Seamus Burke
PartnerAbout Seamus
Seamus advises employers on all aspects of the employment relationship. He is passionate about the power of communication and always adopts a pragmatic, reasonable and value-driven approach.
He has been recognised in Best Lawyers in Australia in the Labour and Employment Law category since 2016, and as a Recommended Employment Lawyer in the Doyles Guide 2024.
What he does
The work Seamus does is split into two main parts.
The first is focused on maximising the benefits of high-functioning relationships, both employment and contracting. This includes drafting and interpreting all manner of contracts, industrial instruments and policies, training, and helping clients deal positively with the day-to-day questions arising from these relationships.
The second is focused on assisting clients when those relationships sour. His experience involves all forms of legal action in a wide range of courts, commissions and tribunals. He has also been heavily involved in workplace investigations and large-scale underpayment claims.
Who he works with
Seamus has particular expertise in the disability services, transport, health, air services, government and retail sectors.
Qualifications
Seamus has a Bachelor of Legal Studies degree from Macquarie University. He was admitted to practice in England & Wales between 2000-2002.
Life before Sparkes
Seamus’ legal career began aged 17 when he joined a firm in Newcastle and studied law by correspondence whilst working full time as a law clerk. Following admission, Seamus moved to Sydney and subsequently London to pursue his career as an employer focused workplace lawyer. He has been a workplace partner since 2005.
Life outside of Sparkes
Spending time outside of work is critical to Seamus. He spends this with his family and mates, occasionally riding a bike. He also is happy talking about pretty much any sport.
Seamus also wants it on record that he is a proud Novocastrian!
