David Pawley

About David

David is an Associate in Thynne + Macartney’s Employment + Safety group. He acts for employers operating in a range of sectors providing clear, strategic and commercially focused advice aligned with their operational objectives and legal obligations.

David advises across both contentious and advisory matters, assisting clients to manage workplace issues, minimise risk and respond effectively to complex employment and safety matters.

Having previously acted for both employers and employees, David brings a balanced and pragmatic perspective to workplace matters. His practice spans:

• unfair dismissal
• general protections and discrimination claims
• wage compliance and underpayment issues
• disciplinary processes, and
• terminations of employment and broader workplace disputes.

David also advises on workplace investigations, workers’ compensation matters, including applications for review and appeals, and the management of regulatory and employment-related risk.

Regularly involved in the conduct and strategic management of employment and regulatory proceedings, David advises on employment contracts, workplace policies, show cause processes, settlement documentation and other key workplace documents. He has appeared before the Fair Work Commission, Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Industrial Magistrates Court and Queensland Human Rights Commission.

David assists employers to comply with new and evolving regulatory requirements regarding employment law, employer obligations and pay and leave entitlements, including Sexual Harassment Prevention Plans, Child Safe Standards and compliance with Payday Super regulations.

Before joining Thynne + Macartney in April 2026, David acted in a range of advisory, dispute and litigation matters for both employers and employees.

 Qualifications

• Admitted as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland, 2023
• Legal Practitioner of the High Court of Australia, 2023
• GDLP – College of Law, 2023
• Bachelor of Laws – University of Southern Queensland, 2018

 Memberships & Appointments

• Queensland Bar Association – Volunteer Witness
• Queensland Law Society