One bad dismissal costs more than years of legal advice
Most legal support only shows up after something has already gone wrong — a dispute, a claim, a compliance breach. By then, the decisions are made and the risk is already locked in. South Geldard's Proactive Legal Packages give you experienced employment lawyers who know your business well enough to catch the issue before it becomes an expensive one — led by Director Jonathan Mamaril, backed by more than 60 years of South Geldard experience.
Most legal advice arrives after the damage is done
Traditional legal support usually starts with a call after something has already gone wrong — a dispute, a claim, a compliance breach. By then, the decisions are made, the emails are sent, and the risk is already baked in. Proactive Legal Packages flip that model: we get to know your business first, so we can help you spot the issue while it's still cheap to fix.
The reactive model
- — Lawyers called in once a dispute has already escalated
- — Unpredictable, one-off legal bills
- — Advice based on limited knowledge of your business
- — Problems fixed after the cost is already locked in
The proactive model
- ✓ Legal input built into how you manage people, day to day
- ✓ One predictable monthly investment, not surprise invoices
- ✓ Advice from a team who already knows your business
- ✓ Issues caught and resolved before they become expensive
Like having in-house counsel, without the in-house cost
For most small and mid-sized employers, a full-time in-house lawyer isn't justified. A Proactive Legal Package gives you the next best thing: experienced employment lawyers who know your business and are on call when you need them.
Advice when you need it
Get advice as soon as an issue arises, rather than waiting for a matter to escalate before you pick up the phone.
Advice that fits your business
Because we understand your business context, our advice is practical and commercial — not just legally correct.
Reduced exposure
Proactive input on contracts, terminations and compliance reduces your likelihood of an expensive dispute.
A team who knows you
You're not a file number. We get to know your business and how you operate, the way in-house counsel would.
Everything included in your Proactive Legal Package
Every package draws on the same depth of expertise across the full range of employment law matters Queensland employers face. Here's what each of those services would typically cost on a standalone, pay-as-you-go basis.
Prepare and review employment contracts, taking into account different positions, duties and industrial instruments
Prepare Individual Flexibility Agreements (IFAs) as required
Drafting and reviewing contractor agreements
Advising on strategies to avoid sham contracting arrangements
Advising on Enterprise Bargaining Agreement strategy and assistance with filing and negotiations
Redundancy and restructure advice
Advice on dealing with mental illness and injury in the workplace
Underpayment of wages and wage theft advice
Running and advising on workplace investigations
Reviewing and drafting policies and procedures
Advising on Modern Award coverage, applicability and implementation
Transfer of employment advice and documentation
People management assistance for misconduct and performance management
Handling complaints, including sexual harassment, discrimination and workplace bullying
Advice on workplace health and safety
Advisory services for payroll teams
Advice on preventing and mitigating your risk against unfair dismissal and general protections claims
Management Training Workshops
Included as part of our proactive approach, our workshops give your leaders the practical skills to handle the trickiest people-management moments.
One predictable monthly investment
No surprise invoices, no hesitating before you pick up the phone. Choose the package that fits your business and know exactly what your legal support costs, every month — with the certainty CFOs and business owners need to budget and forecast with confidence.
All packages exclude GST and disbursements. Package offerings exclude litigation (and surrounding proceedings), complex legal matters, and matters outside of employment law, workplace relations and industrial relations.
Trusted by Employers and HR Teams
Fast, commercial and practical advice — straight from the people we work with.
"The retainer has become an extension of our HR team and has materially improved our decision-making. What stands out is that the advice is commercial, not just technical — Jonathan and his team understand HR realities, practical business pressures and risk."
"Instead of waiting until a problem becomes expensive, we get proactive advice early. That has saved us significant time, management stress and potential legal exposure. For any employer wanting practical workplace law support without the cost of an in-house lawyer, this delivers real value."
"South Geldard's Proactive Legal Package has provided our People & Culture team with fast access to strategic workplace law advice across disciplinary matters, investigations, performance issues and governance challenges. The service has been invaluable."
"Fast, practical and commercially focused. South Geldard's Proactive Legal Package feels like having an in-house workplace lawyer on speed dial."
Jonathan Mamaril
Jonathan is an employment lawyer and Director with more than 16 years' experience in workplace and industrial relations, trusted by HR, People & Culture, and executive teams across Queensland. He's a regular media commentator and industry speaker, featured by outlets including the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC Radio and HR Daily, and speaking for groups such as TEC, Vistage, LGMA and IPWEAQ.
Get your external in-house counsel today
Ready to trade unpredictable legal bills and after-the-fact advice for a team who knows your business and helps you stay ahead of problems? Let's find the package that fits, and give you one predictable monthly investment in getting it right the first time.
