Mellor Olsson Lawyers

02/06/2026

The Fair Work Commission has announced an increase to minimum wages following the Annual Wage Review 2026–27.

This year, minimum rates in modern awards will increase by 4.75%, while the national minimum wage will rise by just under 6% to $1,004.90 per week or $26.44 per hour, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026.

In this article, our Employment team outlines what these changes mean for employers, including compliance obligations and the risks of underpayment.

Read the full article by John Love and Zach Marshall here:

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/minimum-wage-increase-key-changes-arising-from-the-annual-wage-review-decision

28/05/2026

When parenting arrangements break down, it can be distressing for everyone involved, especially the children at the centre.

In this article, our Family Law team outlines your options if the other parent stops you from seeing your children, including the differences between Parenting Orders, Parenting Plans and informal agreements, and the steps you can take.

Read the full article by Eva Bailey and Mihiri Sumanasekara here:

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/what-to-do-if-your-ex-wont-let-you-see-your-children

28/05/2026

Today, we’re delighted to share that Mellor Olsson Lawyers has been recognised once again in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms in Australia by Best Lawyers®.

This year’s recognition is particularly special, with our firm now ranked Tier 1 in Trusts & Estates, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, and Planning & Environmental Law. We were also newly recognised for excellence in Government Practice and Real Property Law.

In addition, our firm continues to be acknowledged for its depth of expertise and industry leadership across a broad range of practice areas, including Native Title Law, Commercial Law, Litigation, and Leasing Law.

These rankings reflect what we value most- trusted advice, strong relationships, and specialist knowledge delivered by lawyers who are leaders in their fields. It is a testament to our people and the care they bring to supporting families, businesses, and organisations across South Australia, from metropolitan Adelaide to regional and rural communities.

We are very proud of this recognition.

26/05/2026

Strong governance doesn’t happen by chance, and outdated frameworks can leave organisations exposed.

As governance requirements continue to evolve, Joanna Andrew outlines why clear Board structures, documentation and governance frameworks are critical to effective decision-making, accountability and long-term success.

Read the full article here:

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/the-importance-of-clear-processes-documentation-and-frameworks-in-effective-governance

Mellor Olsson is one of the largest and oldest law firms operating in South Australia, employing over 90 staff. We pride ourselves on being approachable and providing quality legal advice and service to our clients.

22/05/2026

When it comes to workers compensation, sitting on the sidelines can come at a cost.

In this article, Partner John Love discusses why SA Employment Tribunal (SAET) disputes deserve your attention and explains why making your voice heard can make a measurable difference to your business.

Read the full article here:

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/employers-should-get-involved-in-workers-compensation-disputes

21/05/2026

Getting business structures right, and recognising when they need to change, is one of the most important but overlooked drivers of long-term success in family enterprises.

For many family-owned and owner-operated businesses, structures put in place early can become misaligned as the business grows, evolves or transitions between generations. Regular review and adjustment is essential to manage risk, support growth and ensure continuity.

Mellor Olsson works closely with family businesses to ensure their structures remain fit for purpose and aligned with both family and commercial objectives.

Read the full article here:

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/getting-the-structure-right-and-knowing-when-it-is-time-to-change

21/05/2026

The 2026–2027 Federal Budget signals a shift in how discretionary trusts and capital gains will be treated, with potential implications for succession and estate planning.

While details are still emerging, these changes could affect long-term planning strategies and outcomes for many individuals and families.

Our team has outlined the key considerations and what to watch next in this article.

https://www.molawyers.com.au/news-events/news/federal-budget-2026-2027-key-impacts-on-succession-planning

18/05/2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join our highly regarded Workplace & Employment team at Mellor Olsson Lawyers. Known for delivering practical, high-quality advice, our team works with a diverse client base across South Australia within a values-driven and collaborative firm.

This role is ideally suited to a Senior Associate, or an experienced Associate who is on the pathway to Senior Associate level, who:

- is passionate about employment law;
- enjoys working in a fast-paced environment; and
- is motivated to contribute to the continued success of a high-performing team.

Working closely with our Partner- a recognised leader in South Australia’s employment law landscape- you will advise on a broad range of workplace matters, including employment, industrial relations and workers’ compensation. You will act for clients across both the private and public sectors, manage matters with an appropriate level of autonomy, and play an active role in mentoring junior lawyers and building strong client relationships.

What sets this role apart is the opportunity to work within a market-leading practice led by a highly regarded practitioner, while being trusted with meaningful, high-quality work and supported within a genuinely collaborative and collegiate environment. There is clear scope to build a long-term career within a leading South Australian employment practice.

As a values-based firm, we are committed to investing in our people and fostering a culture that is supportive, inclusive and focused on professional growth.

If you are looking to take the next step in your career within a high-performing and collaborative team, we invite you to contact us for a confidential discussion.

Contact Lisa Hobden, People and Culture Manager
(08) 8414 3400 | [email protected]

https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/mellor-olsson-lawyers-senior-associate-workplace-employment-law-61r0i/

18/05/2026

At Mellor Olsson, we believe solicitors in the early stages of their post admission experience do their best work when they’re supported, trusted and given meaningful exposure to quality matters.

We are seeking a Solicitor, ideally 12–18 months post admission experience to join our Litigation team in Adelaide. In this role, you will work closely with experienced partners and senior practitioners across a broad range of commercial disputes and insolvency matters. You’ll be involved in drafting, research, court preparation, and client work, with guidance and mentoring at every stage as your confidence and capability grow.

What sets this role apart is the balance: you’ll gain hands‑on experience while being genuinely supported by a team that values learning, professionalism and working together.

At Mellor Olsson, our culture is underpinned by our values. We are proud of our collegiate environment and our commitment to developing people at all stages of their careers.

If you are considering your next step, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Contact Lisa Hobden, People and Culture Manager
(08) 8414 3400 | [email protected]

https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/mellor-olsson-lawyers-solicitor-litigation-and-insolvency-ijynz/

18/05/2026

At Mellor Olsson, our Personal Injury team plays a vital role in supporting clients through some of the most challenging times in their lives and we are currently looking for an Administrative Assistant to join our Personal Injury team.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being part of a close‑knit team, takes pride in their work, and values professionalism, empathy, and collaboration. Working closely with our lawyers, you will provide support with personal injury and medical negligence matters, and your role will involve a mix of file management, document preparation, diary coordination, and client interaction, with support from an experienced team around you.

Our culture is guided by our values. We invest in our people and aim to create an environment where everyone feels supported, respected and able to grow.

If you are an experienced legal administrator, interested in providing support to our Personal Injury team please contact us to have a confidential conversation.

Contact Joanna Akp, People and Culture Administrator
(08) 8414 3400 | [email protected]

https://employmenthero.com/jobs/position/mellor-olsson-lawyers-legal-administrator-personal-injury-05asx/