Bird & Bird has boosted its Asia Pacific employment law offering by appointing Kristy Peacock-Smith as partner today, based in Sydney.
Kristy joins from K & L Gates where she was Special Counsel. Prior to this she practiced at Herbert Smith Freehills and large workplace relations firm FCB Lawyers. Kirsty also spent a number of years in the UK working for the Treasury Solicitor's Department in the employment and discrimination team, and in Ireland working for Sheehan & Co.
Kristy has a broad range of experience, including general employment law – the drafting of employment contacts and policies, management of poor performance and long term illness issues and employee/contractor distinctions. She advises on equal opportunity and discrimination issues including litigation and provides advice regarding implementation of anti-discrimination processes.
Another key practice area of Kristy's is industrial law, including the implementation of industrial strategies (employment arrangements, union relationships, engagement with workforce), drafting and advice regarding negotiation and approval of industrial agreements, litigation (including industrial action, agreement disputes) and outsourcing/insourcing strategies.
Shane Barber, Managing Partner, Bird & Bird Australia, says: "Kristy is an impressive employment lawyer who will add strength to our Australian office at a time of significant growth for us. Her international experience and technical skills will make her a key asset in the team. We welcome Kristy, and look forward to working with her."
Ian Hunter, co-head of International Employment group, Bird & Bird, says: "The addition of Kristy is a strategic step that continues the expansion of our international employment offering. We strive to build a market leading employment practice in the Asia Pacific region, which will further strengthen our capabilities in the practice globally."
Kristy adds: "I am delighted to join the Bird & Bird team. I look forward to working closely with my international colleagues across the Asia-Pacific and other regions, to further build on the firm's leading reputation in employment law."
