Matthew Sankey
South Perth
Summary
Graduating with the Juris Doctor from the University of Western Australia in 2020, a passion for Employment and Industrial Relations drew me into the industry. Admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of Western Australia in November 2022. Passionate about providing clients the right blend of advice that promotes the balance between risk and pragmatism so vital within the employment sphere.
Currently working under a strong team, all of whom have been recognised as Recommended Lawyers in the Australian Legal 500 Rankings for both Labour and Employment and Workplace Health and Safety. The time at Piper Alderman has been used to develop skills to work with employers and organisations and provide timely solutions on front-end advisory issues, as well as gaining unparalleled experience assisting in both the prosecution and defence of regulatory work health and safety prosecutions. In addition to the full spectrum of employment law issues and work health and safety matters, I have strong experience and interest in commercial contract review and unfair contract terms.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lawyer
Piper Alderman
02.2022 - Current
- Provided timely and pragmatic advice on a range of employment law issues, including assisting businesses navigate recent legislative changes
- Involved in several work health and safety regulatory prosecutions, including assisting clients at all stages of the regulatory process, from boots on the ground at the initial incident, aiding in employee preparation for Worksafe interviews, and providing advice outcomes
- Conducted thorough review of commercial contract terms and negotiated such contracts on client's behalf
- Assisted in negotiating settlements for clients within the Fair Work Commission and the WAIRC
- Mentored junior graduates on effective legal writing techniques and courtroom presentation skills, fostering professional growth within the firm
- Built and maintained individual relationships with clients, including undertaking the responsibility of being first contact within the firm
Graduate Consultant (ER/IR)
Mapien
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Independently conducted investigations into discrimination, sexual harassment and other workplace claims
- Interpreted and advised on labor relations policies and previously negotiated agreements
- Negotiated and oversaw enterprise bargaining agreements through to lodgement
- Assessed impact of union proposals on company and government operations
- Conducted right of entry procedures and union accompaniment for clients.
- Worked on secondment for clients providing legal and HR advisory support from the ground level
- Provided research and advice for senior team members in support of matters before the Fair Work Commission within WA, QLD, and NSW
Legal Clerk
Carter Dickens Lawyers
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Created highly researched and articulate legal paperwork such as pleadings, contracts and briefs
- Kept up-to-date on case progress by frequently reviewing records.
- Investigated facts and law of cases, using pertinent sources to determine causes of action and to prepare cases
- Provided key administrative assistance to senior management
- Adhered to privacy laws to avert possible information breaches and protect client data
- Performed administrative tasks, including revising and finalizing letters, briefs and memos
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion
Senior Swim Coach
Beatty Park Leisure Centre
02.2013 - 04.2020
- Learned and maintained proficiency in first responder skills such as
First Aid and CPR to offer individuals in distress optimal support - Provided lessons to special needs students with a wide range of
conditions, requiring flexible teaching techniques while encouraging
class integration - Implemented and optimised new curriculum and day-to-day instruction to align educational strategies with industry best practices
Intern: Industrial Officer
United Voice
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Interacted with members to understand requirements and provide exceptional legal assistance
- Conducted legal research and assembled case materials for cases by organising, summarising and collecting documents, information and evidence
- Created and prepared legal drafts by organising and assembling information for legal documents and forms
- Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
Education
J.D. - Juris Doctor
University Of Western Australia
Perth WA11.2020
Bachelor of Arts Undergraduate -
University of Western Australia
Perth WA07.2016
High School Diploma -
Wesley College
Perth WA11.2012
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent legal research skills
- Excel proficiency
- Legal drafting
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Fair Work Commission Advocacy
- Commercial Contract Review
- Workplace Investigations
- Enterprise Agreement Bargaining
- Human resources procedures
- First aid and CPR instruction
Accomplishments
- Represented club and state at Australian National Swim Championships, 2009-14
- Bronze Medallist Australian National Swim Championships 2009
- Rottnest Channel Swim 2014 / 2016 / 2022 (Skipper 2024)
Certification
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia (Nov. 2022)
- Qualified Swim Instructor
- Bronze Medallion Certified by Royal Life Saving Australia
- Certified Senior First Aid
- Qualified and Accredited Pool Lifeguard Royal Life Saving Australia
- Certification for the 'Responsible Service of Alcohol'
- Recreational Skippers Ticket
- Australian Drivers License (Manual)
References
- Conor Fahey: Legal Practice Director, PSL Legal Contact: Mob: 0406 661 544
- Benjamin Dickens: Partner, Carter Dickens Lawyers Contact: info@cdlawyers.com.au Phone 08 9408 5212
- Belinda Honey: Executive Director & Chair, Mapien Contact: bhoney@mapien.com.au Mob: 0438 992 483
- Bev Christmass: Swim School Coordinator, Beatty Park Leisure Centre Contact: bev.christmass@vincent.wa.gov.au Phone: (08) 9273 6080 Mob: 0413 552 863
- Jay Raja: (Formerly) Industrial Officer, United Workers Union Contact: Mob: 0430 067 150
Timeline
Lawyer
Piper Alderman
02.2022 - Current
Graduate Consultant (ER/IR)
Mapien
01.2021 - 01.2022
Legal Clerk
Carter Dickens Lawyers
08.2020 - 01.2021
Intern: Industrial Officer
United Voice
08.2019 - 11.2019
Senior Swim Coach
Beatty Park Leisure Centre
02.2013 - 04.2020
J.D. - Juris Doctor
University Of Western Australia
Bachelor of Arts Undergraduate -
University of Western Australia
High School Diploma -
Wesley College