ChrisGardner

Partner

Chris partners with leading employers on the engagements that matter to them, drawing on his considerable expertise in workplace change forged in the toughest environments.


More About Chris

For more than 20 years, Chris has advised some of Australia's leading employers on workplace strategy, complex human resources issues and high-stakes litigation.

Chris loves the engagements that really matter for clients, working with business leaders who can best take advantage of his experience. For Chris, workplace law is his expertise, but helping businesses achieve their goals is his passion.

His considerable expertise in workplace change has been forged in the toughest of environments, including stevedoring, construction, road transport, and rail.

He has assisted countless employers involved in challenging bargaining negotiations and disputes aiming to deliver pragmatic and solution-orientated advice. The legal context is only one part of the puzzle when balancing strategy and risk. Chris is passionate about helping employers get the results they deserve.

Chris has recently helped employers with:

  • The implications of introducing automated technology in traditional blue-collar environments
  • Developing leading-edge enterprise bargaining agreements
  • Limiting the downside of difficult enterprise bargaining negotiations
  • A move from traditional to more progressive workplace outcomes
  • The defence of litigation aimed at preventing operations 
  • Proactive litigation aimed at restoring business operations

Chris has been at the forefront of developing the Seyfarth Workplace Bargaining Toolkit, providing clients with a holistic analysis of their negotiation position and the capacity to improve it.

Chris is regularly seen in the press, with features in Boss Magazine, the Australian Financial Review Magazine, and Qantas Q Radio. His views are often sought by leading journalists covering workplace issues.



Our Australian practice operates as Seyfarth Shaw Australia, an unincorporated legal practice. Legal services provided by Seyfarth Shaw Australia are provided only by the Australian legal practitioner partners and employees of Seyfarth Shaw Australia.

  • LLB, Monash University
  • BEc, Monash University
  • An Australian legal practitioner admitted in Victoria

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