Amber’s surprise legal move

Former Seven West Media assistant secures legal services of high profile barrister in case against former employer.

Amber Harrison the women who was in a relationship with Seven boss Tim Worner.

Former Seven West Media executive assistant Amber Harrison has secured the legal services of high profile barrister Julian Burnside in her bitter legal battle with her former employer.

Mr Burnside today represented represented Ms Harrison - who had a two-year affair with Seven West chief executive Tim Worner - in Sydney’s Supreme Court.

Straight off a flight from Melbourne: Julian Burnside, Amber Harrison's new lawyer, in Sydney's Supreme Court. Wow!https://t.co/b9Igg2olF5 pic.twitter.com/0FGhoskSqR

— Will Glasgow (@wmdglasgow) March 17, 2017

Mr Burnside argued that the Kerry Stokes-controlled media company failed to provide a safe place of employment for the executive assistant. The Queen’s Counsel argued the case should be transferred to the Federal Court, where employment matters are heard.

A Supreme Court judge will decide on the transfer request on April 6, following the Seven legal team’s request for time to consider Ms Harrison’s request.

“We would like to review the Fair Work Act,” Seven’s legal team told the judge today.

Mr Burnside told the court he would “make myself available” to attend again for Ms Harrison on April 6.

In recent years Mr Burnside has been a passionate advocate for the rights of refugees.

The leading barrister and human rights advocate is based in Melbourne, but flew to Sydney this morning for the explosive case.

The argument surprised the Seven West’s legal team, which is led internally by commercial director Bruce McWilliam.

Seven has argued that Ms Harrison stole money from the company via misuse of her corporate credit card.

Mr Stokes and some of his fellow Seven West directors have repeatedly called Ms Harrison “a thief”.

Both sides were asked to provide outlines to the court on the matter before April 6.