RachelBernasconi

Partner

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Rachel takes a lead role advising Australia's foremost companies in their high-stakes employment matters and industrial disputes.


More About Rachel

Rachel's practice focuses on employment, labour law, and discrimination matters. She works closely with large organisations, in relation to both blue-collar and white-collar workforces, to find solutions that meet their strategic aims whilst minimising their employment law risks. 

Rachel has also worked closely with large corporate and government business enterprises to:

  • Defend employment litigation in numerous Australian jurisdictions
  • Reduce industrial and legal risks associated with major business restructuring
  • Develop and implement strategic industrial arrangements and collective bargaining strategies
  • Manage and resolve complex industrial disputes and deal with industrial action
  • Manage discrimination and sexual harassment complaints and proceedings

Most recently, Rachel has assisted a large corporate client navigate a difficult change management process including defending litigation by unions; secured a termination of protected industrial action by Fair Work Commission on safety grounds; and successfully pursued former employees for breaches of post-employment obligations.

Rachel’s clients have described her as “magnificent: highly pragmatic and very commercial,” “an excellent lawyer who gives digestible advice in a practical and structured form,” and “a real standout lawyer." Rachel is recognised for employment law by Chambers and Partners (2013-2021), Doyle's Guide (2012, 2014-2021), and Best Lawyers (Woodward/White Inc.) (2013-2022).

Rachel has completed courses in strategy, management and negotiation at Harvard University.



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, University of Sydney
  • BCom, University of Sydney
  • An Australian legal practitioner admitted in New South Wales