Ashurst strengthens Dispute Resolution and Employment practices with two partner hires

Global law firm Ashurst has strengthened its Australian Dispute Resolution and Employment practices with the appointments of Dispute Resolution partner Fred Prickett in Melbourne and Employment partner Shelley Williams in Brisbane. These appointments significantly advance Ashurst’s client offering in both key practice areas.

Fred Prickett

Fred is widely regarded as a leading commercial litigator, known for technical excellence, sound judgement and decisive leadership in high-stakes matters. With over three decades of experience, he has led high-profile and complex commercial disputes, class actions and regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. Fred acts for major corporates across industries including financial services, energy and resources, technology, healthcare and consumer markets. He joins Ashurst from Clayton Utz, where he was a partner for more than two decades.

Shelley Williams

Shelley is an experienced employment and industrial relations partner with a strong record advising on litigation, investigations and strategic advisory work. She advises clients across energy and resources, shipping, technology and industrial services, and regularly represents clients before the Fair Work Commission and in federal and state courts. She joins Ashurst from Kingston Reid, where she established and grew the Brisbane employment and industrial relations practice and developed its international employment practice, working with firms across Asia and Europe.

Neil Pathak, Head of Australia, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Fred and Shelley to Ashurst. Fred is an outstanding commercial litigation partner with strong judgement and a collaborative approach. Shelley is a highly accomplished employment partner with a proven ability to build and lead teams. Together with the recent hire of Nathan Deveson to our Tax team, these strategic appointments reflect our ongoing commitment to servicing our valued clients as trusted advisers on high-stakes litigation, regulatory matters and employment issues across Australia."

Fred commented:

"Ashurst’s momentum and investment in Dispute Resolution presents a compelling opportunity to support clients on their most significant matters. I am excited to join a highly collaborative and reputable team and to harness the firm’s Risk Advisory and Ashurst Advance capabilities on complex class actions, regulatory investigations and large-scale litigation."

Shelley added:

"The world of work is changing rapidly. Clients increasingly need employment advice that is seamlessly connected to their disputes, regulatory and transactional priorities. Ashurst’s global network and cross-office reach provide the ideal platform to deliver that integrated service. I look forward to working with colleagues across Australia and internationally to help clients navigate their important employment challenges and disputes."