This program will assist employers to understand their rights and obligations when managing ill and injured employees, so that they can make decisions in this complex area with confidence.
The program will also give employers some practical strategies to reduce problem absenteeism.
Topics for discussion include:

the options for managing ill and injured employees during employment
obtaining and using information about an employee’s medical condition
when to make a decision about terminating employment
legal risks and how to minimise them.

We hope that you are able to join us.
The post Managing ill and injured employees appeared first on Cooper Grace Ward.

Craig Turvey, Senior Associate in our Family team, has worked with Cooper Grace Ward for seven years. We asked him to tell us in his own words what life at Cooper Grace Ward is like, and a few of his past experiences and favourite things.
1. What made you decide to become a lawyer?
I was nearing the end of Grade 12 and yet to submit my QTAC preferences. I wanted to go to university but didn’t know what I should study. With no family members in the legal profession, no experience with law, and having skipped legal studies in high school; I decided being a lawyer would be a fantastic option.
2. How long have you worked at Cooper Grace Ward for and what brought you to that position?
I have worked at CGW for just over seven years. I knew the family law team had a very good reputation and that it would be a great career move if I could get a job here.
3. If you could invite three people for dinner, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Barack Obama, because he is inspirational. My grandfather, because he died when I was very young, so I never got to know him. Gordon Ramsay, because I cannot cook; so, if I’m hosting this dinner, his feedback on my culinary skills would be highly amusing.
4. Where is the best place in Brisbane to go for a drink or dinner after work?
I know it is in vogue to answer with the W Hotel right now; but the bar at Moo Moo or Brooklyn Standard would be my picks. Moo Moo has comfortable lounges and great cocktails which is always a winning combination. Brooklyn Standard has a very casual atmosphere and delicious greasy burgers and live music.
5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I don’t remember any specific pearls of wisdom imparted to me. However, as cheesy as the source is, I’ve always remembered listening to a talk from Dr Phil (don’t laugh) about the importance of teaching people how to treat you; which always stuck with me.
6. Do you have any hobbies/interests outside of work?
I love playing computer games and find it very relaxing. When I was young I desperately wanted to be a computer game tester; until I realised how tedious it would be and that I needed to understand programming languages.
7. Complete this sentence: If I weren’t a lawyer, I would be…
Probably following whatever alternate, random career path my 17-year-old-self thought would be a good idea. Seriously, I have no idea.
8. What do you think will be single biggest issue facing the legal space in Australia in 2018?
2018 is almost over. Is this supposed to be 2019? Or do we anticipate a dramatic legal event in the remaining two-and-a-bit months of the year?
If 2019, from a family law perspective, I think it is the same it has been for many years; securing regular work in an increasingly competitive market. Each year there is a raft of new, boutique firms operating with lower overheads and therefore lower charge-out rates. As a team, we are working on certain aspects of our marketing, particularly from a social media perspective. Please ‘like’ or share any of our social media posts you enjoy!
9. What do you love about your job?
I love the team I work with. This is the third law firm I have worked for and I remember dreading going to work each day at the previous two because of the environment. Workloads can be hectic and draining wherever you are; but being around people you like and who treat you with respect makes a big difference to your experience.
10. Something you might not know about me is that …
I can drink a glass of water while I am asleep. Sometimes when I try to place the glass on the bedside table I miss, and find it on the ground in the morning. Clearly a useful recovery strategy if you’ve been out drinking (not water) the night before.
The post Five minutes with Craig Turvey appeared first on Cooper Grace Ward.