David Ey retires after 42 years of dedicated service to the firm
20/12/2021
This month we farewell long standing Piper Alderman Partner, David Ey as he retires after 42 years at the firm. David has become one of the country’s leading employment relations lawyers advising a range of clients on highly sensitive matters receiving numerous accolades and recognition across peers, colleagues and industry.
David established Piper Alderman’s employment relations practice some 30 years ago, and today it is a national practice which is ably led by Tim Lange.
For David, there were two factors that kept him engaged in the field of employment relations law; the clients and the dynamic work.
“It is a very dynamic area in terms of legislative changes and case law developments. It’s never boring – I really liked the fact that the work is so varied, crossing between advisory and litigation. Getting to build relationships with clients and help them achieve their objectives has made it all the more rewarding.” David reflects, whilst looking back on his career.
A highly valued colleague amongst Piper Alderman partners and staff, David is a well-loved and highly regarded practitioner having built strong relationships across the industry, dealing with and in many cases forming friendships with long standing and loyal clients.
During his career, David has seen an ever increasing volume and reach of laws that impinge on employment relations, and anticipates that this will continue to grow. As we move into 2022, David feels the impact of COVID-19 will still challenge organisations for the years to come.
“It comes as no surprise that many of our clients are now trying to navigate through the employment and WHS issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we can expect to see more decisions from the courts and tribunals over the coming weeks and months”
As David steps away from the industry, he and his wife are looking forward to what they are calling a ‘gap year’ which will mean a year with no hard and fast plans. Plans to travel to New Zealand are on the cards should the world permit.
The focus will now be on continuing David’s legacy of success and growth in Piper Alderman’s market leading Employment Relations practice. Partner Erin McCarthy will take the reins in the Adelaide office after working alongside David for some 20 years. Erin is supported by newly promoted Partner Emily Haar and Special Counsel Emily Slaytor.
David shares his thoughts on the future of the practice;
“I have been fortunate to have worked with Erin for some 20 years and Emily for 10 years. They are both talented lawyers who understand what clients value and as an added bonus are great people. I know that the practice is the best hands possible.”
We sincerely thank David for his service to the firm and wish him well as he enters his retirement on the 23rd of December 2021.