Years Experience
Cases Dismissed
Employment law firm
Henry Bournes is an incorporated legal practice established in 2025. We are based in Melbourne but take enquiries from across Australia.
The firm is named after Henry Bournes Higgins (H.B. Higgins), who is remembered for his progressive and fair approach to industrial relations.
Henry Bournes was established to help people. We believe that all people have a right to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.
We are committed to providing accessible, practical, and high-quality legal advice while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
If you are an employee experiencing difficulty at work, or if you are an employer struggling to understand your obligations, please make an appointment.
Employment law services
We can offer advice and assistance on any matter relating to your employment under the heading for Employees.
For employees
We can offer advice and assistance on any matter relating to your employment
For employees
We can offer advice and assistance on any matter relating to your employment
- Unfair dismissal
- General protections
- Redundancy
- Discrimination
- Performance management
- Misconduct and discipline
- Deeds of release
- Contract reviews
- Agreement and award interpretation
- Underpayments
- Fitness for duty
- Bullying and harassment
For employers
- Review and draft employment contracts
- Review and draft employment policies
- Award and agreement interpretation
- Wage compliance and audits
- General HR and employment law advice
- Mediations
Why choose us?
- You like our approach: We take a common sense approach to employment disputes, and will always encourage alternative dispute resolution over litigation. If this sounds like you, make an appointment.
- Access to experienced lawyers: There are many non-lawyer advocates working in this space. When it comes to legal rights and obligations, we believe it’s better to get advice from a practising lawyer. Lawyers are highly regulated, and have strict professional and ethical obligations that are for your benefit. We also practise exclusively in employment law so your matter will be handled by a subject matter expert.
- Fair fee structure: Due to our low operating costs, our fees are lower than many comparable law firms, and for many matters we offer a simple fixed-fee arrangement.
Industry Recognition
What Clients Say
Honest feedback from employees we’ve helped through difficult workplace challenges.
Expert guidance to help you navigate complex employment issues.
“Henry made a stressful workplace issue feel manageable.”
“I came to Henry feeling overwhelmed and unsure of my rights. He explained everything clearly, guided me through each step, and helped me reach a fair resolution with my employer. I felt supported the entire time.”
William Tyler
“Professional, honest, and incredibly effective.”
“Henry provided straightforward advice that immediately gave me confidence. His strategic approach led to an outcome far better than I expected. I highly recommend him to anyone facing workplace problems.”
Samantha Lee
“The best decision I made during a difficult time.”
“When my employer unfairly terminated me, Henry fought for my rights and made sure I was treated fairly. He listened, understood my situation, and delivered results. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Michelle Amthyp
Articles
Can your employer force you back to the office?
Can your employer make you return to the office? In many cases, yes. An employer may be able to direct an employee to return to
Long-term sick employees and termination of employment
Half of all Australians live with a chronic disease. This can create a complex intersection with employment. Naturally, people battling a permanent or temporary condition
My employer referred me for a medical assessment
If you have been referred for a medical assessment in relation to your fitness for work (often called an ‘Independent Medical Examination’ or ‘IME’), you
Fair Work Commission considers a work-from-home request in Karlene Chandler v Westpac Banking Corporation [2025] FWC 3115
A recent decision provides some guidance as to how the Fair Work Commission may deal with flexible working arrangement requests under its new arbitral powers.
The full impact of section 323 of the Fair Work Act is yet to be realised
A seemingly small and simple section of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) is having a big impact.
Changes coming for non-compete clauses
The federal government has announced that non-compete clauses for employees earning below the high-income threshold will be banned from 2027.
Get in touch for a free 30-minute initial consultation
Do you have a question? Or do you seek a contract or deed review? Please use the form below: