SOPHIE WILLIAMS
Adelaide,SA
Summary
Dedicated lawyer and industrial relations specialist with a passion for providing pragmatic, logical and timely advice. I have acquired excellent interpersonal skills including written and verbal communication and the ability to work well under pressure through my extensive study, work, extra-curricular and volunteering history. I look forward to joining the Advice Team at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lawyer
Fair Work Ombudsman
11.2023 - Current
- Analysis of referrals for civil penalty litigation matters, including detailed consideration of Compliance Notices including any breaches of law in their issuance and contents.
- Detailed analysis of appropriate award and classification, interpretation of Award and Act provisions. Reviewing Evidence and "reasonable belief" to assess prospects of successfully litigating referred matters.
- Fulfilling role of "Lawyer with Carriage" for multiple matters, working closely with Senior and Principal Lawyers to consider and enact strategy for each individual matter.
- Drafting a wide range of Court documents including affidavits, statements of claim and submissions.
- Researching legal matters and providing legal advice relating to the Fair Work Ombudsman's functions, investigations and enforcement activities.
- Representing the Fair Work Ombudsman in the Federal Court for hearings.
- Creating and maintaining working relationships with Compliance and Enforcement, and Legal team members based around Australia.
- Working with a broad cross-section of stakeholders across a range of sectors, including the legal profession, Courts and the wider public sector
Senior Industrial Relations Advisor
Australian Federal Police
07.2022 - 11.2023
- Providing written and verbal advice on industrial relations matters for relevant stakeholders including Executive Level Employees and Commanders, legal, human resources, recruitment, payroll and Unions.
- Interpreting and providing advice on the Fair Work Act, Long Service Leave Act(s) and Maternity Leave Act.
- Interpreting and providing advice on the application of AFP Policies, Commissioners Orders, National Guidelines and Enterprise Agreements.
- Instructing lawyers in cases in the Fair Work Commission, Federal Circuit Court and Federal Court.
- Attending cases with the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court to provide advice on the AFP's position.
- Providing advice on the application of pay and entitlements, including access to Superannuation, Long Service Leave and other leave.
- Liaising and running the dispute resolution process, including analysis of the dispute's details, consideration of relevant policy and legislation, and making a recommendation to the relevant Delegate.
- Assisting with Industrial Relations response for AFP Freedom of Information requests.
- Mentoring junior Industrial Relations advisors and team members.
- Drafting and researching briefs and Executive Level Strategic Papers for Senior Leadership.
- Leading the facilitation of the AFP's COVID-19 adherence processes.
- Creating and maintaining working relationships with uniformed functional Commanders around Australia.
- Providing advice on strategic and sensitive incident management.
- Participate in the Assessment and Screening of Uniformed (Sworn) Candidates, and participation on recruitment panels.
Industrial Relations Consultant
Mapien
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Provided written and verbal advice on Industrial Relations problems such as employee grievances, pay, redundancy, long service leave, superannuation, appropriate modern award, enterprise bargaining, and Fair Work Commission disputes.
- Provided written and verbal advice to a wide range of clientele including local government, state government and private industry.
- Drafting of Commission documents and appearing in the Fair Work Commission representing employers.
- Legal research - interpreting relevant legislation, modern awards, enterprise agreements, policy and procedures to provide advice.
- Conducted or assisted with Workplace Investigations - drafting terms of reference, conducting interviews, drafting reports and providing recommendations to Senior Leadership.
- Consulted on and drafted policy and procedures.
- Assisted in Enterprise Bargaining.
- Provided advice to Business Leaders to assist with dispute resolution.
- Mentored Legal graduates.
Supervisor - Hospitality
Accor Hotels
02.2018 - 08.2019
- Supervised 20 staff over 2 bars in the Pullman Hotel, Brisbane.
- Designed and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Paralegal
Shuttleworth Legal
01.2018 - 02.2018
- Assisted solicitors with drafting and editing documents.
- Drafted client correspondence.
- Liaised with other Solicitors, the court and third parties through email and telephone.
- Administrative duties.
Paralegal
KLP Family Law
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Drafted legal documents including Wills, Affidavit's, Minutes of Consent, Application for Consent Orders and Initiating Applications.
- Drafted subpoenas, Notice of Risk and QCAT Applications.
- Drafted client correspondence.
- Liaised with other Solicitors, the court and third parties through email and telephone.
- Administrative duties - transcription, file management, filing documents at court, archiving processes.
Education
Masters of Employment And Labour Law - Law
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC12.2024
Admitted To The Legal Profession -
Supreme Court of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW2018
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Brisbane, QLD2018
Bachelor of Laws -
University of New England
Armidale, NSW2018
Bachelor of International Relations -
Australian National University
Canberra, ACT2016
Skills
- Legal Research and Interpretation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Advanced Computer skills
- Analysis and Interpretation
- Written Communication
- Time Management
Additional Information
- National Emergency Medal issued by the Australian Government for service during Cyclone Debbie.
- AFP Citation for work associated with Operation Protect.
Community Contribution
State Emergency Service
Queensland (2016 - 2020)
New South Wales (2023)
Queensland Rural Fire Service (2016 - 2020)
Labrador Rescue (2013 - 2020)
National Coordinator
Timeline
Lawyer
Fair Work Ombudsman
11.2023 - Current
Senior Industrial Relations Advisor
Australian Federal Police
07.2022 - 11.2023
Industrial Relations Consultant
Mapien
08.2019 - 06.2022
Supervisor - Hospitality
Accor Hotels
02.2018 - 08.2019
Paralegal
Shuttleworth Legal
01.2018 - 02.2018
Paralegal
KLP Family Law
01.2017 - 01.2018
Masters of Employment And Labour Law - Law
University of Melbourne
Admitted To The Legal Profession -
Supreme Court of New South Wales
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice -
College of Law
Bachelor of Laws -
University of New England
Bachelor of International Relations -
Australian National University
Similar Profiles
Elijah RoffaellElijah Roffaell
Fair Work Adviser at Fair Work OmbudsmanFair Work Adviser at Fair Work Ombudsman
Harinder SinghHarinder Singh
Construction Framer at Fair Work ConstructionConstruction Framer at Fair Work Construction
Yang LIUYang LIU
Project Officer at Enabling Services, Fair Work CommissionProject Officer at Enabling Services, Fair Work Commission