Phillips boasts extensive experience in all facets of employment, discrimination and industrial law, particularly in relation to individual and collective employment agreements and occupational health and safety laws. He joins Middletons as national practice group leader for the workplace relations team.

“[Phillips] is a market leader in workplace relations legal work,” Middletons’ managing partner, Nick Nichola said. “In particular, his reputation in occupational health and safety has been forged in some of the toughest industries in Australia.

With more than 20 years’ experience in industrial relations, Middletons said Phillips is one of the few lawyers who both defends and prosecutes matters under occupational health and safety legislation. He has extensive experience in OHS matters in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

“He acts for a number of the largest construction firms in Australia and his appointment continues our growth in key practice areas consistent with our strategic objectives,” Nichola said. “[Phillips] is a great fit with our existing workplace relations team in both Sydney and Melbourne and we are delighted he accepted our offer to join Middletons.”

Phillips said the industrial laws in Australia are becoming more nationally focused. “However, joining Middletons for me was not only about moving to a firm with a national focus to its workplace relations , but importantly it was about joining a firm that is generally on the move and growing,” he said.

“I think the new brand strategy for Middletons demonstrates it is a very progressive law firm and I am pleased to be a part of what I think will be an exciting time for the firm, which will include the significant growth of our workplace relations practice.”