Ashley Sherr
Senior AssociateAbout Ashley
Ashley is a lawyer specialising in the areas of employment, industrial relations, regulatory and safety.
Ashley’s employment and industrial relations work sees him involved in a broad range of matters including advising clients on the management of employees (e.g. disciplinary, performance and capacity for work issues), advising on organisational compliance with legislation and industrial instruments (such as modern awards, contracts and enterprise agreements) and supporting employers with bargaining processes and employment disputes.
Ashley’s safety and regulatory work involves advising and supporting clients in relation to regulatory investigations, including responding to statutory notices, the exercising of coercive powers and managing incident response more broadly. Ashley has acted for individuals, SMEs and large businesses in relation to criminal and civil prosecutions, including under work health and safety (WHS), environmental and other regulatory laws.
Ashley was recognised as an Employment & WHS Law Rising Star in Victoria by Doyle's Guide (2022) as well as Best Lawyers One to Watch (2024, 2025 and 2026).
What he does
Ashley is an experienced litigator and regularly acts on behalf of clients across state and federal courts and tribunals in a range of employment, industrial relations and WHS matters. He is also an experienced advocate who has appeared on behalf of clients in a number of Courts and Tribunals.
Ashley is also a skilled legal adviser, working closely with clients to assist them in managing various legal issues that come up in the workplace as well as managing regulatory investigations in the areas of employment and safety. Ashley is also experienced in managing interactions with registered organisations and other non-registered employee associations or unions.
Ashley has also been involved in conducting a number of workplace investigations on behalf of clients dealing with a range of employment and WHS issues.
Who he works with
Ashley works with a range of clients across the Commonwealth and local government and private sector including ASX listed companies and SMEs.
Qualifications
Ashley has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science. He is also currently undertaking a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne.
Life before Sparkes
Prior to joining Sparke Helmore, Ashley started his career as a lawyer at a Commonwealth regulator. He was also previously an Associate to a senior Commissioner at the Fair Work Commission.
Life outside of Sparkes
Outside of work, Ashley is usually planning a trip, hitting up the great eateries around Melbourne or trying to find some time for his (occasionally neglected) hobbies like going to gym and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
