Facial recognition technology: Is there a path forward for the Australian retail sector?
The lawful use of facial recognition technology, particularly in a commercial retail setting, is increasingly challenging under Australian privacy law. Even where the primary purpose for deploying the technology is for crime or fraud prevention purposes, consent must be obtained (other than in limited circumstances), from all individuals who facial images are captured and used […]
Hamilton Locke advises Andromeda Robotics on AU$23 million Series A capital raise
In a milestone for the growing robotics and aged care industries, we are proud to have advised Andromeda Robotics on the Australian aspects of its AU$23 million Series A capital raise, led by Forerunner Ventures. This significant round was led by renowned venture capital firm Forerunner Ventures and positions Andromeda for accelerated global growth. Co-founded by […]
Hamilton Locke advises shareholders of Envirolab on acquisition by Intertek Group
We recently advised the shareholders of Envirolab on its acquisition by Intertek Group plc, a global leader in total quality assurance. This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Envirolab as it embarks on a new growth phase under the guidance of Intertek. Envirolab has built a reputation as Australia’s leading independent environmental contamination and […]
AI in the Boardroom: balancing innovation and obligation
Used wisely, AI tools can arguably enhance the corporate decision-making process. There are risks, however, in directors overly relying on or blindly trusting in AI output – and they need to be able to justify its use in the context of their legal duties and responsibilities. Need to know: AI use in workplaces is soaring, […]
Not my monkey, not my circus: PCBU successfully walks away from WHS prosecution
In SafeWork NSW v Tattam Express Pty Ltd [2025] NSWIC 7, the Industrial Court of NSW provides further clarification on the categories of “worker” under WHS laws for when a duty is owed. In doing so, the Court stopped a WHS prosecution in its tracks when it found that the injured person was not a […]
Hamilton Locke wins Law Firm of the Year at the 2025 Australian Law Awards
Hamilton Locke has been awarded Law Firm of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards! The Australian Law Awards, now in its 25th year, celebrate outstanding legal professionals and firms across the country. This recognition is a testament to the culture we’ve built together, a culture defined by high performance, agility, and leadership. […]
Hamilton Locke named “fastest-growing partnership” in the Australian Financial Review
Hamilton Locke has been named the “fastest-growing partnership” in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Law Partnership Survey. The AFR conducts a bi-annual review of the legal sector and features top firms in its Law Partnership Survey. Full coverage from the AFR Law Partnership Survey: Revealed: The law firms that have grown (and shrunk) the most […]
Substantial reforms to NSW Industrial Relations and WHS laws underway
The Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment (Workplace Protections) Bill 2025 (the Bill), introduced by the New South Wales Government on 27 May 2025, and passed on 27 June 2025, proposes substantive amendments to the State’s industrial relations and work health and safety framework. The Bill will implement targeted and wide-ranging reforms to the Work […]
Completion accounts in M&A transactions – how to create certainty in uncertain times
The Snapshot Since the end of the COVID-19 era of cheap money and lofty valuations, the Australian private M&A market has been a buyer’s market. This has caused a relative increase in the use of completion accounts and specifically, debt-free/cash-free and target working capital purchase price adjustments, in transaction documentation compared with locked box or […]
Hillcrest tragedy: jumping castle operator acquitted by Tasmanian Magistrates Court
Magistrate Webster of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania has acquitted a sole trader charged under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (Tas) (the WHS Act) following the 2021 Hillcrest Primary School tragedy in which six children died and others were seriously injured while using a jumping castle during a school event. The inflatable was […]
Hamilton Locke boosts our Real Estate Markets team in Brisbane with the hire of Emile McPhee as a partner
Emile McPhee is the newest partner in our Brisbane office, joining our national Real Estate Markets team. An experienced property and finance lawyer, Emile has acted on housing developments and operations of all sizes, as well as advising banks, private lenders and developers on property financing. He is known for his specialisation in social and […]
Emile McPhee
Emile McPhee takes an outcomes-oriented approach to his work, using his deep expertise to address challenges and build relationships, assisting clients in the property and finance space across Australia. Known for his passion about community partnerships and access to justice, Emile is always at the forefront of pursuing success for his clients and the community. […]
