Kym Luke - Partner

Stacks/The Law Firm, Ballina

Ballina

Since 2000, Kym has specialised in employment law, industrial relations and Occupational Health and Safety, advising a variety of local clients, from individuals to large businesses. She began specialising in employment issues while working with a major Australasian law firm, and later with a Sydney-based firm.

Kym’s comprehensive and well-regarded expertise includes employment contracts and AWAs, redundancy, unfair dismissal, workplace harassment and discrimination claims.  Kym is currently hard at work advising on the changes to the law under "Fair Work Australia"

She also provides consultative advice to employers on their policies, practices and contracts. This includes conducting employment practice audits, where she identifies shortfalls in organisations’ employment practices and guides them to compliance. Her work can be as diverse as, for example, advising employers on their policies regarding the use of Facebook and Twitter during work hours, or on the correct setup of payslips.

Kym has acted for East Coast Group of Companies, one of the largest construction Companies on the North Coast, providing general employment advice and assisting them to tender for Federal and State Government road work jobs by ensuring necessary compliance of workplace arrangements.

Kym also provides mediation, conciliation or litigation advice on behalf of individuals pursuing claims against their employer. In particular, Kym’s level-headedness helps her to see the situation clearly, guiding her clients through their decision making process and allowing them to see all perspectives of their case.  

Among the matters she has advised on, Kym acted for two barmen who discovered, following their termination, that their employer had used illegal covert surveillance in the bar area. This attracted substantial interest from the local media, and Kym was interviewed many times by ABC Local Radio.

In another case, Kym acted for a local emergency services officer who suffered discrimination following diagnosis of a disease. With Kym’s advice and guidance, following a challenging and stressful eight months for the officer, her client successfully returned to work.

Kym has also assisted the Bundjalung Tribal Society, advising on employment law and tenancy issues, and has also advised a Canberra based Aboriginal organisation on employment law.

Kym’s reputation means she is often asked to contribute to the local media. As well as her ABC Radio interviews, she has written articles on employment Law for the Manning Times.

Kym is very involved in the Ballina community. A mother of three young children, she is dedicated to their schooling and is honorary solicitor at her youngest son’s preschool. Kym dedicates her spare time to health and fitness, competing in half marathons when her schedule allows.

Kym’s meticulous and friendly manner reassures her clients, which is extremely beneficial given they are often suffering from stress or depression following their experiences. Her sound advice and warmth make her a real asset to Stacks.