“COVID-19 has meant that employment and IR issues have never been more complex,” the firm says
EY Law has brought in an employment specialist to bolster its partnership in Australia.
Sarah Ralph joined the firm effective Monday, bringing to the table her expertise in employment and IR. She has handled matters involving employment compliance, employment termination, redundancy and restructuring, as well as sensitive executive employment, governance and board issues.
She has conducted workplace and whistle-blower investigations, and worked on cases related to employee fraud and corruption. She has advised on employment-related due diligence and insourcing and outsourcing matters; moreover, she has managed employment claims and litigation.
Ralph’s experience extends to industrial relations strategy, including industrial disputes and enterprise agreements, and investigations and prosecutions involving the Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Building Constructions Commission. She has worked with a number of major firms, as well as with the state government of Victoria.
Her appointment will help boost EY’s growing employment law practice at a time when employment and IR issues are particularly complex, the firm said.
“COVID-19 has meant that employment and IR issues have never been more complex, so we are very pleased that Sarah will be able to offer her excellent specialist knowledge, experience and expertise to our clients at this time,” said EY Law Oceania law leader Kirsty Keating.
She said that the firm’s employment lawyers have “never been busier, teaming with EY’s strong people advisory, forensics and transactions teams to deliver all aspects of employment law services to EY’s clients.”
Ralph said that EY’s wide range of specialist areas was a significant draw for her.
“Clients are looking for comprehensive solutions to their unique issues. Clients want advisers that take the time to understand their needs and risks and who can deliver pragmatic outcomes. I am excited to join EY, where I will be part of an integrated team of professionals from across different areas of expertise, providing advice and support on the issues that affect businesses,” she said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with expert teams and to access world leading specialist skills and experience across EY in this very challenging and complex environment.”
Ralph said that EY’s ability to provide support across various business areas differentiates its offering from that of traditional firms.
“My approach has always been to understand the client's business and their risks, and to provide forward looking solutions that navigate the many complexities of employment law. With the depth of knowledge and skills of EY globally, clients have unrivalled access to support across EY's business areas, that traditional law firms simply cannot provide. I am very excited to be a part of the EY offering,” she said.
