The PCS legal team, led by our Directors, is highly regarded in both
the Australian and international markets. Servicing clients across all
industries within our practice areas, as Australia’s trusted employment lawyers, we pride ourselves on our
accessibility, commerciality and relationship-based approach to
our professional work.
Senior Leadership Team
Joydeep Hor
Founder & Managing Principal joydeep.hor@peopleculture.com.auJoydeep is the Founder & Managing Principal of People + Culture Strategies (“PCS“), Australia’s leading solutions provider in people management law and strategy. He has been for nearly three decades one of Australia’s most high-profile lawyers and legal entrepreneurs.
Academic Qualifications
Educated at Sydney’s Trinity Grammar School, Joydeep completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney where he majored in English literature together with his Bachelor of Laws degree (which he completed with Honours). He then went on to complete a Master of Laws at the same institution, focusing on labour and employment law, having realised early in his career his passion for solving “people problems”.
In 2016, Joydeep graduated from Harvard Business School’s Owner-President Management Program and remains the only Australian lawyer to have completed this program. He has also been a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute for over two decades.
Career Milestones
Joydeep started his career at one of Australia’s largest commercial law firms, before moving to a specialist workplace relations firm where he was made an equity partner at the early age of 28. He was Managing Partner of that firm from 2005 to 2010.
In July 2010, Joydeep founded PCS as a groundbreaking practice in the legal industry. PCS was established to be unlike any other legal firm given its emphasis on working with its clients to prevent disputation and legal problems arising within their organisations, as opposed to being a mere “reactive” provider. PCS now services hundreds of employers across Australia and from around the world (with a strong reputation particularly in handling sensitive employee separation issues, matters of workplace bullying and harassment and developing strategic solutions to organisation’s people management challenges).
PCS is the Australian member firm of international employment law firm alliance Innangard.
Joydeep has served on a range of Boards and committees, including the Audit & Risk Committee for the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, the Foundation Fundraising Committee’s of Sydney schools Redlands and Abbotsleigh, Executive Womens Business, Northside Community Forum as well as the American Club.
Publications and Presentations
Joydeep’s first book Inside Employee Screening was published in 1999 and he has authored several books since that time, including Managing Workplace Behaviour, Managing Termination of Employment and Finders Keepers: A Guide to Attracting and Retaining Great Employees and Labour & Employment Law Manual.
A dynamic and charismatic speaker, Joydeep has been a keynote speaker at countless conventions, conferences and industry events and for many years has been appearing on television programs for Channel 7, the ABC, Sky News and most recently on ausbiz.tv as a thought leader and commentator in his areas of expertise (most videos are available in this site’s “Resources” section).
Recognition and Standing
The highly-regarded “Who’s Who Legal: Labour, Employment & Benefits 2020 Edition” recognised Joydeep as a Global Elite Thought Leader in this area of the law, one of only 2 lawyers in Australia and 6 in the entire Asia-Pacific region. It says: “People + Culture Strategies’ “amazingly good lawyer” Joydeep Hor is enthusiastically recommended by peers who describe him as “incredibly strategic: a lateral thinker who is entrepreneurial in his approach, which clients appreciate”.” Joydeep has been ranked as a leading lawyer in Chambers & Partners every year since 2010.
As Australia’s most high-profile international labour and employment lawyer, Joydeep’s international pedigree includes: representing Australia, since 2016, at the prestigious International Forum on Employment Law which he is now also on the Steering Committee of, being a member of the International Advisory Panel of the International Founders & Senior Executives Association, being the only Australian lawyer to be invited to be on the American Employment Law Council and a regular speaker at the AELC’s annual conference in the USA, being on the Advisory Board of respected publication “International Employment Lawyer”, and being a Chartered Fellow of the UK’s CIPD.
Philanthropy
Joydeep is solely responsible for the journey of PCS into one of Australia’s most philanthropic organisations. Under his leadership, PCS has become the Official People Partner of every major sporting organisation in NSW. The PCS logo has appeared on the jersey of the NSW Waratahs rugby team, the dress of the NSW Swifts netball team, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (in support of the Sydney Sixers BBL team) and on countless other sporting jerseys and at stadia.
In 2022, Joydeep assumed the role of Chair of Darlinghurst Theatre Company continuing his significant interest, passion and support for the arts and musical theatre in particular. As an investor, he has co-produced the Broadway musical “Almost Famous” and the 2023 Australian hit, “&Juliet” in addition to sponsoring all Packemin Productions shows since 2017 as well as shows put on by D2 Productions, Bloom and many others.
Michelle Cooper
Director michelle.cooper@peopleculture.com.auMichelle has practiced solely in the area of workplace relations for over seventeen years. Prior to joining PCS, she worked at a leading Australian law firm. Michelle advises both private and public sector clients in a broad range of industries including transport, retail, finance, property and manufacturing. She focuses on providing timely and practical advice to clients to achieve their business objectives. When disputes arise, Michelle has the skills and experience to guide clients through the litigation process.
Michelle’s areas of expertise include negotiating and drafting employment contacts; performance management of employees; termination of employment, including unfair dismissal and unfair contract proceedings; drafting and interpreting industrial instruments; advising on and implementing redundancies; the employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions; discrimination issues and acting for senior executives.
Michelle has a particular focus on occupational health and safety law, ranging from advising clients on compliance obligations to defending prosecutions. This has included being available to clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide an immediate response to incidents and being involved in the successful defence of a prosecution against a mining company.
Chris Oliver
Director chris.oliver@peopleculture.com.auChris practices exclusively in the area of employment law and industrial relations and prior to joining PCS, worked as a Partner in a global commercial firm. Although assisting employers of every size, Chris’ practice focuses on partnering with both global and domestic corporations in all aspects of their individual and collective workplace relationships.
Although Chris’ commercial acumen and strategic approach makes him particularly adept at achieving early resolutions to even the most complex disputes, Chris is experienced in all areas of workplace related litigation including matters before the Fair Work Commission and its predecessors, the Industrial Court of New South Wales, Federal Court of Australia, Federal Circuit Court, Supreme Court of New South Wales, District Court of New South Wales, Local Court, County Court of Victoria, Australian Human Rights Commission (and its predecessor), AntiDiscrimination Board of NSW, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Chris was a foundation author of the CCH Master Human Resource Manual, authoring several chapters relating to workplace Health and Safety, Workplace Surveillance, Pre-employment vetting and Background Checks, and Whistleblowers.
Kirryn West James
Director kirryn.westjames@peopleculture.com.auKirryn was a founding member of PCS joining the firm in July 2010. In 2013 Kirryn moved to the UK where she practiced at a city firm in London specialising in employment and partnership law. Kirryn re-joined PCS in February 2022 as a Director.
Kirryn has a wide range of experience advising employers and senior executives on contentious and non-contentious matters. She has an in-depth understanding of employment disputes and advising clients on a full range of workplace issues including termination of employment, redundancy, unfair dismissal, performance management, whistleblowing, discrimination, bullying and restraints of trade.
Kirryn is an experienced presenter and has delivered training programs to board members, HR professionals, legal professionals, managers and recruiters.
While assisting clients to navigate conciliation, mediation and settlement, Kirryn also has extensive experience litigating cases before the Supreme Court, Fair Work Commission and Industrial Court of NSW. In the UK, her litigation experience includes cases before the Employment Tribunal and High Court.
During her time in the UK Kirryn was a member of the Association of Partnership Practitioners where she was a committee member of the Up & Coming Committee. She has contributed to legal publications including chapters of Managing Workplace Behaviour: A best practice guide with particular contributions around bullying and Work, Health and Safety.
Tracey Pace
Chief Operating Officer tracey.pace@peopleculture.com.auSitting as a member of the PCS Leadership Team, Tracey provides the direction and insight necessary to ensure PCS has effective operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to grow and, ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.
Tracey joined People + Culture Strategies in July 2010 as the Firm’s Financial Controller, and as Chief Operating Officer, now oversees and manages the operational functions of the Firm.
Tracey has worked as a finance professional across various industries and with many high-profile organisations, such as George Patterson Y&R, Accor Asia Pacific, Fairfax Media and Olympus Imaging Australia. She has a particular interest in the areas of taxation, compliance, financial analysis and strategic planning.
Tracey attained her Bachelor of Business Degree (Accounting) in 1999 and has been a Certified Practising Accountant since 2003.
Legal Team
Michael Nguyen
Senior Associate michael.nguyen@peopleculture.com.auMichael has experience acting and appearing for clients across a range of jurisdictions including in the Federal Court of Australia (including in Full Court Appeal, the New South Wales Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Fair Work Commission (including Full Bench appeals), Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and in the Local Court. He has experience across employment, safety and industrial matters including, enterprise agreement bargaining and disputes, employment restraints, transport industry contract determinations, payroll compliance audits, discrimination issues, dismissal and termination issues (including general protections and unfair dismissal), employment contract and policy issues, work, health and safety improvement notice compliance and appeals, privacy, confidential information and data security issues (including Search Orders).
His experience spans a range of industries including Transport, Retail, Manufacturing, Aviation, and Local and State Government sectors.
Prior to joining PCS Michael worked as the Principal Prosecutor for the New South Wales Industrial Relations Inspectorate.
He has a keen interest in the profitability and performance of Australian industry, having previously worked as a policy adviser to the Commonwealth Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, the Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Defence Industry.
Michael completed a Master of Laws at the Australian National University and completed his undergraduate Law degree at the University of Technology, Sydney, where he served as a member of the University Council.
Veronica Lee
Senior Associate veronica.lee@peopleculture.com.auVeronica is an experienced lawyer specialising in employment law and industrial relations.
Veronica joined PCS as a Senior Associate in 2023. She brings with her a range of experience having advised individuals, multinationals and businesses of every size in-between. Veronica works closely with clients on matters connected to the employment lifecycle including drafting employment documents, conducting workplace investigations, delivering workplace training and representing clients in disputes and litigated matters in the Fair Work Commission, Federal Circuit Court of Australia, New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission, Anti-Discrimination NSW, Australian Human Rights Commission, Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court and New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Having worked in an in-house environment as well, Veronica enjoys working in a collaborative manner with her clients to achieve timely and practical solutions that take into account the business’ workplace culture, industry, stakeholder expectations and organisational objectives.
Veronica’s professional excellence has been recognised by Best Lawyers having been named on their “Ones to Watch” list in 2022 and 2023, a peer-nominated and reviewed recognition.
Madeleine Partasis
Graduate Associate madeleine.partasis@peopleculture.com.auMadeleine joined PCS as a Graduate Associate in 2024.
Prior to joining PCS Madeleine worked as a Senior Adviser at the Fair Work Ombudsman. This experience helped her develop a thorough understanding of entitlements arising from modern awards, enterprise agreements, and the Fair Work Act 2009. In her previous role she gained experience advising both employees and employers across a range of industries.
Madeleine studied at the University of Technology Sydney and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2022.
Isabelle Daley
Graduate Associate isabelle.daley@peopleculture.com.auIsabelle joined PCS as a Graduate Associate in early 2024.
She graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2023 with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Psychological Science.
Her previous experience prior to joining PCS has been in the areas of Family Law, Wills and Estates, and Personal Injury.
Isabelle is committed to fostering a versatile skillset through her growing knowledge of employment law alongside the insight into “people problems” that her secondary degree provides.
Ambassadors
Alicia Quirk
Alicia, an Olympic Gold Medallist at the RIO 2016 Olympics, is the firm’s inaugural Ambassador.
Alicia was born and raised in Wagga Wagga, NSW and grew up with her older sister and younger brother. She played every sport as a child until she decided to focus on Touch Football and she represented the Australian Women’s Open Touch Football team at the World Cup in 2011. Following this tournament she received an invitation to play Rugby 7’s. Alicia debuted for the Aus Women’s 7’s team in 2012 in London. Moving to Sydney in 2014 Alicia became one of the first professionally contracted Australian Women’s 7’s players.
Alicia played every minute of every game during Australia’s successful Olympic Games campaign in Rio in August 2016. Following this extraordinary achievement, Alicia was inducted into the Wagga Wagga Sporting Hall of Fame and awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
Outside of rugby, Alicia recently completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree through Charles Sturt University Albury. She studies Portuguese in her spare time.
The addition of Alicia as PCS Ambassador reflects the dual commitments and passions of the firm for fostering an environment of high performance for female talent and rugby.
Brittanie Shipway
Brittanie, A graduate from NIDA (Musical Theatre), Brittanie has a varied career ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare. After studying acting in New York at the Lee Strasberg Institute of Film & Theatre, Brittanie returned home to Australia to make her professional debut at The Hayes Theatre Co with RPG’s Big Fish (The Witch), and went on to perform in Chapel Off Chapel’s Ordinary Days (Claire), as well as making the semi-finals of the Rob Guest Endowment (2017). Brittanie has made appearances on Channel 9 on various children shows and The Voice (S3).
Since then, she has opened for artists such as Damien Leith (Australian Idol), Marlissa (X-Factor), and Taylor Henderson (X-Factor). She has workshopped many original Australian musicals, including Sydney Theatre Company’s Muriel’s Wedding (Rhonda), and New Musicals Australia’s Evie May: A Tivoli Story (Evie May) with director Damien Ryan. Brittanie has performed at The Hayes Theatre Co season launches, as well as Neglected Musical’s Big River, and various New Musicals Australia readings.
Her recent credits include Mary in Jesus Christ Superstar (Packemin Productions), Fanny Brice in Funny Girl (Theatre & Company), and Sport For Jove’s Othello and The Wars of the Roses.
Embla Bishop
Embla joined PCS as an Ambassador in October 2019.
Growing up in London in a Swedish speaking home, Embla’s first professional appearance was in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium UK). She went on to feature in two operas, La Boheme and The Magic Flute (Farrer Theatre, Eton) before moving to Sydney in 2009. Embla graduated from The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Music Theatre in 2016. Most recently, Embla understudied and performed the roles of Charity Barnum and Jenny Lind in Barnum, the Circus Musical (Storeyboard Entertainment) other credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Brigadoon (The Production Company), Mrs Spencer in Merrily We Roll Along (Little Triangle), Oklahoma! (The Production Company), Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (Ozpanto/Bonnie Lythgoe), A Little Cabaret(Little Triangle) and Everything’s Coming Up Sondheim (Spears Entertainment). She was honoured to be a Semi-finalist for the 2018 Rob Guest Endowment award. Embla’s film credits include SALLY (Thundamentals) and Maddison in Three Summers (dir. Ben Elton).
Mollie Gray
Mollie joined PCS as an Ambassador in October 2019.
Mollie has been an enlisted soldier in the Australian Army, Afghanistan Veteran and former Australian rugby union player turned Fox Sports panellist, sports commentator, MC and President of the Classic Wallaroos.
Mollie played for the Australian Army Rugby Team since 2009, and the Australian Services Rugby Team since 2011. Mollie has represented Australia in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, a Tri-Nations Series against NZ and Canada and the 2016 Rio Olympics with the Australian Women’s Sevens team.
Mollie is also a passionate advocate for PTSD, mental health and resilience projects.