Global real estate firm JLL may soon face additional legal challenges from two of its former senior leaders, intensifying the fallout from a series of terminations linked to its handling of workplace misconduct allegations.
According to reports, former Chief Executive Officer Dan Kernaghan and former Head of Human Resources Julie Skinner are considering legal action against the company after both were dismissed in August over their management of sexual harassment claims within the business.
Potential Legal Proceedings
Sources familiar with the matter told The Australian Financial Review that Kernaghan was close to filing a court challenge over his dismissal, reportedly on grounds including breach of contract. Skinner, meanwhile, confirmed she had engaged legal counsel but declined to comment further.
“I have committed to my legal team I won’t be discussing anything with journalists,” she said.
Both terminations were linked to the company’s internal response to sexual harassment allegations made earlier this year. Skinner was reportedly terminated for failing to follow company protocols after her advice on the matter was not initially acted upon.
Ongoing Lawsuits Add to Internal Turmoil
JLL is already defending two separate federal court actions brought by former Head of Industrial and Logistical Agency Peter Blade and former National Head of Industrial Brokerage Greg Pike, who were terminated over the weekend.
Their dismissals stem from allegations that the pair used inappropriate language and made sexually explicit comments in a work-related WhatsApp group, allegations first reported by The Australian in August. The publication noted that these claims have not been proven.
Blade and Pike, represented by law firm Clyde & Co, allege that JLL terminated their employment without affording them an opportunity to respond to the accusations. Legal correspondence published by the pair shows their lawyers had repeatedly requested details of the allegations but received no response prior to their dismissal.
“We now understand the investigation has been concluded and astonishingly, without our client ever being informed of the allegations, permitted to respond, or interviewed,” their lawyers wrote in a letter to JLL’s counsel.
JLL, however, maintains that both men declined multiple requests to participate in the internal investigation.
Company Response
Interim CEO Luke Billiau, a 17-year veteran of the firm and former Head of Capital Markets for Australia and New Zealand, addressed employees at an all-staff meeting on Tuesday, reinforcing the company’s stance on workplace conduct.
“Every employee deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at work,” Billiau said in a statement. “Sexual harassment and bullying have no place at JLL, and it never will. These aren’t just words – they are non-negotiables. They underpin who we are, and the values we will continue to hold ourselves to.”
What’s Next
If Kernaghan and Skinner proceed with their legal actions, JLL could find itself managing four concurrent lawsuits involving former executives, an unprecedented situation for one of the world’s largest real estate advisory firms.
The unfolding disputes could prolong efforts to restore stability within JLL’s Australian operations, even as the company seeks to reassure clients, employees, and investors of its commitment to workplace integrity and transparency.
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