Workplace & Employment Litigation
When a dispute arises at work it can feel deeply personal. Our highly experienced team understands the fast-moving nature of a workplace and employment dispute, and will handle your case with passion, determination and empathy.
Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell is a dynamic and innovative dispute resolution firm, recognised by prestigious industry bodies for challenging the traditional law firm model and prevalent stereotypes of women. We are highly regarded for providing top-tier client outcomes without the big firm costs.
We advise and represent a diverse client base including employers, employees, directors, executives, professionals, companies and associations across a range of workplace and industrial relations matters and disputes.
Led by trailblazing litigator Danielle Snell and industry veteran Robert McGirr, our firm proudly represents individuals in their pursuit of equality and fair treatment by calling out sexual discrimination and bullying in the workplace amid the second wave of the #MeToo movement in Australia.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is deeply personal. Elit was built on the foundations of passion and drive to achieve equality at all levels of the workforce and in representation. We lead as an example to others that by employing a diverse workforce and adopting flexible working arrangements you do not need to compromise on client service.
Expertise
Employment Disputes with current or past employees or employers including representation at the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court
Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Claims with a focus on women’s rights and sex/gender discrimination
Bullying and Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Claims
Unfair Dismissal and Adverse Action Claims at the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court
Workplace Investigations
Employment Restraints
Review of Workplace Policies and Procedures
Employment Contracts and Independent Contractor Agreements
Redundancy and Termination Advice
Expertise
Since the firm launched, Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell have won multiple awards, including:
Managing Partner of the Year - Winner
Law Firm Leader of the Year <100 employees - Winner
Litigation Team of the Year - Finalist
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Boutique Firm of the Year - Winner
NewLaw Firm of the Year - Finalist
Elit is passionate about promoting Diversity, Inclusion & Equality in the legal sector and for challenging the traditional law firm model to provide a more transparent and authentic legal service to clients.
Our Co-Founder and Director, Danielle Snell was 7 months pregnant when she co-founded this truly entrepreneurial firm and continues to challenge stereotypes affecting women in the legal industry. She is a member of the Executive Litigation Lawyers Committee, Courts Practice Committee and Diversity Committee (Sexual Harassment Working Group) of the Law Institute of Victoria. In addition, Danielle is a member of Diverse Women in the Law, Victorian Women Lawyers and Women in Insurance and has chaired women’s legal network groups focused on assisting the development of female practitioners in the legal profession. A guest lecturer at RMIT University, Danielle regularly speaks at professional conferences and events alongside business, political and government leaders.
Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell was one of the first law firms to sign up as a signatory to the Law Institute of Victoria’s Charter for the Advancement of Women
Major Matters
Major Matters
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Latest Workplace & Employment Litigation News
News
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
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Join us in making a difference for women in the legal sector
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The Eradication Of Sexual Harassment
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Canberra culture reignites scrutiny over treatment of women in the workplace
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"The best of the best plaintiff lawyers against insurance companies. We had a very tough and complex case and Danielle and her team settled with the insurance company for an optimal outcome."
Insurance Policy Holder
Home owner
The best of the best plaintiff lawyers team against insurance companies.
We had a very tough and complex case against insurance company that we lost our home and contents. After disappointing and frustrating process from another law firm and firing them we found Danielle Snell and her team.
They are very dedicated, knowledgeable, passionate and possess great communication skills. We couldn’t ask for more and settled with a optimal outcome.
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"It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service."
Senior Adviser
Financial Planner
We are so glad to have you in our referral channel.
It’s great to be able to confidently refer clients to someone who can help and support them, and to feel that they are receiving the best service.
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"This was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible."
CEO & Founder
National mental-health support organisation
We recently instructed Danielle from Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell to help with a legal dispute. As a small purpose led business, this was a “David v Goliath” fight as our dispute was with a large global corporation. This dispute was during a very emotional time as we were in the middle of a global pandemic, Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, homeschooling and no childcare – all while trying to keep our small business alive.
The attention, compassion and guidance that Danielle and the team showed us was absolutely incredible. I have 10 years legal experience myself and even with that, I was reluctant to litigate, especially during such a difficult time. However Danielle always gave us confidence in knowing that she was in our corner and always working for our best interests, so my reluctance was quickly appeased.
Today I am pleased to share that David defeated Goliath and we could not be more thrilled with the result we received thanks to Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers. Danielle not only saved our company, but ensured that we could continue doing the good work we were previously and helping improve the lives and mental health of mothers across Australia.
I could not recommend Danielle and the team from Elit Lawyers more highly. I am *hoping* that I will never need their services again, but feel very reassured knowing they are there and always in my corner.
Thank you Danielle and team.
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"Elit negotiated a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs."
Owner and Managing Director
Major Transport Company
I was recently introduced to Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell by my former lawyers after they were required to cease acting for me due to a conflict of interest. The stakes were high as my company was exposed to multiple court proceedings. Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell impressed me so much. They went that extra mile and were able to negotiate a settlement which saw all proceedings against my company dismissed, with no order as to costs. I can’t thank Elit enough.
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"Danielle is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation."
Queens Counsel, Devers List
Victorian Bar
Danielle Snell is a very intelligent and impressive lawyer whom I have worked with in my role as senior counsel on various litigation matters. She is a well-known and respected lawyer who knows how to handle difficult and intensive litigation. Danielle combines a deep knowledge of the law across many practice areas with a practical approach to litigation, and is authentic and charismatic in her dealings with others.
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"Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus..."
Chief Operations Officer
Peak industry body for fire protection
As Chief Operating Officer it is extremely important to work with lawyers who are easily accessible, honest and trustworthy. We have briefed Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell across various legal disciplines and now use them as our “go to” solicitors. Danielle and Robert demonstrate outstanding expertise and approach all matters methodically with a clear and practical focus on achieving the best possible result.