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Melbourne-based workplace relations firms merge
Two boutique workplace relations law firms based in Melbourne have merged.
Grace Robbie
Justitia Lawyers and Consultants and Toop Workplace Law, two boutique Melbourne workplace relations law firms, have announced their merger, effective from 1 July 2024. The combined firms will continue operating under Justitia Lawyers and Consultants.
The law firm also mainly collaborates with Victorian state government agencies, local government councils (providing both employment and governance support), and large not-for-profits and corporates.
Meanwhile, Toop Workplace Law predominantly engages with enterprises across diverse industries, including professional services, health, transport and logistics, construction and engineering, technology and retail, as well as in the education sector.
The workplace relations law firm also possesses broad expertise in supporting organisations with respect to mergers and acquisitions, Fair Work Commission proceedings, due diligence and privacy law, and is privileged to work with a range of not-for-profit organisations.
Both boutique law firms were founded by women and outlined how they have been “recognised for their strong and positive cultures, which include sophisticated mentoring and an emphasis on workplace flexibility for their staff, many of whom are working parents or have other responsibilities”.
The managing partner of Justitia, Melissa Scadden, pointed out that both boutique law firms share a common trait in that they “value their fiercely loyal client following”, which has been a key factor contributing to their sustained growth over the years.
Scadden explained that the vision of Toop Workplace Law and its positive approach to the workplace relations profession was a critical factor that caught the interest of Justitia to merge with them, as it aligns with their own vision.
“For some time now, we have been looking to grow our presence in the industry, but we haven’t wanted to compromise on the values that make us who we are. So it is with much excitement that we announce this merger with Toop Workplace Law.
“Jess Toop and her team are not only excellent lawyers, more importantly they are wonderful people who share our vision of what this job can and should look like. I really look forward to working with them to collectively build something remarkable together,” she said.
Jess Toop, a partner at Toop Workplace Law, expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunities the merger offers both for existing and potential clients to tap into a wider pool of legal skills and knowledge, along with additional services like investigations and conflict resolution.
“Our clients keep coming back as they appreciate our turnaround, pragmatic approach and capacity to keep them out of court. I am looking forward to communicating to our clients, as well as prospective ones, our increased capacity and expanded range of services in light of the merger,” Toop said.
Toop further said: “What both Justitia and Toop Workplace Law have been able to demonstrate separately, and will now continue to demonstrate together, is that responsive client service and sustainable lawyering can go hand in hand and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.”
