Lesley Maclou leads the firm’s Melbourne practice and is a dually qualified Australian and English solicitor. Lesley brings to the firm over 11 years' expertise in workplace relations law as well as general commercial and corporate law experience. Her experience extends across the jurisdictions of Australia, UK, USA, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

After graduating in 1997 from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Media Studies, Lesley was admitted in 1998 and worked as a solicitor in Australia until she moved to the the UK in 2001. Lesley was subsequently admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales in 2001.

Prior to joining Harmers in 2008, Lesley established the first employment law facility in the London office of an international Australian law firm and was also a Director of a London law firm heading up its employment law practice.

During her career, Lesley has worked across the spectrum of workplace relations law. Her experience ranges from attending to local businesses’ needs in relation to industrial relations, general employment and HR law, health and safety, change management, restructuring and litigation, to supporting and advising multinational clients with respect to managing and restructuring their global workforces, and setting up and expanding their business in new jurisdictions. Lesley has also advised on general corporate and commercial issues, assisted clients in managing day-to-day workplace operations and has provided strategic advice and support with respect to the future growth and development of client organisations.

Lesley works across a diverse range of industries including (but not limited to) banking and finance, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, retail, construction, racing and gaming, media, sports, fashion, automotive, education, engineering and IT. Lesley is currently assisting a variety of businesses with the operational impact of the new Fair Work Reforms.