The new partner also served as the federal government’s senior industrial relations adviser
A former Fair Work Commission (FWC) vice president has joined Corrs Chambers Westgarth.
Graeme Watson is a renowned specialist in employment and labour law. He has particular expertise in industrial relations and collective labour matters.
He has worked on workplace and industrial relations issues for more than 40 years, having tackled cases related to change management and the development of high-performance workplace cultures. He has advised big-name corporations like Shell, BHP, Caltex and McDonalds, as well as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Mines and Metals Association and the Business Council of Australia.
In addition to his time as FWC VP, Watson worked with the federal government as its senior industrial relations adviser. He also served a term as the Australian Industrial Relations Commission’s vice president.
He was previously a partner during his tenure in private practice.
John Tuck, who heads Corrs’ employment and labour practice, said that Watson joins the firm at a crucial period.
“Many clients are confronting sweeping changes whilst they strive to find new productive ways of working. It is very exciting to have Australia’s leading adviser in this area joining Corrs at such an important time,” Tuck said.
He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has had organisations rethinking the way they work.
“As organisations begin the recovery process post-COVID-19, they are thinking more strategically about their business needs and models. The crisis has challenged existing practices and accelerated trends in remote work, AI and automation,” Tuck said.
Corrs CEO Gavin MacLaren said that Watson’s addition to the partnership continues the firm’s trend of “delivering exceptional strategic advice to our clients on their most critical challenges.”
“Not only will Graeme further strengthen our employment and labour team but he will work with leading Australian businesses on their most pressing operational issues,” MacLaren said.
Watson’s appointment is subject to the Victorian Legal Services Board’s approval.
