Prominent barrister and human rights advocate ​Julian Burnside QC will represent Amber Harrison in her long-running legal fight against Seven West Media.

The Melbourne-based barrister appeared on behalf of Ms Harrison for a brief NSW Supreme Court directions hearing in Sydney on Friday. He said the counter-claim by Ms Harrison raises many issues under the Fair Work Act and the case may need to be transferred to the Federal Court which has the jurisdiction to hear those matters.

Ms Harrison's counter claim is based on the adverse action provisions of the Fair Work Act and she is expected to argue she was unfairly targeted for expenses audit and subsequent sacking after she alerted HR about her affair with Seven chief executive Tim Worner.

Julian Burnside QC is representing Amber Harrison. Justin McManus

It is assumed Mr Burnside is working on the case on a pro-bono basis. Ms Harrison was previously represented by James Catlin, a barrister who previously worked as press secretary to Seven board member Jeff Kennett.

Seven West Media is represented by Sandy Dawson SC, a well regarded defamation barrister who was appointed senior counsel last year.