Ruth Thevathasan

Experience and Approach

Ruth is an employment lawyer with over 11 years’ experience conducting robust and impartial investigations and advising clients in both the public and private sectors. Prior to establishing Accordia, Ruth worked as a Senior Associate with top tier law firms Clayton Utz and Thomson Geer.

Ruth has advised and conducted investigations for government entities, listed companies, universities, research institutes, and employers in the health services, financial, retail, technology, transport, manufacturing and renewable energy industries.

Her experience includes:

• sensitive inquiries into corporate governance issues and allegations of director misconduct;

• complex investigations into allegations of serious misconduct, research misconduct, student misconduct and breaches of specific regulations/duties; and

• whistleblower investigations under both corporations and public interest disclosure legislation;

• advising on award interpretation and compliance, enterprise bargaining, restructuring and transfer of business, managing ill and injured employees, poor performance and misconduct; and

• drafting employment contracts and policies.

Drawing on this experience, Ruth is able to conduct investigations and provide workplace relations advice that is both legally sound and easy to comprehend.

Ruth is perceptive, relatable and a clear communicator who is able to adapt her approach to the particular needs of the employer or circumstances for inquiry, and the types of persons and issues involved.

Qualifications

Ruth has a Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) from Monash University and a Master of Arts (Professional Communication) from RMIT University. She is a qualified lawyer, holds a current practising certificate and is a member of the Australian chapter of the Association of Workplace Investigators.