Team Members

Ashleigh Fanning

Associate
As an associate in Cooper Grace Ward’s workplace relations and safety team, Ashleigh provides advice to clients on all labour and employment matters.

Ashleigh assists clients in various industries on all aspects of labour and employment law, including unfair dismissal, adverse action and discrimination claims, restraint of trade, bargaining agreements and employee misconduct.

Ashleigh brings five years’ experience in the legal profession and has particular experience in assisting religious organisations and private schools in employment and employment-related matters.

  • Bachelor of Laws – Bond University
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – The College of Law
  • Solicitor – Supreme Court of Queensland and High Court of Australia
  • Deputy President – Queensland Law Society Future Leaders Committee
  • Member – Queensland Law Society
  • Non Executive Director – Nambour Christian College.
  • Advising clients in relation to workplace relations, including managing ill or injured staff, termination of employees and disciplinary matters
  • Advising and representing clients in unfair dismissal and adverse action claims
  • Advising employers on workers’ compensation and WHS matters
  • Drafting workplace procedures and policies, and drafting employment contracts
  • Assisting with and conducting workplace investigations into allegations of employee misconduct
  • Representing clients in all state and federal courts, commissions and tribunals

Areas of Expertise

Publications

The year ahead: what employers can expect in 2026

2025 was a landmark year for Australian employment law. As 2026 unfolds, further significant developments are expected. This article outlines the key changes for 2026, including payday superannuation and Fair Work Commission reviews, and highlights what employers need to do to stay compliant and prepared.

Key takeaways for employers from recent work health and safety cases

Several recent cases show that employers are facing significant penalties for failing to adequately control workplace health and safety risks.

Workplace relations and safety experts recognised in Doyles Guide 2026

Cooper Grace Ward’s workplace relations and safety team, along with lead partner Annie Smeaton, have been recognised in the latest Doyles Guide rankings.