G Tony Pagone practises in all as aspects of litigation, including arbitration, mediation and advice.
Tony Pagone retired from the Federal Court of Australia where he had been the national co‑ordinating judge of the Taxation National Practice Area. Before his appointment to the Federal Court he was a judge of the trial division of the Supreme Court of Victoria and had been the judge in charge of the Commercial Court of that Court. He graduated from Monash University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Laws and from Cambridge University with a Master of Laws in 1983. In 2014 he was awarded an LLD from the University of Melbourne for his research and published work on anti‑tax avoidance provisions.
He was admitted in Victoria as a legal practitioner in 1980, signed the roll of counsel in 1985, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel for Victoria in 1996. He practised widely in taxation law, commercial law, administrative law, constitution law, public and human rights law during his career at the Bar. He was also Special Counsel to the Australian Taxation Office between 2002 and 2004. He is a professorial fellow of the Melbourne Law School and lectures in several post-graduate courses at the Melbourne Law School and from time to time in the Law Faculty at Monash University. He was President of the International Association of Judges from 2018-2021, is now an Honorary President and had been on the board of the International Association of Tax Judges.
He was appointed in October 2022 to the board of the International Institute for Justice Excellence.
Hamish practises in commercial law at both trial and appellate levels. Examples of cases (including links to judgments on Austlii, where available) are listed below.
Commercial
Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 632 Costs ruling where Plaintiffs' wholly unsuccessful and multiple Defendant insurers separately represented.
Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 485 Indemnity dispute for business interruption costs arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With David Collins KC instructed by Clyde & Co
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.
Dessmann, in the matter of Dessmann [2023] FCA 1019 Appeared as amicus curiae on an application for an order that the applicant not be a disqualified person under s 126J(1)(b) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).
Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No 1 [2022] VSCA 105 Statutory interpretation of s 134 of the Building Act 1993 concerning the limitation period to apply to projects with multiple occupancy permits and related issues as to joinder of parties. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Thomson Geer.
Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No. 1 [2021] VSC 471 Costs ruling where issues decided in favour of both appellant and respondents. Instructed by Thomson Geer.
Auslong Development Management Pty Ltd v Morey [2021] VSC 250 Application for leave to appeal, and appeal, from a decision of the VCAT concerning the operation of Part IV of the Property Law Act 1958 (Vic).
Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited v Billinghurst [2017] FCAFC 201 Superannuation – decision of Superannuation Complaints Tribunal setting aside decision of Trustee and remitting it for reconsideration, where Trustee adopted a valuation based on calculations of Plan Actuary who had advised the employer. Whether the Trustee’s decision was fair and reasonable in the circumstances. Led by Jonathan Brett QC instructed by Greenfields Lawyers.
Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609 Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.
FSS Trustee Corporation v Eastaugh & Anor [2016] VSC 636 (Commercial Court, McDonald J); construction of a superannuation trust deed and whether payments made to members of a defined benefit scheme constituted salary (led by David Robertson QC, instructed by Greenfields Lawyers).
Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).
Nguyen v Phan (No 2) [2015] VSC 634(Commercial Court, Elliott J): a shareholder dispute involving allegations of breaches of fiduciary duties and accessorial liability with a counterclaim alleging breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC with Kate Burgess as junior counsel, instructed by Baker & McKenzie)
Minh Nguyen & Ors v Tu Phan & Ors [2015 VSC 32]: interlocutory ruling during trial concerning application to amend pleadings.
Kilkenny Walsh Pty Ltd v Strasburger Enterprises (Properties) Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 117: breach of contract arising from the purchase of land formerly used as a service station (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Best Hooper).
Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors [2012] VSC 156: beneficial ownership of shares in companies and unit trusts and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors (No. 2) [2013] VSC 381: separate question on entities to be taken into account for order of purchase of shares and units (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Drapac & Ors v Wain & Ors [2013] VSCA 19: application for stay of judgment pending appeal (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Exxon Mobil Superannuation Plan Pty Ltd v Esso Australia Pty Ltd [2010] VSC 357: rectification of trust deed (led by Jennifer Batrouney SC and Stephen McLeish, instructed by Minter Ellison).
Berndale Securities Ltd v How Trading Pty Ltd[2010] VSC 216: default by client of contract with options trading clearing house; limitations on liability of client to indemnity broker (led by Paul Anastassiou QC, instructed by Blake Dawson).
Ipex v Melbourne Water Corporation [2009] VSC 383: misleading and deceptive conduct and information technology outsourcing agreement (led by Ian Waller QC and Alan Sandbach, instructed by AJH Lawyers).
Gunns Ltd v Marr [2008] VSC 464: interlocutory ruling on redaction of documents for confidentiality and irrelevance (with Ian Waller QC instructed by Clayton Utz).
Biota Scientific Management v Glaxo Group Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria Sep 2006 – July 2008): breach of contract and best endeavours clause led by John Karkar QC and Michael Wheelahan QC, instructed by Deacons).
Yarra Capital Group v Sklash [2006] VSCA 109: whether default clause a penalty (led by Nemeer Mukhtar QC, instructed by Clayton Utz).
Masha Nominees v Mobil Oil Australia[2006] VSC 15: breach of contract arising from purchase of land formerly used as a petrol station (led by Ian Waller, instructed by Ashley West & Co).
Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609: Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.
Insurance
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2022] VSC 377 Waiver of client legal privilege in the context of a claim against an insurer for indemnity following the settlement of a proceeding. With Ella Zauner, instructed by HWL Ebsworth.
Entyce Food Ingredients Pty Ltd v CGU Insurance Limited [2020] VSC 757 Construction of general and products liability insurance policy and commercial contracts in the context of a recall and withdrawal and loss of frozen berry products due to contamination of food products with Hepatitus A. Led by Michael Thompson QC, instructed by William Abbott and Associates.
Bergman v CGU Insurance Ltd [2016] VSC 81 (Commercial Court, Hargrave J); insurance, non-disclosure and misrepresentation; whether policy responded (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Cornwall Stodart).
Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).
Leading Synthetics Pty Ltd v Adroit Insurance Group [2011] VSC 467: estoppel and credit risk insurance (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill Lawyers).
Mainstream Aquaculture v Calliden Insurance Ltd [2011] VSC 286: construction of commercial insurance contract (led by Chris Blanden QC instructed by GTR Lawyers).
Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 353: action in contract and negligence arising out of a train derailment (led by Chris Blanden QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill).
Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 500: Decision on damages where split trial.
Environmental and Public Law
VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater's Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2021] VSC 869 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Led by Philip Solomon QC, and with Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 569 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Kinglake Friends of the Forest Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 788 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 406 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2021] HCATrans 215 Application for special leave to appeal a judgment of the Full Federal Court. Led by Bret Walker SC and Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66; 285 FCR 70 Appeal concerning the correct interpretation of s 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth). Led by Ian Waller and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2018] FCA 178 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Katrina Chow, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
MyEnvironment v VicForests [2013] VSCA 356; (2013) 198 LGERA 396, 206 ALR 624, [2014] ALMD 2380: statutory construction where competing purposes, and lawfulness of proposed logging in Toolangi (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).
MyEnvironment v VicForests [2012] VSC 91: question of whether proposed logging in Toolangi lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, with Nasos Kaskani as junior, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2010] VSC 335; (2010) 30 VR 1; [2012] ALMD 3348: question of whether proposed logging in East Gippsland lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2009] VSC 386: interlocutory injunction and standing of environmental group (led by Ian Waller QC instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests (No. 2) [2009] VSC 421: interlocutory injunction, whether security in addition to undertaking should be provided in public interest litigation (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).
Other
Catch the Fire Ministries v Islamic Council of Victoria [2006] VSCA 284; (2006) 15 VR 207, 235 ALR 750, 206 FLR 56.: religious vilification (led by Brind Woinarski QC and Debbie Mortimer SC, instructed by Allens Arthur Robinson).
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Practises in general commercial law, including contracts, corporations, equity and insolvency. Formerly associate to Elliott J of the Supreme Court of Victoria and solicitor at Mallesons.
Selected matters:
Committees:
From 1st May 2014, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
David practices primarily in Patent Law and Intellectual Property generally, Competition, Telecommunications, Administrative, Corporations and Commercial
Law and appellate work.
Over the last 40 years, David has had extensive trial and appellate experience in Australia in the Federal Court and High Court, focused heavily, but not exclusively, on patents (especially pharmaceutical and life sciences, and software and business methods) on trade marks and competition and administrative law. He also has trial and appellate experience in the Supreme Court of Victoria, especially in the Commercial Court. He has also appeared in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court. He has appeared in a number of landmark patent, trade mark and competition cases as a silk over the last 26 years.
In New Zealand where David was appointed silk in 1994, his appearance work in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court has focused heavily on competition and regulatory work but includes some patent and trade mark work. He appeared for Transpower in NZ in the input methodologies litigation and Pfizer in the Viagra patent litigation.
For nine years he lectured in the Masters programs at Melbourne Business School, Melbourne University and Monash University in Advanced Trade Practices Law with the late Prof Maureen Brunt, the late Professor Baxt and Professors Fels, Williams, and Officer. David has been an accredited LEADR Mediator and the former Trade Practices Editor of the ABLR. David is also admitted in New Zealand.
Maya has over 20 years' experience at the commercial bar appearing in applications, directions and trials in jurisdictions from VCAT to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
She enjoys a broad based commercial practice including contract disputes, equities, trusts, partnerships, mortgages and other securities as well as property disputes, building and construction, franchise disputes, company and insolvency disputes. Maya has also appeared in Fair Work Act general protection and unfair dismissal matters as well as discrimination and equal opportunity matters in the Federal Court and VCAT.
Maya completed her Australian Mediation Training in 2004. She is an accomplished and strategic negotiator and will provide early assistance to instructors and clients on limiting the costs and risks of lengthy and expensive trials where appropriate. She has successfully employed the Civil Procedure Act 2010 to enforce procedural compliance by opposing parties in disputed matters including on matters of costs.
Maya completed her articles with Darvall McCutcheon in 1989 and worked as a commercial litigation solicitor at that firm and later at Lander & Rogers. In 1993 she was appointed an Associate at Jack Cohen, Serry & Co. On coming to the bar, Maya was extremely fortunate to read with the Honourable Justice Almond as one of only 5 readers before he took silk and his only female reader.
Maya is a regular contributor to the Bar Readers Course in advocacy training and has travelled a number of times with the Victorian Bar Pacific Rim Committee to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to carry out advocacy training of local students and lawyers.
Tim is an experienced commercial barrister and appears in a wide range of commercial disputes and professional disciplinary matters. He has extensive experience
in working on cases as part of a team made up of solicitors and other counsel. He is an experienced trial advocate.
In recent years, Tim has obtained significant experience in different areas including corporations, professional disciplinary and professional negligence matters. For example, he has:
Tim has appeared in a wide variety of jurisdictions, including the State Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Trial division, in relation to insurance disputes, equity proceedings, contempt proceedings and insolvency matters.
Tim's CV, including a selection of cases in which he has been involved, may be viewed via the CV link above.
From 1 July 2008 liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Common Law and Insurance Litigation, TAC proceedings, Medical Negligence, Sexual Assault, Class Actions, Trade Practices, Administrative Law.
Formerly a Solicitor at Ebsworth & Ebsworth (1987-1990).
Since coming to the Bar in 1990 Mark has practised exclusively in the diverse commercial area with principal emphasis on Professional Negligence, Banking/Finance, Corporations Law, Building and Construction, Equity, Securities, Trade Practices and non-personal injuries Insurance litigation.
Mark’s personal interests include theatre, Dandie Dinmont Terriers and military history.
From 3rd May 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Tristan has significant experience in large commercial and construction disputes. He also acts regularly in professional negligence matters, including on behalf of barristers, solicitors, builders, building owners, owners corporations, building surveyors, architects, engineers and real estate agents.
Before joining the Bar in 2008, Tristan was a commercial litigator at Minter Ellison and Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
Published decisions in which Tristan has appeared include:
- Zhang v Oakmont Properties Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 810
- Oakmont Properties Pty Ltd v Duan Lan Zhang & Anor [2019] VSC 568
- Oakmont Properties Pty Ltd v Zhang (Building and Property) [2019] VCAT 92
- O'Keeffe v Toop & Ors [2018] VSC 421
- Ozaltay & Anor v Atilla & Anor (No 2) [2018] VSC 764
- Johns Lyng Commercial Builders Pty Ltd v Carrington International Pty Ltd (Building and Property) [2016] VCAT 1821
- Rees v Rees [2016] VSC 452
- Melina Sehr v Best Hooper Ltd [2015] VMC 32
- Metricon Homes Pty Ltd v Hooper [2014] VSC 12
- Hooper v Metricon Homes Pty Ltd [2014] VCAT 277
- Clarendon Homes Vic Pty Ltd v Zalega [2010] VCAT 1202
- Sivritas v Sivritas & Anor [2008] VSC 374
- DPP v Williams [2004] VSC 360
Scott has an active commercial practice regularly appearing in trials and appeals in the Supreme and Federal Courts as well as in the County Court and VCAT and private arbitrations. His areas of practice involve commercial law, contractual and partnership disputes, equity and trusts, the domestic building insurance regime, VWA premium calculations and commercial negligence actionsin the agricultural sector and generally.
Scott graduated from the University of Melbourne with a degree of LLB (Hons) and BA (Hons). Having completed articles at Freehill Hollingdale & Page he acted as associate to McGarvie J prior to his appointment as Governor of Victoria and to Harper J until 1993.
Hamex Corporation Pty Ltd v Latrobe Street Ventures Pty Ltd (No 2) [2020] FCA 199 (25 February 2020)
Clementi v Rossi [2019] VSC 725 (7 November 2019)
Pinnacle Runway Pty Ltd v Triangl Limited [2019] FCA 1662 (10 October 2019)
Demetrios v Lehmann [2019] VSC 301 (10 May 2019)
Gabelich v Donaghey [2018] VSC 184 (10 May 2018)
Bauer Consumer Media Ltd v Evergreen Television Pty Ltd [2019] FCAFC 71 (3 May 2019)
Blanalko Pty Ltd v Lysaght Building Solutions Pty Ltd [2017] VSC 97 (10 March 2017)
Jovanovic v Magri [2017] VSCA 373 (14 December 2017)
Bauer Consumer Media Limited v Evergreen Television Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 507 (12 May 2017)
Luhan v Micallef [2017] VSC 246 (10 May 2017)
Victorian WorkCover Authority v Divadeus Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2016] VSCA 81 (28 April 2016)
Alpine Petroleum Pty Ltd v Jonmac Transport Pty Ltd & Anor [2016] VCC 136 (25 February 2016)
Feiglin v Ainsworth [2015] VSCA 326 (7 December 2015)
Gann v Hosny [2015] VSCA 43 (16 March 2015)
Mayer v Mayer [2015] VSC 2 (20 January 2015)
Divadeus Pty Ltd v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2014] VSC 578 (5 December 2014)
Feiglin v Ainsworth & Ors [2014] VSC 233 (22 May 2014)
ACCU Ltd v Fellows [2014] VCC 581 (9 May 2014)
Feiglin v Ainsworth (No 2) [2014] VSC 376 (20 August 2014) Luong & Anor v Du (No 2) [2014] VSC 37 (14 February 2014)
Luong & Anor v Du [2013] VSC 723 (19 December 2013)
Kalenik v Apostolidis & Ors (No 2) [2013] VSC 395 (8 August 2013)
Feiglin v Ainsworth (No 3) [2013] VSC 560 (21 October 2013)
Samil Power Company Limited v Schneider & Ors [2013] VSC 382 (1 August 2013)
Java Gold Australia & Ors v Java Gold Coffee & Ors [2013] VCC 645 (26 July 2013)
Feiglin v Ainsworth (No. 2) [2013] VSC 83 (5 March 2013)
Anderson v QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd [2013] VCC 77 (22 February 2013)
V & D Zurcas Holdings Pty Ltd v K & S Coolstores Pty Ltd & Anor [2013] VCC 75 (20 February 2013)
The Solicitors' Trust v Oxenbould [2013] TASFC 2 (1 February 2013)
Emu (Aus) Pty Ltd v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2012] VSC 610 (12 December 2012)
King v Lynpete Australia Pty Ltd & Ors [2012] VSC 140 (18 April 2012)
Oxenbould v The Solicitors' Trust (No 2) [2011] TASSC 63 (2 December 2011)
Oxenbould v The Solicitors' Trust [2011] TASSC 57 (3 November 2011)
Feiglin & Anor v Ainsworth & Ors [2011] VSC 454 (19 September 2011)
Winter v Equuscorp Pty Ltd [2010] VSC 419 (17 September 2010)
Cibalevski v Ristevski (No. 2) [2010] VCC 503 (19 May 2010)
Pearsons Barristers and Solicitors v Avison [2009] VSCA 54 (27 March 2009)
Cibalevski, Robert v Ristevski, Saso [2009] VCC 1270 (16 October 2009)
Aylett v Peter Rowland Catering Pty Ltd & Ors [2008] VSC 467 (11 November 2008)
Foster v Galea & Anor [2008] VSC 317 (22 August 2008)
Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v Douralis & Ors [2008] VSCA 72 (8 May 2008)
Zephyr Property Developments Pty Ltd v Contractors Bonding Limited [2008] VSC 122 (24 April 2008)
Ryan & Anor v Victorian Managed Insurance Authority [2007] VSC 474 (23 November 2007)
Macdonald v Australian Wool Innovation Ltd [2005] FCA 105 (18 February 2005)
Housing Guarantee Fund Ltd v Ryan [2005] VSC 214 (23 June 2005)
Kalenik v Apostolidis [2005] VSC 27 (18 February 2005)
In the matter of Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourneand Victoria [2003] FCA 1269 (7 November 2003)
Tamas v Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal & Ors [2003] VSCA 113 (21 August 2003)
Spitfire Nominees Pty Ltd and Anor v Hall & Thompson (a firm) [2001] VSCA 245 (20 December 2001)
Victorian WorkCover Authority v I R Cootes Pty Ltd [2001] VSCA 85 (6 June 2001) Aliferis v Kyriacou [2000] VSCA 123 (20 July 2000)
Croft v McNamara [1999] VSC 495 (7 December 1999)
Northgate Valley Pty Ltd v Westpac Banking Corporation [1999] VSC 373 (15 September 1999)
Gibson v ANZ Banking Group Ltd [1999] FCA 1327 (14 September 1999)
Alan Chalmers v Deakin University [1997] FCA 766 (11 August 1997)
Price Higgins and Fidge v Alexander J Drysdale [1995] VSC 208; [1995] VICSC 208 (27 October 1995)
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Renee is an experienced trial and appellate advocate with a broad practice incorporating general commercial and contractual disputes, consumer law, media and defamation, and merits review. Renee also has experience at inquiries.
Renee regularly appears for both plaintiffs and defendants in defamation actions and claims for injurious falsehood. She advises on pre-litigation strategy including choice of jurisdiction, having regard to factors such as the nature and extent of publication and whether a jury or non-jury trial is appropriate. She is experienced in managing defamatory disputes arising from publications in national print publications as well as online and social media including Twitter and Facebook.
Renee represents clients in a breadth of consumer protection matters under the Australian Consumer Law including claims for misleading or deceptive conduct, false or misleading representations, unconscionable conduct, and unfair contract terms.
Before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Renee has unparalleled experience acting on behalf of Registered Training Organisations and Higher Education Providers. She regularly advises and appears at stay hearings, dismissal applications and final hearings.
A sample of cases in which Renee has appeared in a variety of jurisdictions, both led and unled, is set out below.
Renee is a member of the Commercial Bar Association and the Women’s Bar Association.She read with Georgina Schoff QC and her senior mentor is William
Houghton QC. Renee has had two readers – Geoff Lake (2018) and Sanjay Schrapel (2020).
Before coming to the Bar, Renee practised in the Dispute Resolution group at Phillips Fox (now DLA) and Cornwall Stodart.
From 01 Jul 2016, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Anthony Strahan KC is an experienced trial and appellate advocate and has been leading counsel in numerous complex trials and appeals. He works predominately in corporate and commercial law, insolvency, class actions, insurance, banking and finance, fraud, equity and property. He has a significant practice related to professional services, as well as extensive experience in defamation and media law. He has appeared in public law and judicial review cases, domestic and international arbitrations and in significant tort claims. He also acts for parties in connection with Royal Commissions and inquiries.
Anthony has experience with the telecommunications, banking and finance, insurance, media, oil & gas and pharmaceutical industries, among others. He frequently acts in disputes arising out of property developments and in investigations and proceedings brought by regulatory authorities. He appears in disciplinary proceedings (both professional and sport related). He has also prosecuted or defended numerous applications for injunction, stay, anti-suit injunction, freezing orders and Anton Piller orders. He also has experience with issues related to Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Anthony has completed the Victorian Bar's Lawyers' Mediation Certificate course and accepts appointments as mediator for significant disputes.
From 2001 to 2003 he was an associate with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London. Prior to that he worked for Minter Ellison in Melbourne. He is a member of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb). He is currently Chair of the Bar's Readers' Course Committee, which is responsible for training the next generation of barristers in Victoria.
For further information about his availability, fee rates and other information, please contact his clerk on 9225 7999 or by email to dever@vicbar.com.au.
From 06/11/2008, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Philip has a significant practice, regularly appearing in both appeals and trials: in the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Victoria. His principal areas of practice comprise: administrative law, contracts, commercial and corporations law, taxation, equity and trusts, insurance (including personal injury), and negligence.
Philip is listed as a leading Australian Queen’s Counsel by Chambers and Partners (Asia-Pacific: 2018, and then each year following); as a leading commercial litigation and dispute resolution Queen’s Counsel in Victoria in Doyles Guide (2015, and then each year following); and as a Leading Silk (Class 1) in The Legal 500.
Chambers and Partners described Philip as follows:
Philip Solomon is widely acknowledged by interviewees as an “outstanding barrister”, a number noting that, as one source puts it, he is “a silk who involves himself as much in the detail as in the broad strategic direction of the case.” Several of his most valuable qualities are listed by a client who reports that he is “very strong in the commercial area, has great financial literacy, takes control of the situation without getting distracted by all the noise, and can spot what is going to happen.” Particularly noted for his busy appellate practice, he is also seen in tax disputes, on large commercial cases and in high-level cross-border litigation.
Legal 500 described Philip as follows:
Excellent written and oral advocate; crisp, clear and concise. A pleasure to deal with in running cases and works well behind the scenes with junior Counsel.
Philip graduated from the University of Melbourne with the degree of Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours in 1991; and was awarded a Master of Law Degree with First Class Honours from the University of Cambridge in 1994.
Details of Philip’s previous appearances may be seen via the CV link.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Bill practises primarily in commercial disputes, with a particular focus on building and construction, insolvency, and consumer law litigation, as well as arbitration.
Before joining the bar, Bill worked at the Supreme Court of Victoria as an associate to Justice Sloss of the Commercial Court where he assisted in the hearing and conduct of complex commercial disputes and urgent applications. In his role as an associate, Bill was involved in a wide variety of commercial matters involving insolvency, bankruptcy, banking, consumer protection and property law.
Bill also practised for two years as a solicitor at MolinoCahill Lawyers, a specialist law firm providing legal advice to clients involved in the construction, infrastructure, technology, defence, and energy and resource sectors. During his time at MolinoCahill, Bill was involved in large scale Supreme Court and Federal Court litigation, as well as mediation and arbitration, related to the construction of road, rail and pipeline infrastructure.
Bill holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class. He is reading with Robert Craig and his senior mentor is Nicholas Hopkins QC.
From 03 May 2018, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Before signing the Bar Roll, Deborah was a solicitor at Corrs Chambers Westgarth practising in employment and industrial law. Prior to that Deborah was the Associate to Justice A.M. North in the Federal Court of Australia.
Since coming to the Bar Deborah has practised in administrative law, public law, employment/industrial and general commercial law.
Deborah has an Honours and a Masters degree in law.
Patrick maintains a broad civil litigation practice (with both trial and interlocutory experience – led and unled), focussing on:
Patrick has completed a Masters of Commercial Law at the University of Melbourne, with a focus on consumer law, insurance law, institutional liability law and sports law.
Patrick also holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Patrick was an Associate Lawyer at T J Mulvany & Co, with predominant areas being Commercial Litigation and Common Law Litigation (namely Institutional Liability matters).
Patrick read with Jack Tracey KC.
Recent cases include:
Commercial Law
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI&PB Property Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 782 (led by A T Strahan KC);
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI&PB Property Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 790 (led by A T Strahan KC)
Coonwarra Pty Ltd v CornoNero Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 781 (led by A T Strahan KC);
Coonwarra Pty Ltd v CornoNero Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 789 (led by A T Strahan KC)
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI and PB Property Pty Ltd (Ruling No 3) [2022] VSC 62 (led by A T Strahan KC in proceeding – appearance unled)
(acting as Junior Counsel for Defendant in 49 day Supreme Court trial, defending various allegations including misleading and deceptive conduct, breach of director’s duties, breach of fiduciary duty, Barnes v Addy claims, contract claims, remedies, costs)
Plunkett v Portier Pacific Pty Ltd (Civil Claims) [2024] VCAT 205 (unled in matter generally, led by A T Strahan KC in s 77 application) (acting for various Uber entities Respondent in defending allegations of misleading and deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct regarding UberEats app; and s 77 application to transfer proceedings from VCAT to Supreme Court of Victoria)
Storage Depot Pty Ltd v Brooklyn Logistics Park Pty Ltd (Building and Property) [2022] VCAT 210 (unled) (valuation determination - s37 RLA)
Sports Law
Charlie Cameron v AFL (AFL Appeals Board; led by L Hannon KC; acting as Junior Counsel for the AFL)
Thornell v Cerberus Golf Club Inc (Human Rights) [2024] VCAT 20 (unled) (acting pro bono for female golfer alleging sex discrimination for not being allowed to play in the ‘men’s only’ golf competitions)
Michael Randall v Australian Football League and Sport Integrity Australia CEO [2023] NST NST-E22-334478 (unled) (acting for the AFL in regard to anti-doping suspension appeal)
Heath Thorpe v Gymnastics Australia [2023] NST NST-E23-173421 (unled) (acting for Applicant in selection dispute – drawing submissions and advice)
From 22 May 2020, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Nicholas practises in commercial and tax law.
He has advised and appeared in matters involving: financial services (both for ASIC and for regulated entities); directors’ duties; oppression; equity and trusts; insolvency; professional negligence; property law; and direct and indirect tax (both for the Commissioner and taxpayers).
Before coming the Bar, he served as a Senior Adviser in the Corporate and International Tax Division at the Commonwealth Treasury.
Earlier, he practised as a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team at Mallesons Stephen Jaques (as it then was). Matters included: M&A disputes; property disputes; and a major construction arbitration.
He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours), winning several prizes. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (majoring in mathematics) and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Melbourne. He has completed ARITA’s Insolvency Education Program.
Nicholas read with Albert Dinelli and his senior mentor is Neil Young QC.
Matters in which he has acted since coming to the bar include:
Commercial law
Tax law
Nicholas also has an advice practice, in which he provides written and oral advice on commercial, tax and private international law issues, alone or led. He has been led by various silks, including Allan Myers AC KC; Jim Peters AM KC; Jeff Gleeson KC; Philip Crutchfield KC; and Eugene Wheelahan KC.
From 03 May 2018, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Huw has substantial experience with international and domestic commercial disputes. His practice at the bar incorporates general corporate and commercial law, insolvency, building and construction and international/domestic arbitration matters. He appears in all jurisdictions in Australia and in domestic and international arbitrations.
Commercial Disputes
Huw acts in all areas of commercial law. He has recently been briefed in:
Commercial Arbitration
Huw is a fellow of ACICA and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is listed as an arbitrator across the Asia Pacific region. He teaches International Dispute Resolution at Keio University (LLM program).
Huw is also a member of the Vicbar International Arbitration Committee and the International Committee of the Australian Bar Association. He is involved with efforts to improve the uptake and education in respect of arbitration throughout Victoria through Arbitration Victoria (a new low cost arbitration scheme).
Huw has recently been involved in:
Huw is recognised by Doyle’s Guide in 2022 and 2023 as a leading Junior Counsel in International Arbitration in Australia.
Huw speaks fluent Japanese and often runs matters with issues relating to foreign language evidence.
John has an extensive commercial practice and has conducted numerous trials, complex applications and appeals. Since 2015, he has been a Senior Fellow of Melbourne Law School, where he lectures in liability insurance law for the masters program.
John has acted in multiple class actions and other major litigation following high-profile corporate collapses, including the Timbercorp and Cosmetic Institute class actions. His practice areas include professional liability, insurance, contractual disputes, corporations law, equity and trusts, building and construction, property, torts and personal injuries, trade practices, insolvency, banking and finance, and disciplinary hearings.
Previously, John was a solicitor at Freehills and a special counsel at Norton Rose Australia. He is experienced in mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution, and is firmly committed to obtaining timely and cost-effective outcomes for clients.
John was the inaugural author of The Taxation of Partnerships (The Laws of Australia). He has published articles on many aspects of commercial law including directors’ duties, trade practices and professional liability.
Click here to view John's CV, including a selection of cases in which he has been involved.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Stephen obtained his LLB from Melbourne University with honours, and in 2010 was awarded a Master of Laws from there with an H1 average across the following subjects: The Insurance Contract, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Insurance Litigation, Advanced Litigation, Proof in Litigation, Trial Advocacy, Advanced Evidence and Shareholders' Rights and Remedies.
Before coming to the Bar, Stephen spent more than a decade in Middletons' commercial litigation department acting for clients like Qantas, AAMI and Esso, and professional indemnity insurers such as the LPLC. He has conducted commercial and insurance litigation in every Victorian Court, the Federal and High Courts, and in VCAT and the Legal Profession Tribunal, and has published and presented widely on insurance law, professional liability, practical evidence, proportionate liability, and professional ethics.
Stephen has an expertise in relation to general insurance law on which he has published widely. He was until 2010 the editor of the Commercial Bar Association's Insurance and Professional Negligence newsletter. He also has a general commercial litigation practice.
Since coming to the Bar, Stephen has also continued to specialise in professional-client disputes, with a particular emphasis on the law relating to lawyers, including fee disputes and the professional negligence of solicitors, barristers, environmental consultants, accountants, insurance brokers, mortgage brokers, and estate agents, typically in VCAT's Civil List and Legal Practice Lists, the County Court's and Supreme Court's Commercial Lists, and the Costs Court. Stephen also specialises in professional discipline. He regularly represents lawyers in investigations by the Legal Services Commissioner and Law Institute. He appears in professional discipline prosecutions, particularly in VCAT's Legal Practice List, as a result of which he has a keen interest in lawyers' ethics. In relation to these specialisations, Stephen publishes the Australian Professional Liability Blog.
From 01 Jul 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.