly skilled practitioner will make him a valued addition to the firm and its clients.

“My fellow directors, Brian Ward, Sue Phillips, Malcolm Speed and I, are delighted that a highly experienced and well-credentialed senior workplace lawyer like Philip Duffy is joining our company as part of our board’s strategy to expand our expert offering in workplace law for our employer-focused client base,” Mr Gleed said.

“His appointment is also another step forward in implementing our board’s overall strategic plan to position Brian Ward & Partners as a pre-eminent second-generation boutique corporate advisory law firm.”