Former Clayton Utz partner Bruce Heddle has been appointed as partner in the employment, safety and people team at Maddocks.

With more than 20 years' experience in employment and workplace relations law, Heddle has managed large disputes and has a strong background in occupational health and safety and discrimination law. As a partner at Clayton Utz, and earlier at Minter Ellison, he advised many of Australia's largest companies on senior executive appointments and terminations.

According to a statement released by Maddocks, the firm now has a team of five partners and almost 20 lawyers practicing in industrial relations, occupational health and safety and discrimination law, with several new appointments anticipated in the coming months.