Employment Lawyers · Employment & Labour Law

What To Do When You Get Fired

Immediate steps and legal rights after termination. National coverage for wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, and severance claims across Australia.

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What To Do When You Get Fired in Australia
In Australia, over 13,000 unfair dismissal applications are filed with the Fair Work Commission annually, highlighting the critical need for immediate and informed action upon termination. Our national legal team provides urgent guidance to protect your rights, from reviewing termination letters to assessing grounds for unfair or wrongful dismissal claims. Securing professional advice within the strict statutory timeframes is essential to preserving your legal position. For comprehensive national support, explore our central resource for employment law services in Australia.

Our services

Process

Employment law in Australia

Our legal process begins with an urgent case assessment, where we analyse your termination notice, employment contract, and workplace policies against the Fair Work Act 2009. We identify potential breaches, such as a lack of valid reason or procedural fairness, which are central to unfair dismissal claims that must be filed within 21 calendar days. Our team then develops a strategic response, which may involve negotiating a severance package or preparing an application for the Fair Work Commission. We guide you through every step, ensuring all actions are compliant with Australian industrial law and aimed at securing your best possible outcome.

Local Considerations — Australia

Employment law practice varies across Australia's states and territories, particularly regarding contractual claims and specific industry awards. The high concentration of corporate headquarters and startups in Sydney and Melbourne generates complex termination cases involving executive contracts and restrictive covenants. In regions with significant mining and resources sectors, such as Western Australia, dismissals often involve intricate enterprise agreements and safety-related disputes. Our national team is structured to navigate these regional legal and industrial nuances, providing locally-informed counsel while leveraging our centralized expertise in Fair Work Commission litigation.

At a Glance

ParameterReference Value
Unfair Dismissal Filing Deadline21 calendar days
Common Claim TypesUnfair, Wrongful, Constructive Dismissal
Typical Case Assessment1-3 business days
Initial Legal ConsultationCase-specific

Standards & Compliance

  • Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
  • National Employment Standards (NES)
  • Relevant Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement
  • Common Law Contractual Principles

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Our national team provides decisive legal guidance for termination cases across Australia. We focus on protecting your entitlements and navigating the formal processes to seek a fair resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing I should do after being fired?

Immediately secure a copy of your termination letter and any related correspondence. Do not sign any documents provided by your employer before obtaining independent legal advice. Contact our team to review your situation, as critical deadlines for potential claims begin from your dismissal date.

What is the difference between unfair dismissal and wrongful dismissal?

Unfair dismissal is a statutory claim under the Fair Work Act, alleging the dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable. Wrongful dismissal is a common law claim for breach of contract, such as dismissal without the required notice period or in violation of the contract's terms. The legal pathways and remedies differ significantly.

How long does a typical unfair dismissal case take?

From filing an application with the Fair Work Commission to a final hearing or conciliated settlement, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Timelines depend on the Commission's caseload, the complexity of the matter, and whether the parties engage in early conciliation.

How much does it cost to get legal help after being fired in Australia?

Costs depend entirely on your case's complexity, required actions (e.g., negotiation vs. litigation), and its duration. Many matters are resolved through fixed-fee advice or negotiation. For litigation, costs are typically structured on a time-spent basis. We provide transparent cost agreements after an initial assessment of your specific circumstances.