Michael Gillis

Michael is a partner with over 40 years’ experience in employment and industrial law, with a focus on whistleblower protection and general protections claims involving adverse action. He is recognised nationally for providing practical, strategic advice to both individuals and employers facing high-stakes, emotionally charged, and commercially complex matters. Michael regularly acts for clients in disputes concerning adverse action following the exercise of workplace rights, whistleblowing disclosures, discrimination, workplace bullying and harassment, wrongful dismissal, and redundancies. He advises professionals, executives, boards, HR teams, and business owners on the intertwined challenges of compliance, risk management, and workplace culture. His experience extends to restraint of trade and intellectual property disputes arising from employment and contractor arrangements, including matters involving confidential information, post-employment obligations, and breaches of fiduciary duty. Michael appears extensively before courts, commissions, and tribunals across New South Wales and has conducted litigation for employers, insurers, and individuals in every Australian State and Territory. Beyond employment law, Michael advises on commercial law and complex litigation, and has considerable experience resolving family law and estate disputes where strategic, sensitive handling is essential. His strengths include negotiating directly with regulators, unions, government agencies, and opposing counsel, enabling efficient dispute resolution with minimal disruption. Since beginning his practice in 1985, Michael has maintained a commitment to advocacy and resolution, bringing clarity and determination to achieve the best outcomes for clients—whether individuals seeking justice, businesses protecting their reputation, or insurers managing complex litigation.