RachelBernasconi
Partner
International Employment Law
rbernasconi@seyfarth.com
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.
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
Related Services
Related Regions
Blogs
Related News & Insights
-
Blog Post
Mar 6, 2024
International Women’s Day 2024: Pay gaps, the law of averages and accelerating progress
-
Blog Post
Mar 4, 2024
The next ten years: Seyfarth’s partners discuss the future of employment and workplace safety law in Australia
-
Blog Post
Feb 28, 2024
A decade in Australia: Seyfarth’s partners reflect on changes in employment and workplace safety law
-
Recognition
12/05/2023
Seyfarth Named a 2023 IEL Elite Firm by International Employment Lawyer
- Recognised in International Employment Lawyer Global Elite (2022- 2023)
- Recognised in Chambers Asia Pacific for Employment (2009-2024), rated Band 3 since 2021
- Recognised by Best Lawyers Australia for Labour & Employment Law (2013-2024)
- Awarded Lawyer of the Year, Labour & Employment Law, Sydney by Best Lawyers Australia (2022)
- Recognised by Doyle’s Guide (2018-2024), rated Recommended since 2023
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Co-Author, “International Women’s Day 2024: Pay gaps, the law of averages and accelerating progress,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2024)
- Co-Author, “The next ten years: Seyfarth’s partners discuss the future of employment and workplace safety law in Australia,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 5, 2024)
- Co-Author, “A decade in Australia: Seyfarth’s partners reflect on changes in employment and workplace safety law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 29, 2024)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 4)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 3)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 2)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 1)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, "International Women's Day - Insights for leading employers on how they can #EmbraceEquity in the workplace," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 8, 2023)
- Co-Author, "Modern Slavery Reporting in Australia: What Businesses Ought to Know," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 1, 2022)
- Co-Author, “When good intentions fail: Is your D&I policy inadvertently unlawful?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 20, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 4 – what’s next for Australian businesses?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 23, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 3 – what can Australian businesses learn?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 22, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 2 – what leading businesses are doing to meet their obligations,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 21, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 1 – introduction,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 20, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Insights for employers and aspiring professionals on how to #BreakTheBias,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Caring for working carers,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, “5 years on – in human resources, industrial relations and workplace health and safety law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 12, 2018)
- Author, “Australia’s landmark Modern Slavery Act passes into law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 29, 2018)
- Author, “Workplace gender equality – a sad state of affairs,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 15, 2018)
- Co-Author, “Unlimited annual leave gathers momentum,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 9, 2018)
- Author, “A glimpse into a future Labor government IR agenda?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 20, 2018)
- Co-Author, “New transparency: using collaboration and technology to address modern slavery,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 30, 2018)
- Author, “Modern Slavery Bill 2018: An Action Plan,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 28, 2018)
- Author, “NSW passes Modern Slavery legislation – key obligations for businesses,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 22, 2018)
- Author, “2018 Future Enterprise Survey – the opportunities and challenges,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 29, 2018)
- Co-Author, “Has the “outer limit” contract reached its expiry date?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 21, 2018)
- Co-Author, “A Modern Slavery Act for Australia,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 18, 2017)
- Co-Author, “Are your employees texting? Risks to employers taking workplace communications offline,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 10, 2017)
- Co-Author, “LinkedIn – in whose professional interest?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 22, 2017)
- Author, “Managing personal admin during working hours: is it too late now to say sorry?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 7, 2016)
- Author, “Pokémon NO: New app creates risks for employers,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 20, 2016)
- Author, “Managing absenteeism: a collaborative approach,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 19, 2016)
- Co-Author, “Learning from a competitive aviation industry,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 18, 2015)
- Co-Author, “HR Now. More Big Issues…,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 23, 2015)
- Co-Author, “Director dashboard – is no news good news?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 1, 2015)
- Co-Author, “HR Now. The Big Issues.,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 12, 2015)
- Author, "The Future of Gender Diversity Reporting Requirements," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 14, 2014)
- Co-Author, “Another round of modern award reviews coming in 2014,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 6, 2014)
- Author, “Superannuation award changes afoot,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 17, 2014)
- Co-Presenter, "Asia-Pacific Reductions in Force: Ten Things to Look Out for," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 13, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "The Future of the World of Work—Legal Implications, Issues, and Leadership Opportunities," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 13, 2021)
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.
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
Related Services
Related Regions
Blogs
Related News & Insights
-
Blog Post
Mar 6, 2024
International Women’s Day 2024: Pay gaps, the law of averages and accelerating progress
-
Blog Post
Mar 4, 2024
The next ten years: Seyfarth’s partners discuss the future of employment and workplace safety law in Australia
-
Blog Post
Feb 28, 2024
A decade in Australia: Seyfarth’s partners reflect on changes in employment and workplace safety law
-
Recognition
12/05/2023
Seyfarth Named a 2023 IEL Elite Firm by International Employment Lawyer
- Recognised in International Employment Lawyer Global Elite (2022- 2023)
- Recognised in Chambers Asia Pacific for Employment (2009-2024), rated Band 3 since 2021
- Recognised by Best Lawyers Australia for Labour & Employment Law (2013-2024)
- Awarded Lawyer of the Year, Labour & Employment Law, Sydney by Best Lawyers Australia (2022)
- Recognised by Doyle’s Guide (2018-2024), rated Recommended since 2023
- Law Society of New South Wales
- Co-Author, “International Women’s Day 2024: Pay gaps, the law of averages and accelerating progress,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2024)
- Co-Author, “The next ten years: Seyfarth’s partners discuss the future of employment and workplace safety law in Australia,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 5, 2024)
- Co-Author, “A decade in Australia: Seyfarth’s partners reflect on changes in employment and workplace safety law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 29, 2024)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 4)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 3)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 2)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, “APAC reductions in force blog series – top 10 things to look out for (Part 1)," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 1, 2023)
- Co-Author, "International Women's Day - Insights for leading employers on how they can #EmbraceEquity in the workplace," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 8, 2023)
- Co-Author, "Modern Slavery Reporting in Australia: What Businesses Ought to Know," Legal Update, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 1, 2022)
- Co-Author, “When good intentions fail: Is your D&I policy inadvertently unlawful?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 20, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 4 – what’s next for Australian businesses?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 23, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 3 – what can Australian businesses learn?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 22, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 2 – what leading businesses are doing to meet their obligations,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 21, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Modern slavery reporting series: Part 1 – introduction,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 20, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Insights for employers and aspiring professionals on how to #BreakTheBias,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 7, 2022)
- Co-Author, “Caring for working carers,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 18, 2019)
- Co-Author, “5 years on – in human resources, industrial relations and workplace health and safety law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 12, 2018)
- Author, “Australia’s landmark Modern Slavery Act passes into law,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 29, 2018)
- Author, “Workplace gender equality – a sad state of affairs,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 15, 2018)
- Co-Author, “Unlimited annual leave gathers momentum,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 9, 2018)
- Author, “A glimpse into a future Labor government IR agenda?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 20, 2018)
- Co-Author, “New transparency: using collaboration and technology to address modern slavery,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 30, 2018)
- Author, “Modern Slavery Bill 2018: An Action Plan,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 28, 2018)
- Author, “NSW passes Modern Slavery legislation – key obligations for businesses,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 22, 2018)
- Author, “2018 Future Enterprise Survey – the opportunities and challenges,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 29, 2018)
- Co-Author, “Has the “outer limit” contract reached its expiry date?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 21, 2018)
- Co-Author, “A Modern Slavery Act for Australia,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 18, 2017)
- Co-Author, “Are your employees texting? Risks to employers taking workplace communications offline,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 10, 2017)
- Co-Author, “LinkedIn – in whose professional interest?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (September 22, 2017)
- Author, “Managing personal admin during working hours: is it too late now to say sorry?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (November 7, 2016)
- Author, “Pokémon NO: New app creates risks for employers,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 20, 2016)
- Author, “Managing absenteeism: a collaborative approach,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 19, 2016)
- Co-Author, “Learning from a competitive aviation industry,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (August 18, 2015)
- Co-Author, “HR Now. More Big Issues…,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 23, 2015)
- Co-Author, “Director dashboard – is no news good news?,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (July 1, 2015)
- Co-Author, “HR Now. The Big Issues.,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 12, 2015)
- Author, "The Future of Gender Diversity Reporting Requirements," Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 14, 2014)
- Co-Author, “Another round of modern award reviews coming in 2014,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (February 6, 2014)
- Author, “Superannuation award changes afoot,” Workplace Law & Strategy, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 17, 2014)
- Co-Presenter, "Asia-Pacific Reductions in Force: Ten Things to Look Out for," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 13, 2023)
- Co-Presenter, "The Future of the World of Work—Legal Implications, Issues, and Leadership Opportunities," Webinar, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (October 13, 2021)