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• Forrest Joseph
  

  Joe's practice is predominantly involved in building and construction litigation and he has been briefed to advise prior to the commencement of litigation through to appearances in commercial and domestic building disputes in the Courts, VCAT and the Building Appeals Board at the trials of the proceedings. Joe has appeared for the various stakeholders in the industry including proprietors, contractors, sub contractors, architects, engineers and indemnity and warranty insurers. Many of the disputes that Joe has appeared in have involved complex and technical building and engineering issues concerning defective works claims; contract termination issues; programming and associated contractual issues including claims for extensions of time, prolongation and acceleration; advice concerning inter contract disputes during the course of the project etc. Before coming to the Bar, Joe was a solicitor and senior associate at Phillips Fox in Melbourne. During his employment Joe worked in the firm's construction division under the supervision of John Curtis and Chris Edquist. On coming to the Bar, Joe read with John Digby QC (now Justice Digby of the Supreme Court).Joe generates a rapport with his clients, guiding them through the maze that is often building and construction litigation. He also has a strong commercial instinct which enables a client's interest to be advanced in a strategic and cost effective manner. Some of the technology, construction and engineering disputes that Joe has been involved in include: Litigation Court proceedings.

  • Acting for a building contractor in its appeal to the Supreme Court of Victoria from a decision in VCAT concerning its claims for damages arising from the termination of its building contractor with one developer of a multi developer multi housing development in Maribyrnong, Victoria
  • Acting for a developer in the County Court of Victoria concerning its claim for compensation arising from building damage to two of its four residential units caused by the drying effects of the neighbouring trees
  • Acting for a building contractor in the County Court regarding its claim for payments arising from its civil works contract in respect of a residential development
  • Acting for a contractor in the County Court of Victoria in respect of a claim for the hire of access equipment concerning a number of residential developments
  • Acting for a building contractor in the County Court regarding its claim for payments arising from its civil works contract in respect of a residential retirement village
  • Acting for a plumbing contractor in the County Court of Victoria in respect of a claim made by an existing owner of a house damaged by fire
  • Acting for a building contractor in the County Court of Victoria in respect of a claim for payment of cartage costs of soil from a large residential development project in Southgate
  • Acting for an architect in respect of its claim for fees against the developer and the defence of the counterclaim against it by the developer for loss of profits and damages concerning the residential development of apartments in Northcote, Victoria
  • Acting for a developer in respect of a claim for final payment by a building contractor arising from the construction of 8 residential apartments in Northcote, Victoria

  Litigation VCAT

  • Acting for a contractor in its dispute with one of a number of developers concerning the inadequacies of the structural engineering design and the termination of the building contract in VCAT and in the Supreme Court of Victoria
  • Acting for an owner in respect of a claim against an architect regarding supervision, contract administration and negligence following the insolvency of the original contractor and itsreplacement with a new contractor
  • Acting for a developer against an architect in respect of the architect's claims for fees associated with the development of a bowling alley in Richmond, Victoria
  • Acting for owners in respect of a claim against their contractor regarding defective & incomplete works and the termination of the substantial building contract for the renovations and additions of their domestic residence
  • Acting for a building contractor for claims for the non payment of joint venture profits from a developer following the appointment of an administrator to the building contractor and the entry into a Deed of Company Arrangement
  • Acting for an owner in respect of a claim against the contractor regarding defective & incomplete works and the termination of the building contract for the construction of a new home in Corinella
  • Acting for a developer concerning its claim for the costs of rectification and completion of the construction of seven up-market inner city residential apartments in Fitzroy
  • Acting for a developer concerning a claim by a director that the personal guarantee he executed was discharged due to the variation of the principal building contract in respect of the developers claim for the costs of rectification and completion of the construction of seven up market inner city residential apartments in Fitzroy against the directors

  Litigation Building Appeals Board proceedings

  • Acting for an adjoining owner of a 12 storey office building in Melbourne concerning the adequacy of proposed protection works in proceedings concerning Part 7 of the Building Act 1993 and the review proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria
  • Acting for an adjoining owner of a Melbourne CBD bar/restaurant concerning the adequacy of proposed protection works in proceedings concerning Part 7 of the Building Act 1993 and the trespass into the adjoining owner's airspace
  • Acting for a building surveyor concerning complex technical disputes regarding fire safety services and structural engineering issues in respect of a commercial storage facility
  • Acting for a large contractor in respect of a claim for compensation arising from protection on works concerning a multistorey residential development in inner city Melbourne
  • Acting for an adjoining owner of inner city domestic residence regarding the adequacy and performance of proposed protection works on an adjoining commercial development
  • Acting for an adjoining owner regarding the neighbouring owner's breaches of the Building Regulations 2006 in carrying out renovations and additions resulting in proceedings before the Building Appeals Board and review proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria
  • Acting for an adjoining owner regarding the neighbouring owner's modification application in accordance with s 160 of the Building Act 1993 concerning set back and overlooking issues

  Non litigation / prelitigation advice

  • Providing advice to an engineering contractor in respect of its disputes with an authority in Western Australia concerning the development of a coal fired electricity plant
  • Providing advice to an engineering contractor in respect of its disputes concerning the purchase of an engineering contractor and its claim for loss of profits and damages arising from the sale
  • Providing advice to a contractor in respect of its dispute with an owner concerning the renovations and additions to a substantial house in Melbourne pursuant to a $4m building contract
  • Providing advice to a contractor in respect of the negotiations for the execution of a $17m building contract for the construction of residential housing in Kew, Victoria
  • Providing advice to a developer in respect of a claim for final payment by a building contractor arising from the construction of 8 residential apartments in Northcote, Victoria
  • Conducting pre-litigation discussions and negotiations for a contractor concerning the ingress to basement of substantial Toorak home

  * Some of these disputes have involved direct briefs in accordance with the Victorian Bar Rules.

  ADR

  Given the nature of building and construction disputes, Joe has appeared in numerous forms of ADR including mediations, compulsory conferences and informal negotiations and has been engaged as a mediator in respect of these types of disputes from time to time.

  Professional Memberships

  • Committee Member - Building Dispute Practitioners' Society
  • Member of VCAT's Building & Property List Users' Group
  • Member of Society of Construction Law
  • Member of the HIA Industrial Relations and Legal Committee

  From 18/03/2010, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

• Forsyth Fiona
  

  Fiona took silk in 2018. Prior to signing the Bar roll, Fiona was a senior associate in litigation at Allens (where she also undertook her articles). Fiona is also admitted to the New York Bar and from 2001- 2003 worked as a litigator in New York (at Milbank Tweed Hadley & McCloy LLP and Morrison Cohen LLP) where she appeared in US State and Federal Courts.

  Fiona's practice is largely in the areas of commercial law, competition and consumer law, media law, contempt of court and class actions. Fiona is currently briefed in a number of class actions in State and Federal Courts. In 2023, she appeared on behalf of the Plaintiff in the 5 month trial of a class action against Bayer Australia Ltd (and others) in relation to the female contraceptive device Essure. In 2025, she appeared in a class action trial on behalf of protestors sprayed with OC spray by police at an environmental protest (claims of battery and breach of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities). She successfully led her team in the G8 securities class action to both obtain and have approved on settlement the first group costs order in Victoria. In addition to trial work and preparation, she has appeared in numerous class action settlement approvals, group costs order applications and carriage disputes. She was also appointed by the Federal Court as contradictor in the settlement of the Robodebt class action. Fiona acted for the Plaintiff in the Manus Island class action and in the Black Saturday bushfires class action (Murrindindi). She has also regularly acted for the ACCC in both consumer and competition matters and on behalf of ASIC. A sample of cases in which she has appeared in a variety of jurisdictions in a variety of practice areas is set out below. Fiona also has extensive experience undertaking regulators' examinations, as counsel assisting in inquiries and in advisory work.

  Fiona was awarded a First Class Honours degree in law from the University of Melbourne in 1998. She also undertook a semester of her law degree with a scholarship to the Universite Jean Moulin in Lyon, France in 1995. She speaks fluent French.

  In 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 Fiona was listed as one of the leading class actions senior counsel in Doyles Guide. In 2011 Fiona received the Victorian Bar Pro Bono Public Interest/Justice Innovation Award (with Ron Merkel QC and Kris Walker).

  Commercial, Competition and Consumer Law

  ASIC v Mercer Superannuation Australia Limited (compliance with the reportable situations regime)(ongoing)

  ACCC v Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd (misleading and deceptive conduct in the promotion of fuel)(ongoing)

  ACCC v Lactalis Australia Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1087; [2023] FCA 839 (breaches of the Dairy Code)

  ACCC v Uber B.V. [2022] FCA 1466 (false and misleading representations with respect to price and cancellation policies)

  ACCC v Mercedes Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1059 (failure to comply with recall notice relating to Takata airbags)

  ACCC v Sumo Power Pty Ltd [2021] FCA 712 (misleading and deceptive conduct in the sale of electricity retailing services)

  ACCC v Informed Sources Pty Ltd (2017)(collation and dissemination of petrol pricing data)

  ACCC v Coles Supermarkets Pty Ltd [2014] FCA 634(misleading and deceptive advertising - "Baked Today Sold Today")

  ACCC v Singtel Optus Pty Ltd [2011] FCA 87 (misleading and deceptive advertising - "Unlimited" broadband)

  ACCC v SMS Global Pty Ltd [2011] FCA 855 (misrepresentation of government endorsement)

  Commissions of Inquiry / Investigations

  Hotel Quarantine Inquiry (2020) - acting for Department of Transport

  ACCC Petrol Pricing Inquiry (2007) - counsel assisting (with Neil Young QC and Simon Marks QC)

  Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (various dates) - acting for various individuals in a number of confidential matters

  ACCC Investigations (various dates) - briefed as counsel assisting in various ACCC investigations into proposed mergers and acquisitions

  ASIC Investigations (various dates) - acting for various individuals in a number of confidential matters
  
  Class Actions

  Prygodicz v Commonwealth (No 2)[2021] FCA 634 (Robodebt - contradictor)
  
  Turner v Bayer Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 760(negligence and safety defect in relation to the female contraceptive device Essure)
  
  McDonald v Commonwealth [2025] FCA 380 (acting for the funder in the approval of the settlement of the stolen wages litigation)

  Divilli v WA Housing Authority (ongoing)(housing conditions in First Nations communities in WA)
  
  Allen v G8 Education Limited (securities - misleading and deceptive conduct and breach of continuous disclosure obligations)[2022] VSC 32(GCO); [2024] VSC 487(settlement approval)
  
  Gawler v FleetPartners Group Ltd [2024] VSC 365 (securities class action - GCO)
  
  Warner v Ansell Ltd [2024] VSC 491 (securities class action - GCO)
  
  Bain v International Capital Markets Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 847; Vingrys v International Capital Markets Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 445 (competing class actions in state and federal court).

  Brown v State of Victoria (ongoing)(claims of battery and assault and seeking declarations pursuant to the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities on behalf of environmental protestors sprayed with oleoresin capsicum spray by police officers)

  Kamsaee v Commonwealth [2017] VSC 537 (claims of negligence and false imprisonment on behalf of persons detained on Manus Island)

  Rowe v Ausnet Electricity Services Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 232 (claims of negligence in relation to the Murrindindi Black Saturday bushfire)

  Pathway Investments Pty Ltd v National Australia Bank Ltd [2012] VSC 625 (securities class action - failure to disclose to market exposure to collateralised debt obligations)

  Contempt of Court

  R v Slaveski [2015] VSC 400

  R v Derryn Hinch [2013] VSC 520 (sub judice contempt and suppression order)

  Allen v R [2013] VSCA 44 (appeal - failure to give evidence)

  R v Slaveski [2012] VSCA 48 (appeal - contempt in the face of the court)

  Zukanovic v Magistrates' Court at Moorabbin (2011) 32 VR 216 (contempt in the face of the court)

  R v ABC [2007] VSC 498 (suppression order)

  R v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2006] VSC 420 (sub judice contempt)

  Whistleblower Cases

  IOOF v Maurice Blackburn [2016] VSC 311 (privilege dispute - confidentiality in whistleblower documents)

  Smith v Victoria Police [2012] VSC 374 (appeal- application of confidentiality provisions to whistleblower discovery)

  Owens v University of Melbourne [2008] VSC 174 (interplay between Whistleblower Protection Act and Accident Compensation Act.

  Constitutional

  Roach v Electoral Commissioner (2007) 233 CLR 162 (Constitutional - prisoner voting)

  Rowe v Electoral Commissioner (2010) 243 CLR 1 (Constitutional - closure of electoral roll)

  Other

  Moriarty v Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (NT) [2022] NTSC 46 (judicial review of findings of the NT ICAC)

  Setka v Dalton (2021) (malicious prosecution and false imprisonment in relation to events which took place in the course of an industrial dispute between the CFMEU and Boral Ltd)

• Forsyth Jane
  

  Prior to signing the Bar Roll in 2000, Jane was a Solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques in their Banking and Finance Group. At the Bar, Jane has developed a practice in taxation law, bankruptcy, corporate law and administrative law.

  Jane has been briefed as junior counsel in a number of significant tax audits both for the ATO and taxpayer. She has advised with respect to the application of anti-avoidance provisions in the Income Tax and GST Acts. She has attended s.264 interviews and advised with respect to findings of fact and potential criminal liability. Jane has appeared in AAT tax review proceedings and tax appeals in the Federal Court and director penalty proceedings in the Supreme Court. In 2010, Jane spent a year working as a National Technical Advisor/Principal Litigator in the Recovery section of the Legal Services Branch at the ATO. There, her focus was complex bankruptcy issues, mareva injunctions, contested tax recovery proceedings and unfair preference actions (and mediations) and wind ups under the Corporations Law.

  Jane is a past Committee Member of the Women Barristers' Association, the Equality Before the Law Committee and the Tax Bar Association.

• Fowler Norman S.
  

  Available as a mediator. 

• Foy Deborah
  

  Deborah appears in inquests on behalf of hospitals, residential aged care services, involving complex medical, surgical and radiological issues and has represented families, hospitals and medical practitioners, including surgeons, obstetricians and psychiatrists.

  She also frequently appears in the Guardianship and Administration List on behalf of aged care services, hospitals and families in dispute about the care of their elder relatives. She has appeared in disputes over capacity, management of funds, compensation applications and diverse aspects of the jurisdiction.

  Deborah also appears in Personal Injuries cases for plaintiffs and defendants.

  Formerly, she edited the Aged Care section of the Fitzroy Legal Services Law Handbook

  She appeared at VCAT on behalf of a public mental health service in the first appeal involving the provisions governing ECT in the Mental Health Act 2014.

  Before coming to the Bar, Deborah was in house counsel for a large metropolitan public health service for 6 years.

  She was the legal member on the Dental Practice Board of Victoria from 2005 to 2009 and chaired formal hearings on behalf of the Board between 2005 and 2008.

• Frederico Julia
  

  Julia specialises in the common law and personal injury jurisdictions.

  She is experienced in preparing, advising and appearing in all jurisdictions for both plaintiffs and defendants in serious injury applications common law and statutory benefits claims, including work accidents, transport accidents, sexual assault, public liability and medical negligence claims.

  She prepares paperwork in all these areas and is briefed to appear in Melbourne and on circuit. She has also advised and appeared in judicial review and Appeal matters.

  From 16 May 2013, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Freire Sergio
  

  Sergio Freire practises in commercial law. His practice encompasses general commercial, corporations, insolvency, equity and trusts, property, and banking and finance matters.

  Before joining the bar, Sergio practised as a commercial litigation solicitor for more than 12 years: at Ashurst Australia in Melbourne (2002-2012) and, before that, at Allens in Brisbane (2000-2002).

  Sergio holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I) from the University of Queensland.

  He has been recognised by Doyle's Guide (Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Barrister - Victoria; Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Junior Counsel - Victoria), and Best Lawyers in Australia.

  He is a member of the ASIC Insolvency Practitioner Registration and Disciplinary Committee - Minister's Pool (2021-current; re-appointed March 2024).

  He has also been a member of the Executive Committee of the Commercial Bar Association (2022-2024).

  
  

  From 25th Oct 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Gibson Ben
  

  Ben specialises in commercial law and appears in trial and appellate courts in all jurisdictions in Australia.

  Ben was called to the Bar in 2007. He read with Stephen McLeish SC (now Justice McLeish of the Court of Appeal).

  Prior to coming to the Bar Ben was an Associate to (then) Justice Finkelstein at the Federal Court of Australia, a solicitor at Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) and a management consultant.

  Ben has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Melbourne where he was awarded the Dean's Award (Stage 2) and subject prizes for taxation, trusts and evidence. Ben also holds a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Economics.

  Ben has been listed in Doyles Guide in the areas of Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Junior Counsel (2023, 2024 and 2025) and Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Junior Counsel (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025).

  Ben is a past Honorary Secretary of the Bar Council and a current member of the Executive Committee of the Commercial Bar Association and a member of the Bar Readers' Course Committee.

  Cases in which Ben has appeared include:

  • New Stem Cell Australia Pty Ltd v Magellan Stem Cell Centre Pty Ltd [2025] VSC 546
  • Giovinazzo v Resource Capital Limited [2025] VSCA 176 (with B Walker SC and D Porteous).
  • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty v Bryant [2025] HCADisp 69 (special leave, with M Tennant).
  • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty v Bryant [2025] FCAFC 31, [2024] FCAFC 167 (with M Tennant)
  • Allsopp v Elly Property Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 669
  • World Touring Melbourne Limited v Australian Grand Prix Corporation [2024] VSC 521 (with N De Young KC and C Fitzgerald)
  • Resource Capital Ltd v Giovinazzo [2024] VSC 548 (with D Porteous)
  • Eastbound Estate Pty Ltd v DC Consolidated Investments Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 40 (with P Bick KC and MQ Nguyen)
  • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2023] HCATrans 15 [2023] HCATrans 097, [2023] HCATrans 15 (with B Walker SC)
  • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2023] HCA 43 (with B Walker SC)
  • Bryant v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2023] HCA 2; (2023) 406 ALR 731 (with B Walker SC)
  • Ohanse Pty Ltd v Heartwest Services Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1204
  • Ford v Commissioner of Taxation, in the matter of Careers Australia Group Limited (in liq) (No 2) [2022] FCA 1151
  • Zphere Pty Ltd v Pakis [2022] VSC 496 (with D Porteous)
  • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Pty Ltd v Begovic (2022) 403 ALR 558 (with B Walker SC)
  • Bryant & Ors as liquidators of Gunns Limited and Auspine Limited v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2022] HCATrans 42 (with J Evans KC)
  • Re Bundoora Park Estate Holding Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 273
  • Dugan v Process Holdings Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 555, [2021] VSC 641, [2021] VSC 737 (with S Marks KC)
  • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd v Bryant [2021] FCAFC 64 (with J Evans KC)
  • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2021] VSC 252 (with C Caleo KC)
  • Wu v OHAPIF Pty Ltd (ACN 167 080 542) as trustee for the Oliver Hume Australia Income Fund & Ors [2020] VSC 552 (with P Bick KC)
  • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Bluewood Industries Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 714 and [2020] FCA 1082 (with J Evans KC)
  • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 713 and [2020] FCA 1081 (with J Evans KC)
  • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Edenborn Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 715 and [2020] FCA 1083 (with J Evans KC)
  • Nom De Plume v Ascot Vale Self Storage [No 2] [2020] VSCA 70 (with B Walker SC and D Porteous)
  • Northern Territory of Australia v Dover Investments Pty Ltd [2020] NTSC 3 (with P Bick KC)
  • Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 1171; [2017] FCA 442; (2016) 338 ALR 451
  • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd (No 2) [2019] VSC 285 (with P Bick KC)
  • In the matter of Ainslie Harding & Wood Solicitors Pty Ltd (in liq) & Ors VID282/2018 (with K Brazenor)
  • Mandie v Memart Nominees Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 719 (with C. Caleo KC)
  • Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) (2018) 260 FCR 272 (with L Glick KC)
  • Bryant (Liquidator) v LV Dohnt and Co Pty Ltd, Gunns Ltd (In Liq) [2018] FCA 238 (with M Hoffmann KC)
  • De Lutis v De Lutis [2018] VSC 54; [2017] VSC 505 (with P Bick KC)
  • Trust Co (Nominees) Ltd v Angas Securities Ltd [2017] FCAFC 187 (with A Myers KC)
  • Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v A&S Services Australia Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 663
  • Re Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) [2017] FCA 442; (2016) 338 ALR 451; [2016] FCA 449
  • North East Solution Pty Ltd v Masters Home Improvement Australia Pty Ltd [2017] VSCA 113; [2017] VSCA 88; [2016] VSC 1; [2016] VSC 87 (with P Bick KC)
  • Re GUNNS Limited (in liq) [2016] VSC 765; [2016] VSC 832 (with M Hoffmann KC)
  • Trust Company (Nominees) Limited, in the matter of Angas Securities Limited [2016] FCA 895 (with A Myers KC and M Hoffmann KC)
  • Nom De Plume Nominees v Fingal Developments Pty Ltd (2016) 114 ACSR 539 and [2016] VSCA 233 (B Walker SC)
  • TSG Franchise Management Pty Ltd v Cigarette & Gift Warehouse (Franchising) Pty Ltd [2016] FCA 828; [2016] FCA 674; [2015] FCA 739 (with M Robins KC)
  • Re Yeo (in their capacity as liquidators of Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) [2015] FCA 849 (with L Glick KC)
  • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 751(with P Bick KC)
  • Nom De Plume Pty Ltd v Fingal Developments Pty Ltd [2015] VSCA 129 (with P Bick KC)
  • Re Ascot Vale Self-Storage Centre Pty Ltd (in liq) (2014) 98 ACSR 243 (VSCA) (with P Bick KC)
  • Fingal Developments Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 146; [2015] VSC 44 (with P Bick KC)
  • Rilgar Nominees Pty Ltd v BHA Holdings Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 6; (2014) 103 ACSR 370
  • Kilkenny Walsh Pty Ltd v Strasburger Enterprises (Properties) Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 117 (with S Horgan KC)
  • Playcorp Pty Ltd v Lineville Pty Ltd (subject to deed of company arrangement) t/as Robins Kitchens [2014] FCA 224
  • Re Ascot Vale Self-Storage Centre Pty Ltd (in liq) (2014) 98 ACSR 243 (with P Bick KC)
  • Weeden v Rambaldi (2013) 92 ACSR 661 (FCAFC) (with P Collinson KC)
  • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Wallace Smith [2013] VSC 519 (with P Bick KC)
  • Perpetual Nominees Limited v Rytelle Pty Ltd [2013] VSC 9; [2012] VSC 440 (with P Bick KC)
  • Oliver Hume Apartments (Vic) Pty Ltd v Troy Barkly Nominees Property Group Pty Ltd [2013] VCC 398
  • ACN 115 918 959 v Terracomm2 Pty Ltd [2013] VCAT 544
  • Weeden v Rambaldi (2012) 290 ALR 312 (FCA); [2012] FCA 647 (with J Peters KC)
  • Szanitop Homes Pty Ltd v Krok (2012) 36 VR 56 (with R Merkel KC)
  • Gotha Investments Pty Ltd v Westons Property (Vic) Pty Ltd [2012] VCC 1161 (with P Bick KC)
  • Environinvest Ltd v HLB Mann Judd (Vic Partnership) [2012] FCA 1307 (with M Hoffmann KC)
  • Jervois Mining Limited v EMC Metals Group S CI 2012 03571 (with M Hoffmann KC)
  • Peachbulk Pty Ltd v R T Edgar Pty Ltd [2012] VCC 39; [2011] VCC 1465; [2011] VCC 1370 (with P Bick KC)
  • Noce v Building Practitioners Board [2011] VSC 350
  • Fluor Australia Pty Ltd and Victorian Workcover Authority SC1 2606 of 2011 (with R Gorton KC)
  • In the matter of Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (FCA) VID 1116 of 2010 (with L Glick KC)
  • Ambridge Investments Pty Ltd (in liq) (rec apptd) v Baker [2010] VSC 59; [2010] VSC 234; [2010] VSC 282 (with P Bick QC, E.W Alstergen KC)
  • N and J Rogers Pty Ltd trading as Performance Pools v Rippingale [2010] VCAT 1899
  • Allison v BDO (NSW-Vic) Pty Ltd SCI 2009, 10625 and BDO Group Investments (NSW-VIC) Pty Ltd v Ngo SCI 1192 of 2010 (with L Glick KC)
  • Biota Scientific Management Pty Ltd v Glaxo Group Ltd [2008] VSC 110 (with S Anderson KC and others).

  
  

  Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

• Gillies Ross
  

  Retired from practice in August 2023.

• Glacken Sturt
  

  Sturt Glacken has a broad commercial and public law practice with emphasis on appellate work in equity and judicial review. He has appeared in a range of prominent cases in the High Court, Federal Court and Supreme Courts. Prior to coming to the Bar, Sturt was a solicitor at Minter Ellison, and a legal policy adviser in the Federal and State Parliaments.

  For more detail, including key cases in which Sturt has appeared, see linked curriculum vitae.

  From 01 Jul 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Gladman Shaun
  

  Shaun Gladman KC practises in common law, insurance law, employment law, and public and administrative law. He specialises in appeals, applications for judicial review, and complex cases involving the operation of the Victorian and interstate accident compensation schemes.

  Since 2018, Shaun has been recognised annually in Doyle's Guide to the "Best Barristers" in Victoria.

  Shaun holds honours degrees in law and science (mathematics and physics) from the University of Melbourne.

  A select list of appeal cases is set out below.

  High Court of Australia:

  Deal v Kodakkathanath (2016) 258 CLR 281 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Keay v Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd [2024] HCASL 16

  Munday v St Vincent's Hospital Ltd [2021] HCASL 194 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Reading v TTB SMS Pty Ltd [2021] HCASL 8 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Flowline Industries Pty Ltd v Aycicek [2019] HCASL 214 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Southern Colour (Vic) Pty Ltd v Parr [2018] HCASL 73 (led by Bret Walker SC)

  Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia:

  Australian Mines & Metals Association Inc v Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (2018) 268 FCR 128 (led by Stuart Wood QC)

  Rogers v MHM Metals Ltd [2015] FCAFC 67 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Victorian Court of Appeal:

  Juma v Kone Elevators Pty Ltd [2024] VSCA 217
  

  Milonas v Monash Health [2024] VSCA 57 (with Michelle Britbart KC)
  

  Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd v Keay (2023) 327 IR 184; [2023] VSCA 223

  Garrett v Victorian WorkCover Authority (2023) 325 IR 244; [2023] VSCA 144 (led by Michelle Britbart KC)

  Stevens v DP World Melbourne Ltd [2022] VSCA 285 (led by Paul O'Grady KC)

  Foursquare Construction Management Pty Ltd v Victorian WorkCover Authority (2022) 68 VR 415 (led by Philip Solomon KC)

  Bersee v Victoria (2022) 70 VR 260 (led by Michelle Britbart KC)

  Griffiths v Nillumbik Shire Council [2022] VSCA 212

  SMYBB Pty Ltd v Young [2022] VSCA 115 (led by Philip Solomon QC)

  Lloyd v Healthscope Operations Pty Ltd [2021] VSCA 327 (led by Paul O'Grady QC)

  Jack Bishop Pty Ltd v Trespa Holdings Pty Ltd [2021] VSCA 275

  Victorian WorkCover Authority v Brassington [2021] VSCA 236

  Munday v St Vincent's Hospital Ltd [2021] VSCA 170 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Museums Victoria v Susnjara [2021] VSCA 166

  Victorian WorkCover Authority v Papaconstantinou [2021] VSCA 145 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  McKenzie v Healthscope Operations Pty Ltd [2020] VSCA 309 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  TTB SMS Pty Ltd v Reading [2020] VSCA 203 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Schembri v Victoria [2020] VSCA 145 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Micheli v Khoushaba (2020) 92 MVR 133; [2020] VSCA 128 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Transport Accident Commission v Murdoch (2020) 92 MVR 1; [2020] VSCA 98 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Apps v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2020] VSCA 21 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Yeung v Santosa Realty Co Pty Ltd (2020) 60 VR 161; [2020] VSCA 29 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  The Age Co Ltd v YZ (a pseudonym) (2019) 60 VR 189 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)
  

  Stephens v Transport Accident Commission (2019) 90 MVR 152; [2019] VSCA 234 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Cardoso v Staff Australia Payroll Services Pty Ltd [2019] VSCA 139 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Jovceva v Transport Accident Commission (2019) 88 MVR 323; [2019] VSCA 105 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Yilmaz v Specialty Fashion Group Ltd [2019] VSCA 100 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Weldemichael v ID Sales & Repairs Pty Ltd [2019] VSCA 68 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Sheridan v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2019] VSCA 54 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Aycicek v Flowline Industries Pty Ltd [2019] VSCA 37 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Radosavljevic v Residential Commercial Industrial Roofing Pty Ltd [2018] VSCA 337 (led by Philip Solomon QC)

  Tomasevic v Victoria [2018] VSCA 325 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Petrovic v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2018] VSCA 243 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Alegria v Transport Accident Commission (2017) 83 MVR 189; [2017] VSCA 379 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Southern Colour (Vic) Pty Ltd v Parr [2017] VSCA 301 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Victorian WorkCover Authority v BSA Ltd [2017] VSCA 276; [2017] VSCA 337 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Deal v Kodakkathanath [No 2] [2017] VSCA 193 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Connellan v Murphy [2017] VSCA 116 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Mitchell v Latrobe Regional Hospital (2016) 51 VR 581 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Poholke v Goldacres Trading Pty Ltd [2016] VSCA 232 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Zhang v Joy Foods Australia Pty Ltd [2016] VSCA 199 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Harris v DJD Earthmoving Pty Ltd [2016] VSCA 188 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Haidar v Transport Accident Commission (2016) 77 MVR 121; [2016] VSCA 182 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Kovacic v Transport Accident Commission (2016) 76 MVR 82; [2016] VSCA 139 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Ren v Linen & Moore Pty Ltd [2016] VSCA 116 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Wesfarmers Ltd v Lloyd [2016] VSCA 41 (led by James Gorton QC)

  Abbas v Transport Accident Commission (2015) 72 MVR 182; [2015] VSCA 217 (led by Stephen O'Meara QC)

  Govic v Boral Australian Gypsum Ltd (2015) 47 VR 430 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Casey v Transport Accident Commission (2015) 70 MVR 45; [2015] VSCA 38 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Davidson v Transport Accident Commission (2015) 69 MVR 439; [2015] VSCA 12 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Transport Accident Commission v Campbell (2015) 69 MVR 410; [2015] VSCA 7 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Davies v Nilsen [2014] VSCA 278 (led by Jeremy Ruskin QC)

  Green v Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority [2014] VSCA 207 (led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

  Waterfall v Antony [2014] VSCA 44 (led by A Neill Murdoch SC)

  Lumley General Insurance Ltd v Port Phillip City Council [2013] VSCA 367 (led by Anthony Kelly SC)

  A Woodley Osteopathic Services Pty Ltd v Transport Accident Commission (2013) 46 VR 28 (led by Stephen O'Meara SC); [2014] VSCA 124 (unled)

  Phelan v Transport Accident Commission (2013) 65 MVR 427; [2013] VSCA 306 (led by Stephen O'Meara SC)

  Transport Accident Commission v Florrimell [2013] VSCA 247 (led by Robin Gorton QC)

  Alsco Pty Ltd v Mircevic [2013] VSCA 229 (led by Stephen O'Meara SC)

  Jones Lang Lasalle (Vic) Pty Ltd v Korlevski [2012] VSCA 305 (led by Michael Wheelahan SC)
  

  Aluthgamage v Select Care Personnel Pty Ltd (2012) 35 VR 494 (led by MIchael Wheelahan SC)

  
  

  From 27th October 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

• Goldblatt Mark
  

  Practises extensively in Intellectual Property, Commercial Law and Mediation (both as mediator and counsel).

  Also practises in Property, Information Technology, Trade Practices, Communications Law and Entertainment areas as well as general commercial work including Contractual, Landlord and Tenant, Building, Property, Trusts, Securities, Probate, Corporations and also Immigration, Defamation and Industrial/Employment.
  

  
  

  From 09 Oct 2014, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Golshtein Emily
  

  Emily Golshtein practises primarily in common law and administrative law, including commissions and inquiries. Emily is regularly briefed to advise, prepare written work, and appear in trials, appeals and other hearings within those fields.

  Before coming to the Bar, Emily was Senior Associate to the Honourable Justices Kaye AM and Bell AO in the Supreme Court of Victoria. As an Associate, Emily worked in both the trial and appellate divisions of the Court. Prior to her Associateships, Emily worked as a solicitor at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), and in the Office of the Co-Prosecutors at the United Nations Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

  Emily is listed in the 2024 and 2025 Doyle's Guide as a leading junior counsel in administrative and public law. Emily is a member of the Common Law Bar Association and Women Barristers Bar Association.

  Emily read with Anna Robertson (now Her Honour Judge Robertson). Her senior mentor is Jeremy Ruskin KC.

  A selection of recent and ongoing matters in which Emily has been briefed can be found here.

  
  

  
  

  From 9 Dec 2016, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Gorton Timothy
  

  Timothy accepts civil and commercial briefs, and is a Nationally Accredited Mediator (AMDRAS). He is a Reporter for the Victorian Reports.

  Before being called to the Bar, Timothy was a solicitor at MinterEllison (2014-17), and Associate to the Honourable Justice Beach of the Federal Court of Australia (2017-18).

  Timothy is admitted to the degrees of Master of Laws (2022), Juris Doctor (2013), and Bachelor of Arts (2010) in the University of Melbourne, where he was an Editor of the Melbourne Journal of International Law (2013). He is a Professional Member of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (RITP), and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
  
  He read with Robert Craig (as his Honour then was).

  Cases

  • Jeffreys v Sheer [2025] HCADisp 158Application for special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia, concerning objective formation of contract.
  • Mitchell Asset Management Pty Ltd v Di Pasquale (No 2) [2025] VSC 346Application for costs of proceedings after trial, including indemnity costs.
  • Mitchell Asset Management Pty Ltd v Di Pasquale [2025] VSC 307Trial concerning breaches of fiduciary duties, and misleading and deceptive conduct.
  • Allen v Yarra Valley Railway Inc [2024] VSC 796Application for interlocutory injunction to restrain alleged nuisance.
  • Mesh & Bar Pty Ltd v CMR Structure Group Pty Ltd [2024] VCC 858Review of decision of judicial registrar, concerning non-compliance with self-executing orders.
  • Waters v Belza (No 2) [2024] VSC 191Application for costs for conduct causing loss of time to Court.
  • Mancewicz v Truong [2024] VSC 167Application for removal of a caveat pursuant to s 90(3) of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).
  • Waters v Belza [2024] VSC 157Appeal from decision of Associate Justice concerning discovery in proceedings under pt IV of the Administration and Probate Act 1958 (Vic).
  • Drake Constructions Vic Pty Ltd v Three Construct Group Pty Ltd [2023] VCC 1325Application for debts payable to a builder under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic).
  • Re Sparkling Beverages Pty Ltd (No 2) [2023] VSC 419Trial concerning whether contract formed in settlement of proceedings.
  • Re Sparkling Beverages Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 258Application for trial of separate questions.
  • Re Iceland Cold Storage Australia Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 206Trial concerning construction and performance of a deed of settlement.
  • Voitin v GP Building Holdings Pty Ltd [2023] HCATrans 82Application for special leave to the High Court of Australia, concerning application of Briginshaw principles to knowing receipt claim.
  • GP Building Holdings Pty Ltd v Voitin (2022) 69 VR 299Appeal concerning standards of knowledge for "knowing receipt", and application of the rule in Briginshaw.
  • Mole v Mole [2021] VSC 752Application for injunction in judicial advice proceedings for a deceased estate.
  • GP Building Holdings Pty Ltd v Voitin [2021] VCC 1487Trial of "knowing receipt" claim.
  • Emma Tait Nominees Pty Ltd v Laprese [2020] VSC 508Application concerning indemnity by the Registrar of Titles pursuant to s 110 of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic).

  Publications

  • 'Between Two Trusts and a Hard Place: When a Liquidation Becomes More than Just an Appointment' (Presentation, Women in Insolvency & Restructuring Victoria, 26 June 2025)Considering the practical and theoretical challenges encountered when undertaking the liquidation of a corporate trustee.
  • 'Termination for Breach of Contract: A Refresher' (Presentation, Leo Cussen Centre for Law, 18 March 2025)Considering methods for termination of an agreement for breach of contract, including at common law and pursuant to express terms.
  • 'Masih v El Saeid: The Interplay of Family Law and Bankruptcy Principles' (Presentation, Women in Insolvency & Restructuring Victoria, 27 February 2024)Considering the implications of bankruptcy upon a party's standing in seeking property adjustment and spousal maintenance orders under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).
  • 'Barodawala v Perinparajah: The Fraud Exception to Provable Debts (Presentation, Women in Insolvency & Restructuring Victoria, 22 February 2023)Discussing the Court of Appeal decision in Barodawala v Perinparajah [2022] VSCA 198. The case concerned the little-considered “fraud exception” to whether a debt is provable in bankruptcy, with the Court of Appeal overturning the previously accepted (if little interrogated) position. The case is of particular interest because it is an example of a principle being accepted for many years based upon only one or two cases without any real considered authority.
  • The Ring of Fire: Foreign State Immunity in Firebird Global Master Fund II Ltd v Republic of Nauru' in (2017) 22 Australian International Law Journal 147In June 2012, fund manager Firebird Global Master Fund II Ltd registered a judgment of the Tokyo District Court in the Supreme Court of NSW against the Republic of Nauru. It obliged Nauru to pay ¥1,300,000,000, plus interest. Firebird sought to garnish the amounts from Nauru government bank accounts in Australia. But the High Court of Australia confirmed definitively that the accounts were protected by foreign state immunity. It applied considered the Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (Cth) and the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) and their conformity with international law. This case note takes particular interest in the Court’s methods of discerning and applying international legal principles.
  • An Inferred Contract, a Restitutionary Claim and an Alleged Cost-Sharing Arrangement - Woolcorp Pty Ltd v Rodger Constructions Pty Ltd' in (2017) 29 Australian Construction Law Bulletin 28In early 2017, the Victorian Court of Appeal overturned a decision of the County Court, ruling that the facts of the case could not support the trial judges findings of an implied contract, nor the alternative claim of a quantum meruit. This note considers the Court of Appeal's decision and the lessons it contains relating to contractual and restitutionary claims.
  • A Nail-Biting Finish to a (Civil) Penalty Shootout: Commonwealth v Director, Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate; CFMEU v Director, Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate' in (2016) 42 Monash University Law Review 497In July 2015, the common occurrence of regulator and litigant making joint submissions regarding an appropriate range of civil penalties was ruled unlawful by the Full Court of the Federal Court. This was on the basis of the High Court’s decision in Barbaro v The Queen, where submissions regarding an appropriate range of sentences were ruled to be inadmissible opinion. In December 2015, the High Court overturned this decision and restored the status quo. This note considers the decisions of the Full Court and High Court and the two issues in greatest contention: whether principles of criminal law should be analogised to civil penalty proceedings; and whether the practice of joint penalty submissions is preferable as a matter of public policy. In particular, this note is concerned that the High Court failed to adequately address the varied criticisms raised against the practice. It considers the charge that courts merely ‘rubber-stamp’ the settled positions of the parties and proposes some steps that should be taken to address this issue.
  • Federal Judicial Power to Reinstate Discontinued Proceedings: Chen v Monash University’ in (2016) 5 Journal of Civil Litigation and Practice 221In Chen v Monash University, the Full Court of the Federal Court determined whether it had the jurisdiction to reinstate appeal proceedings that had been discontinued – the same appellant who had discontinued the proceedings now sought to recommence them. The question before the Court required consideration of when it may be appropriate to set aside what amounts to a final judgment. This article considers the Full Court's decision and the factors that could be used to determine such applications.
  • ‘Recovery of Misapplied Company Assets: The Strict Liability Claim in Great Investments v Warner’ in (2016) 17 Insolvency Law Bulletin 179. Republished in [2017] Butterworths Corporation Law Bulletin 2, 6 [21].In the Full Federal Court decision Great Investments Ltd v Warner, Jagot, Edelman and Moshinsky JJ considered how receivers could recover assets transferred out of a company without authority, holding that the assets were held on a constructive trust by their recipients subject to a strict liability claim. This article considers the Full Court's decision, in particular the strict liability claim that served as the company's cause of action.
  • ‘Give ‘em an Inch and They’ll Take a Title: Torrens Legislation and Retail Leasing in Moreton Bay Regional Council v Mekpine Pty Ltd’ in (2016) 25 Australian Property Law Journal 92This note discusses the dispute over land resumption between Mekpine Pty Ltd and the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The dispute wound its way from the Land Court of Queensland to the High Court over the question of whether Mekpine was entitled to compensation by its rights to certain common areas under its lease. This note reviews the decisions of the courts in this dispute, pointing out that greater clarity is needed for parties whose interests in resumed land may arise from contractual rights or from long-term patterns of use.
  • ‘Until Fraud Do Us Part: Reconciling Joint Tenancy and the Torrens Land System in Cassegrain v Gerard Cassegrain & Co Pty Ltd’ in (2016) 16(2) QUT Law Review 93In early 2015, the High Court of Australia decided Cassegrain v Gerard Cassegrain & Co Pty Ltd, relating to the fraudulent registration of a joint tenancy under Torrens legislation. The Court unanimously criticised the methods employed by lower courts in interpreting New South Wales’ Torrens legislation (and its ‘protection of purchasers’ provision) and in determining the existence and scope of an agency relationship. However, the Court split on the question of whether an innocent joint tenant had their interest rendered defeasible by reason of their co-joint tenant’s fraud. This article reviews and analyses in particular the Court’s evaluation and treatment of the legal principles of joint tenancy.

  
  

• Gottschall Jon
  

  Jon has a commercial practice including intellectual property, competition and consumer protection law, marketing and regulatory compliance.

  Jon has a substantial background in matters involving technical issues and expert evidence. This includes intellectual property and matters involving regulatory or compliance issues such as consumer law, food regulation, veterinary and agricultural products and therapeutic goods. His practice includes building and construction and commercial disputes concerning the technical characteristics of goods or services.

  Jon has particular expertise in intellectual property including patents, trademark and related branding rights, copyright, design and confidential information. Jon practices in patent litigation and actions relating to copyright, trademark and trade secrets. He practices in opposition proceedings for patents and trademarks, opposition to amendments and non-use applications. He also practices in intellectual property licensing, commercialisation and franchising, both in the context of disputes and providing strategic advice for business development.

  He has advised clients in relation to consumer law issues, including, advertising, advertising disputes and scientific testing in relation to validating and challenging product claims. He has advised clients in relation to product development, packaging and labelling and in relation to nutritional, therapeutic, agricultural and veterinary products.

  Before joining the Bar, Jon was a Senior Associate in the Intellectual Property and Litigation department of Allens Arthur Robinson. His non-law training is mostly in the medical and life sciences but he has engineering exposure and works with most areas of science and technology. Jon has had a substantial engagement with a generic pharmaceutical client.

  Jon has worked on matters in the following areas:

  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular biology/genetics
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Toxicology
  • Immunology/vaccines
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition/foods
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical engineering/industrial chemistry
  • Electronics
  • IT/systems
  • Mineral processing/metallurgy
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Agricultural products
  • Veterinary products
  • Therapeutic goods
  • Medical technology
  • FMCGs – cleaning; hygiene; functional products
  • Safety products
  • Solar technology
  • Product testing and claim validation

  Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

• Grant Simon
  

  Simon Grant was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 16 June, 1997, a Barrister of the High Court of Australia on the 29th January, 1999 and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales on 17th March, 2003. He has completed Mediation Training at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2001.

  Simon accepts instructions from Solicitors to appear and/or advise in the above areas of law, in preliminary disputes, in hearings and trials at first instance and in appeals. He also accepts briefs from in-house corporate counsel. Simon is available to act as a mediator or to appear for parties in mediations. He has extensive experience representing parties in mediations.

  Simon is co-author of the LexisNexis loose-leaf and online service Civil Liability Australia with Richard Douglas QC and Gerry Mullins, as well as being co-author of the Annotated Civil Liability Legislation Queensland (from the 1st edition to the current 5th edition).

  Previously a tutor at the Queensland University of Technology in 2002/2003, Mr Grant has also been involved in the QUT Alumni mentor program.

• Gray Malcolm
  

  Retired June 2024. Passed away July 17th 2024.

• Griffith Gavan
  

  Gavan Griffith QC is counsel at the Australian and English (call at Lincoln’s Inn 1969) bars. He has over 30 years seniority holding 8 Commissions as Queen’s Counsel. He has had extensive practice as a commercial, constitutional and public international counsel, and since his return to private practice in 1998, has practiced principally from his London chambers, usually presiding as a member of international commercial and investment treaty dispute tribunals as Arbitrator.

  After 20 years in private practice, he held office for 14 years from 1984 as the Solicitor-General of Australia. As Australia’s Second Law Officer, and pleaded some 250 constitutional and other cases before the entire bench of the High Court of Australia, as ex officio the leader of the Australian bars. He also has appeared in other superior appeal courts, including Malaysia, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

  He was Agent and Counsel of Australia at the International Court of Justice in the several cases of Nauru v Australia, Portugal v Australia and the Nuclear Test Cases and also in two references by the WHA as to the legality of Nuclear Weapons.

  He also represented Australia at the General Assembly, including the 6th Committee, Australian delegate and sometime Vice-Chairman of UNCITRAL and to The Hague Conference 1984 to 1997 and recurrent terms as member and sometime Chairman of the ITELSAT Panel of Legal Experts, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and other international bodies.

  In 1994 to 1995 he was seconded as Special Counsel to the United Nations, New York, to write a report, since implemented, for the reform of the legislative structure of the UN.
  

• Hall John
  

  Experience

  • Family Law - All aspects
  • Family Law Mediation/ADR
  • Family Law Arbitration
  • Building and Construction Mediation
  • Part IV and Estate Litigation Mediation
  • Property Law Act - Partition Mediation
  • Family Succession/Farming Succession Mediation

  John's mediation and ADR interest goes back to when he first became accredited as an ADR Specialist in 1994 with the Law Institute.

  Here is his full history:

  • First accredited as an ADR Specialist – Mediation in 1996 (LIV)
  • Re-accredited 2013 – Australian Institute of Family Law Arbitrators and Mediators (AIFLAM)
  • 2013 Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS) (current)
  • 2013 Specialist Accreditation - Family Law (LIV) (current)
  • 2016 listed Arbitrator (Family Law) following AIFLAM qualification (current)
  • Victorian Bar ADR Committee from 2017 to 2024 – previous chair Family Law sub-committee
  • Coach and Examiner for the Lawyer’s Mediation Certificate - Victorian Bar 2018 – to present
  • 2020 Member of Panel of Mediators – VCAT Property List– to present
  • 2024 Accredited Advanced Mediator by VicBar (VBAM)
  • 45 years practise and experience in Common Law, Family Law, Building and Construction and Estate Litigation as solicitor in Victoria, Queensland and NSW, and as a Barrister at the Victorian and Queensland Bars, more recently concentrating on Family Law and Mediation/ADR.

  John will travel wherever he is called!

  John is familiar with Gippsland (having established the Victorian Bar there 1983 - 1989), Albury-Wodonga region, Wagga Wagga, and Wangaratta (having worked as a Solicitor for a National firm managing their Estate Litigation and Family Law 2012-2014) and having appeared on circuit in Albury, Bendigo and Ballarat in the Family Court and FCFCoA.

  John says:

  "I believe that there is a solution for every dispute and that Mediation can not only save both parties costs but also achieve a resolution that may not be available at the end of a long, costly and often bitter court dispute."

• Ham Colin
  

  Practices primarily in Family Law