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Philip Gruszka

Associate

Juris Doctor, Master of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Management, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Diploma of Management


P: +61 3 9609 1579

M:

E: pgruszka@rk.com.au

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  • Education
  • Governance
  • Employment and Safety
  • Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
  • Discrimination and Human Rights
  • Employment Advice
  • Employment Disputes
  • Workplace Health and Safety

Philip brings a broad range of experience across the education, healthcare, aged care, not‑for‑profit and local government sectors. Over the past 8 years, he has worked extensively in both the independent and government education sectors, holding senior roles including Legal Counsel and Head of Risk and Compliance.

Philip now advises a wide range of independent schools on employment and discrimination matters relating to both staff and students. He supports clients across employment, workplace relations, discrimination and workplace safety matters, with a strong focus on achieving strategic, pragmatic outcomes. His approach emphasises managing financial, legal and reputational risk while delivering solutions that align with each client’s objectives.

Since joining the Employment Law team at Russell Kennedy, Philip has developed a particular focus on supporting clients within the independent education sector.

Experience

  • Advising independent schools across Australia on managing student and parent relationships, and eliminating the risk of child abuse (including by managing mandatory reporting obligations, and appropriately responding to allegations)
  • Advising independent schools with managing staff, including upholding expected standards of behaviour and performance, responding to complaints and defending legal claims brought by employees
  • Advising independent schools on regulatory and legislative compliance across a range of operational matters, including Early Learning requirements, obligations relating to overseas students, and managing student medical conditions.
  • Assisting schools with WorkCover and workers’ compensation matters, including managing workplace injuries, supporting return‑to‑work processes, liaising with insurers, and advising on compliance with statutory obligations.
  • Acting for clients in unfair dismissal, general protection and discrimination proceedings.
  • Acting for clients on equal opportunity matters including sexual harassment and discrimination claims.
  • Managing and assisting clients in relation to workplace investigations
  • Assisting clients with unfair dismissal and general protections proceedings
  • Advising on the management of employee performance, conduct, workplace investigations and dismissals.
  • Negotiating settlements to resolve disputes and litigated matters, including preparing deeds of separation and release

Leadership

  • Member, Australia & New Zealand Education Law Association
  • Former Volunteer Solicitor, Fitzroy Legal Service