Harry practises primarily in commercial law.
Before coming to the Bar, Harry was an Associate to the Hon. Justice McLeish at the Victorian Court of Appeal. He completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney and a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Prior to studying for his Juris Doctor, Harry worked in London and Hong Kong trading Asian currency derivatives as a portfolio manager for a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund.
He has also completed a MSc in Law and Finance at the University of Oxford, graduating with Distinction and receiving the South Square Prize for the highest mark in Corporate Insolvency Law. The MSc in Law and Finance combines subjects from the Bachelor of Civil Law course with subjects from Oxford's Saïd Business School.
He is a current co-author of Thomson Reuters's Federal Court Practice. He is also a current co-author of the Securities chapter, and the current author of the Receivers and Managers chapter, in Thomson Reuters’s Laws of Australia.
Harry read with Dr Charles Parkinson KC and his senior mentor is David Batt KC.
Recent Cases
Victorian Department of Education v Roberts Co (Vic) Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement) – SCV S ECI 2025 04950 – application for declarations and orders under s 90-15 of Schedule 2 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) regarding the interpretation of a deed of company arrangement or orders varying the deed under s 447A – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC and Roman Rozenberg.
Heloise Pratt v Alexander Waislitiz – SCV: S ECI 2024 06193 – acting for the Plaintiffs – application for the appointment of an independent trustee – led by Allan Myers AC KC and Joseph Carney.
Re Lynch Group Holdings Ltd [2025] FCA 1280 – acting for the Plaintiff – application for the convening and approval of a members’ scheme of arrangement for an ASX listed company – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC.
Re Richstone Plumbing Pty Ltd (in liq) – SCV: S ECI 2024 04285 – acting for the Defendant – defending a preference claim under s 588FE and s 588FF of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC.
Ding Yong v Song Lihua [2024] VSC 720 – acting for a judgment creditor resisting an application to set aside the registration of a Hong Kong judgment under s 7 of the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 (Cth) – unled.
Monarch Tower Pty Ltd (in liq) v Sinoace Holdings Ltd [2024] FCA 716 & Re Monarch Tower Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2025] FCAFC 137– acting for the Respondents to a voidable transaction claim under s 588FE of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – whether the proceeding should be summarily dismissed for failure by the liquidator to promptly serve – whether the failure to give notice of the s 588FF(3)(b) extension to a respondent meant that the claim was statute barred – led by Christopher Brown KC.
N. & U. Nominees Pty Ltd v Larobina – SCV: S ECI 2024 02809 – acting for the trustees and directors of the trustees – claim for rectification of a group of trust deeds – defending allegations that trustees acted for improper purposes, in bad faith, and without real and genuine consideration – defending allegation that transactions occurred without mental capacity – led by Ian Percy.
Re Amoma SÀRL [2023] FCA 1232 and Re Amoma SÀRL (No 2) [2023] FCA 1379 – Recognition of a Swiss insolvency proceeding under the Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2008 (Cth) – acting for the Bankruptcy Office of the Canton of Geneva – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC.
Tex Onsite Pty Ltd v Cornwalls (A Firm) – SCV: S ECI 2022 04677 – allegations of negligence and misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to companies’ entry into receivership – acting for the Second Defendant – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC. Interlocutory judgment:
Re SLKALT Pty Ltd (in liq) [2024] VSC 250 – privilege claim in response to liquidators’ summons to produce documents – joint privilege, waiver and crime/fraud exception to privilege – acting for the liquidators – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC:
AHG WA (2015) Pty Ltd v Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd – FCA: VID 604/2021 – application to set aside subpoenas against non-parties and claims arising from those subpoenas for legal professional privilege, joint privilege, common interest privilege and parliamentary privilege – acting for the subpoenaed non-parties – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC.
King v Linkage Access Ltd [2022] VSC 158 – common law recognition and enforcement of a United States Bankruptcy Court judgment in Australia – acting for the Plaintiffs – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC.
Beecham Motors Pty Ltd v General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd [2025] VSC 125– class action by dealerships arising out of the retirement of the Holden car brand – acting for the Plaintiff and Group Members – led by Dr Charles Parkinson KC. Interlocutory judgments:
Gecko Australia Pty Ltd v Montagnese – FCA: VID597/2021 – claims for misleading & deceptive conduct and breach of directors’ duties in relation to a business sale and earn-out period – acting for the Plaintiffs – led by Dr Oren Bigos KC. Interlocutory judgment:
Custodian for Gerald and Debra Gray v Redman-Slater – FCA: VID739/2020 – claim by clients of authorised representatives against the financial services licensee for contraventions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and misleading or deceptive conduct – acting for the financial services licensee – led by Dr Charles Parkinson KC.
Harris v Financial Services Partners – SCV: S ECI 2022 04091 – claims by clients of authorised representatives against the financial services licensee – acting for the financial services licensee. Interlocutory judgment:
JDLF International Pty Ltd v Wood – VSC: S ECI 2022 02775 – interlocutory injunction application to enforce a contractual restraint and s 183 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) against a former employee – acting for the Plaintiff – led by Patrick Wheelahan KC.
Re IPO Wealth Holdings No 2 Pty Ltd (in prov liq) [2021] VSC 821 – application to stay a liquidators’ examination as an abuse of process – acting for the Examinee – led by Michael Gronow KC and Angel Aleksov.
Castaway Avenue Pty Ltd v CSC1957 Investments Pty Ltd [2022] VSCA 238 and Castaway Avenue Pty Ltd v CSC1957 Investments Pty Ltd [2023] VSCA 30 – specific performance of a contract for the sale of land – whether contract validly terminated – application for security for appeal costs and an appeal stay – acting for the Respondent – led by Ian Percy.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Maree has a busy trial and appellate practice, specialising in common law and public and administrative law disputes. She has particular expertise in appellate advocacy, historical abuse cases, judicial review, regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, as well public inquiries – both as counsel assisting and acting for interested parties.
Previously, Maree was an Associate to the Honourable Justice Neave of the Victorian Court of Appeal, and a Senior Associate in the Litigation practice group at Allens.
Maree completed a Master of Law degree at the University of Cambridge, on a scholarship from the Cambridge Trusts. She also has a First Class Honours undergraduate degree in law from the University of Tasmania.
A summary of Maree’s recent experience follows:
Public inquiries and commissions
Maree also has significant Royal Commission experience, having represented clients in the Banking, Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions.
Appellate
Public and administrative law
In addition to the above appearance work, Maree is regularly briefed to provide advice to government departments and statutory authorities.
Personal injury and tort
Maree acts in personal injuries and property damage claims in the Supreme Courts of Victoria and Tasmania. She has particular experience in historical child sexual abuse and professional negligence cases.
Examples of recent cases that have run to judgment are:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Jonathan practices in commercial litigation.
He has a broad commercial practice involving trial and appellate advocacy, pleadings, opinion work and mediations principally in the Supreme Court and County Courts of Victoria.
He practices primarily in contracts, corporations law, insurance, real and personal property, partnerships and trusts, consumer law, banking and finance.
SELECT CASES:
SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA
NAB v ANEW Climate LLC: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by NAB regarding international account transfers, “Know Your Customer” regulations, freezing order, default judgment, garnishee application (with Hamish Austin KC)
GFL Developments Pty Ltd v SJ Moore Road Pty Ltd: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about real estate agent’s exclusive auction authority, whether certain and binding, entitlement to commission.
Manpreet Singh v Singh Associates Pty Ltd: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding regarding unit trust dispute, alleged manufactured debts, oppression. Related subpoena disputes.
Candibon Pty Ltd v Nameplan Pty Ltd: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about partnership profits from greenfield site development projects. Security for costs application, subpoena dispute with implied waiver issue, further discovery applications, application to amend pleadings regarding contribution for “same damage”, application to withdraw admissions in pleadings.
Alco Aluminium Pty Ltd v Ferny Creek Store Pty Ltd & Ors: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by lender about secured debts, consolidated loans, variations and oral terms.
ATET v Melbourne City Council: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by MCC about licence revocation, damages claim by licensee.
Tom Gibbons Pty Ltd v Vantage Integrated Services Pty Ltd & Ors: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about shareholder oppression.
M&R Transport (Vic) Pty Ltd v ISR Truck City Geelong Pty Ltd & Ors: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about shareholder oppression.
Gordion Holdings Pty Ltd v Ionnides & Ors: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding regarding setting aside foreign default judgment, indemnity costs.
Kanyon Pty Ltd v Brett Hartwig: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about supplier indemnity under s 274 of ACL. Application to join third party supplier.
Archery Capital Pty Ltd v Rujan Properties Pty Ltd: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about enforcement of loan agreement, deed of forbearance, possession order, indemnity costs.
Frog Swamp Pty Ltd v Statewide Secured Investments Pty Ltd: Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding to set aside statutory demand; genuine dispute regarding valuation evidence (and many other statutory demand and creditors petition matters, not listed here)
Davison v Kempson: Successful appeal in Victorian Court of Appeal regarding testator family maintenance provision claim.
Secretary to the Department of Justice v YEE: Successful appeal in Victorian Court of Appeal from VCAT decision (with Phillip Solomon KC).
COUNTY COURT OF VICTORIA
SNH Products Pty Ltd (Veganpet) v Advanced Pet Care of Australia Pty Ltd: County Court of Victoria proceeding about breach of supply contract, fitness for purpose, misleading and deceptive conduct, loss and damage.
Veneziano Coffee Roasters Pty Ltd v Appliance Maintenance Company Pty Ltd: County Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by insurer about applicability of Goods Act to commercial coffee roaster from USA, expert evidence about fitness for purpose.
Uebergang v AAI Limited: County Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by insurer about policy of insurance for property damage, remediation costs, inconvenience damages.
Palomares v Insurance Manufactuers of Australia Pty Ltd & Ors: County Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by insurer about policy of insurance for property damage, mould expert dispute, inconvenience damages.
Ashford v AAI Limited: County Court of Victoria proceeding briefed by insurer about policy of insurance for property damage, remediation costs, inconvenience damages (with Tyson Wodak).
Real Estate Institute of Victoria Ltd v Realestateview.com Pty Ltd: County Court of Victoria proceeding about breach of contract to produce real estate TV series, loss and damage, misleading and deceptive conduct, estoppel, quantum meruit, unjust enrichment.
Melbourne Facades Pty Ltd v CPB Contractors Pty Ltd and Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd: County Court of Victoria proceeding about breaches of level crossing removal works contracts, written and implied terms, variations and waiver, misleading and deceptive conduct, estoppel and quantum meruit.
30HM SDA1 Pty Ltd v Accelerated Loans: County Court of Victoria proceeding about debt recovery by private lender.
Maersk Line A/S v Fertinvest Australia Pty Ltd: County Court of Victoria proceeding regarding breaches of bills of lading for shipping and freight costs.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Brightgreen Pty Ltd v Marcott Pty Ltd: VCAT dispute regarding unlawful re-entry of leased premises, whether ‘retail premises’, whether land tax payable, whether unjust enrichment (with Robert Hay KC).
Jonathan also has extensive experience with interlocutory applications associated with all commercial disputes, including caveat removals, security for costs, subpoena applications, freezing and Mareva orders, and costs applications.
He runs The Commercial Law Barrister blog and endeavours to run a paperless practice.
"From 20th May 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation."
Michael accepts commercial law and taxation law briefs.
Before coming to the Bar, Michael was a Managing Solicitor in the Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution team at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Michael was involved in some of Australia’s largest and most complex tax disputes. He advised on a variety of technical areas including income tax, Part IVA, transfer pricing, capital/revenue, land tax, GST and R&D. He worked with a diverse range of clients from multinational corporations to individual taxpayers.
Michael has twice been recognised as a finalist in Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 awards for Tax (2019, 2020). He was recently a member of the Tax Institute of Australia’s Young Professionals Board where he organised panel discussions on the topic of dispute resolution.
After graduating, Michael worked at Telstra as a Product Strategy Analyst focusing on the development of new consumer products. While at Telstra Michael spent time as in-house-counsel where he provided legal advice to Telstra’s operational divisions.
A former Senior Student of Trinity College, Michael graduated with a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne. He is a candidate for the Master of Laws program at the University of Melbourne.
Michael read with Charles Parkinson SC and his senior mentor is Philip Solomon QC.
Recent cases:
Toma v Workforce Recruitment and Labour Services Pty Ltd [2022] FCAFC 100;
McConvill & Associates v Carbone [2022] FCA 265;
From 22 Oct 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Karen practices primarily in common law and administrative law, with a focus on health law and personal injuries.
Her practice includes medical negligence claims, workplace injuries, transport accidents, class actions, public liability claims and institutional abuse claims. She is also briefed in professional disciplinary proceedings, insurance and indemnity disputes, and judicial reviews of medical panel determinations. In these areas Karen has appeared in damages trials, final hearings, serious injury applications, appeals and interlocutory applications.
Karen has a particular interest and expertise in novel duties of care, particularly relating to conflicts between common law and statutory duties, medical consent cases as well as claims arising out of obstetric and gynaecological treatment.
Prior to coming to the bar, Karen was a solicitor at K&L Gates where she acted on behalf of hospitals, public authorities, medical practitioners and their insurers in civil, coronial and disciplinary proceedings.
Karen read with Robert Harper and Roslyn Kaye KC is her senior mentor.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Colette practises primarily in public and commercial law.
Before coming to the Bar, Colette served as Associate to Justice Edelman of the High Court of Australia.
Earlier, she practised as a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons, predominantly in competition law, and served as Associate to Justice Katzmann of the Federal Court of Australia.
Colette holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws, with first class honours, from Monash University and a Master of Laws from Columbia University, which she attended on a scholarship and where she was named a James Kent Scholar.
Colette has served as a Fellow at Melbourne Law School, where she lectured in constitutional law. She has also published work in the Public Law Review.
A selection of her recent matters is as follows:
Commercial law
Public law
Colette is also regularly briefed to advise government on questions of constitutional law and statutory construction.
Colette read with Kathleen Foley, now SC, and her senior mentor is Wendy Harris KC.
From 3 May 2019, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Astrid Haban-Beer has a practice incorporating criminal law, public law and regulatory investigations. Astrid’s practice includes appearing in jury trials, royal commissions, inquests and investigation hearings.
Astrid has particular experience with matters involving organised crime, white collar crime including Federal Court criminal matters, corruption matters, Commonwealth Criminal Code matters, public interest immunity, and matters involving the intersection of criminal and civil law.
Astrid is on the panel of special counsel able to be appointed under the Terrorism (Community Protection) Act 2003 (Vic). Astrid is also on the Serious Crime Prevention Order Special Counsel Panel.
Astrid also has a special interest in mental impairment and hearings conducted pursuant to the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act. Astrid appears in special fitness hearings and supervision order/review proceedings.
Astrid has a strong civil regulatory background and has acted for and against regulators across jurisdictions, including in both civil and criminal proceedings in the Federal Court, and state courts and tribunals.
Astrid holds a current security clearance and has capacity to undertake sensitive matters in a range of legal and/or investigatory contexts.
Astrid undertakes court appearances (trials, pleas, committals and applications) and advice work across all jurisdictions, in criminal, quasi-criminal and civil proceedings, covering areas of:
Astrid has frequently acted for government and institutional clients, and individuals in a number of Royal Commissions including:
Astrid is a Victoria Legal Aid Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister, and holds an Indictable Crime Certificate (ICC).
From 16 May 2013, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Tammy practices predominantly in general commercial litigation, trade practices, common law, property and wills and estates. Since signing the Bar Roll, Tammy has appeared in the Full Federal Court, Federal Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and County Court in a variety of cases including class actions. She has experience as a decision maker in a Tribunal setting which has given her a unique insight into strategy when running trials.
Tammy is a qualified mediator and has a passion for alternative dispute resolution. She is a coach and assessor for the Victorian Bar’s annual Lawyers’ Mediation Certificate course and is available to mediate matters in all jurisdictions.
Tammy has demonstrated tenacity in her athletic and professional life – she captained two Australian Swimming Teams and won Oceania Champion in 2002. Tammy was a Dean’s Scholar at Deakin University, graduated from her Law Degree with Honours and from her Commerce Degree with Distinction.
Tammy spent time in the United States studying psychology and mathematics, achieving the title of Dean’s List Honouree. Tammy won the ESPN Academic All-America of the Year for Women's At-Large Sports in the College Division; Women’s Athlete and Scholar-Athlete of the Year of her University and of the State of Pennsylvania; and the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Women’s Swimming Performer of the Year.
In 2019, Tammy placed 8th in the Zatopek Australian 10,000m championships, 7th in the Women’s Open 10km Australian Cross Country Championships and 4th in the Melbourne half marathon.
Tammy brings this tenacious approach and energy to all of her work as a barrister. She is available to appear and advise in matters arising in all areas of practice listed above, in all jurisdictions.
From 08/10/2009, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Brittany has a broad practice across criminal and quasi-criminal law (including disciplinary and regulatory matters), common law, and administrative law. She has experience acting for individuals, companies, and government agencies.
In her criminal law practice, Brittany regularly appears as sole counsel in the Magistrates’ and County Courts. She has appeared as junior counsel in trials in the County and Supreme Courts. She also has appellate experience, having appeared as junior Counsel in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
Brittany is a Victoria Legal Aid Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister, and holds an Indictable Crime Certificate (ICC).
Brittany regularly acts in disciplinary proceedings involving healthcare practitioners, and tortious claims involving police misconduct.
She also accepts briefs in coronial and judicial review matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Brittany was an Associate to the Hon. Justice Jane Dixon in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Prior to her Associateship, Brittany practised as a solicitor in summary crime at Victoria Legal Aid, in civil law at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), and in both civil and administrative law at the Victorian Government Solicitors’ Office.
Brittany sits on the Committee of the Women Barristers’ Association.
Brittany read with Astrid Haban-Beer. Her senior mentor is Ruth Shann SC.
Selected recent cases include:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
The Hon. Peter Riordan KC has recently retired from the Supreme Court where he was the Principal Judge of the Commercial Court and the Judge in charge of the Arbitration List. He also served as a Judge nominated by the Chief Justice to manage the Technology, Engineering and Construction List.
He is a former Chairman of the Victorian Bar and President of the Australian Bar Association.
He now practices in the areas of arbitration and mediation.
Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, he practised extensively as a mediator and arbitrator (including International Arbitrations) throughout the States and Territories of Australia.
He has published articles and conducted seminars and training on mediation.
Enquiries regarding Mr Riordan can be made via his clerks; details on this page.
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:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Simon Molesworth delivered his final judgment in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales in May 2019. He was first commissioned to be a Judge of the LEC from January 2017. The Land and Environment Court of NSW was the first specialist environmental superior court in the world, when established in 1980. The judges of the Court have the same rank, title, status and precedence as the Judges of the Supreme Court of NSW. The Court’s jurisdiction includes merit review, judicial review, civil enforcement, criminal prosecution, criminal appeals and civil claims about planning, environmental, land, mining, water, heritage, valuation, compensation, Aboriginal land, tree disputes and related matters.
Molesworth, who in 2020 marks twenty-five years as a QC, had remained in active practice until his judicial appointment, regularly appearing before the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal and in the Supreme Court in Victoria in cases within his specialty. He is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the fields of environmental law, heritage law, natural resources law and the law and policy relating to climate change. After initially practicing as a solicitor (from 1978) with Blake & Riggall (now Ashursts), Molesworth became a barrister in Victoria in 1984 and was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1995.
Molesworth, qualified and experienced as a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, has led delegations to successive United Nations COP conferences. His advisory work increasingly focuses on climate change strategies, corporate governance, risk management and corporate social responsibility. Molesworth is uniquely positioned to advise corporate Australia and public sector entities on the development of strategies and policies, together with related risk and compliance issues, in a world required to adapt to and mitigate climate change. With experience chairing commissions of inquiry and a wealth of experience chairing and participating in consultative committees, Molesworth is well-skilled to be a mediator.
Amongst his previous legal appointments Molesworth, in the 1980s, was a Senior Legal Member of the Planning Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Victoria and a Senior Legal Member of the previous Victorian Planning Appeals Board. He was also in 1994 the Victorian State Mining Warden, a statutory appointment under the then Mineral Resources Development Act. He has chaired commissions of inquiry and advised successive governments and their authorities on legislative reform.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Erin’s practice includes all major jurisdictions: prosecution and defence work in criminal law, plaintiff and defendant work in common law, including institutional liability matters, and family law.
Erin has extensive experience appearing in Royal Commission and inquiry work, including as counsel assisting.
From 25th Oct 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
A. Overview of practice
Greg came to the Bar in 1995 following 5 years as a corporate advisory and transaction lawyer with Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills).
Over his 29 years at the Bar, Greg has acted in a broad range of commercial and corporate law matters.
Greg is a specialist in schemes of arrangement and has acted in some 45 schemes of arrangement to effect corporate takeovers, mergers, demergers and internal corporate restructures. Greg also teaches in this area as part of the Melbourne Law Masters program and regularly gives seminars to national law firms on recent developments in this field of the law. Greg is often retained where the proposed scheme of arrangement or trust acquisition proposal is complex or novel or where shareholder activism is anticipated. Further details are set out below regarding Greg’s practice in this area.
B. Schemes of Arrangement
Overview of expertise
Greg has acted in some 45 schemes of arrangement (and trust acquisition proposals) including schemes to effect corporate takeovers, mergers, demergers and internal reconstructions. These have included schemes of substantial transaction value such as the 2023 $9.5b acquisition by BHP of OZ Minerals Limited (in which Greg acted for OZ Minerals).
For many years Greg has acted and appeared alone in substantial and complex schemes of arrangement. Greg has also led junior barristers in schemes of arrangement. While Greg continues to work, from time to time, with leading silks (from both Melbourne and Sydney, including in some of the schemes referred to below) in schemes of arrangement, he predominantly acts and appears alone in these matters. Greg has acted and appeared in a broad range of schemes of arrangement encompassing takeover (or change of control) schemes, demerger schemes, merger schemes, top-hatting restructure schemes, de-stapling restructure schemes involving share schemes and a trust scheme and internal reconstruction schemes involving orders under section 413 of the Corporations Act. Greg’s experience in this field of the law extends beyond the issues and challenges that commonly arise in schemes and includes navigating schemes through the court process in the context of complex transaction structures, bidding contests, shareholder activism and in one case acting for the acquirers where the target company was the subject of a class action proceeding.
Greg has acted for target companies, acquirers and for ASIC.
Recent schemes (and trust acquisition proposals) in which Greg has acted include the 2025 acquisition of BG&E Group Limited by Systra SA (in which Greg acted for Systra SA), the 2025 proposed acquisition, by scheme of arrangement, of PointsBet Holdings Ltd by MIXI Australia Pty Ltd (in which Greg acted for MIXI Australia - which scheme of arrangement did not proceed to the court approval stage), the 2024 acquisition of Capitol Health Limited by Integral Diagnostics Limited (In which Greg acted for Capitol Health), the 2023 acquisition by BHP of OZ Minerals Limited (in which Greg acted for OZ Minerals), the 2023 acquisition of SILK Laser Australia Limited by Wesfarmers (in which Greg acted for SILK Laser Australia), the 2023 Carbon Revolution Limited scheme (involving a scheme and a “de-SPAC” merger transaction in which Greg acted for Twin Ridge Capital Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (known as a SPAC) listed on the New York Stock Exchange), the 2022 acquisition of Angel Seafood Holdings Ltd by Laguna Bay (in which Greg advised Angel Seafood in respect of certain aspects of that transaction), the 2021 acquisition by JBS Australia of the shares in Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (in which Greg acted and appeared for Huon and which involved two alternative but concurrently proposed schemes of arrangement, a simultaneous takeover bid and an associated share sale agreement in relation to the major shareholder), the 2021 acquisition proposal by NorthWest Healthcare Australia RE Limited for the units in the Australian Unity Healthcare Property Trust (an unlisted managed investment scheme) in which Greg acted for NorthWest and where the acquisition proposal was opposed by the responsible entity, the 2020 takeover of OptiComm Ltd by Uniti Group Limited (in which Greg acted and appeared for Uniti Group and which involved two competing proposals by Aware Super Pty Ltd) and the 2020 takeover of Village Roadshow Limited by BGH Capital (private equity) (in which Greg acted and appeared for Village Roadshow Corporation Pty Ltd – the largest shareholder in Village Roadshow Limited – which involved two alternative but concurrently proposed schemes of arrangement and an associated share sale agreement in relation to the major shareholder).
Further details (by category) of some of the schemes of arrangement in which Greg has acted can be found here.
Role extends beyond the Court process
Greg's work in this field extends beyond the court process and includes pre-announcement review of transaction documents, advice on discrete transactional issues, advice and input regarding the structure and content of the scheme booklet, advice regarding recourse to the Takeovers Panel and the consideration of, and proposed response to, issues raised by ASIC.
In addition to being retained by national law firms who practice in this area, Greg is also retained by boutique commercial law firms in these types of transactions.
Complex scheme structures and shareholder activism
Greg is often retained where the proposed scheme of arrangement is complex or where shareholder activism is anticipated).
Lecturing, seminars and submissions to Government and to the Court on potential areas of reform
Greg co-lectures on the subject of "Schemes of Arrangement" (as a senior fellow) in the Melbourne Masters Program (University of Melbourne Law School) (having recently taught the course in 2023 and 2024) and has often given seminars about recent developments in this area to law firms who practice in this field.
Greg was primarily responsible for the preparation of the submission made by the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria to the Treasury in June 2022 in response to the Treasury's consultation paper entitled " Corporate control transactions in Australia: consultation on options to improve schemes of arrangement, takeover bids, and the role of the Takeovers Panel".
Greg also co-authored the joint submission made by the Victorian Bar and the Commercial Bar Association to the Federal Court on its consultation letter dated 15 May 2023 regarding potential changes in the manner in which schemes of arrangement are dealt with by the Federal Court.
Greg is available to act in schemes of arrangement both in Victoria and interstate (noting that Greg has acted and appeared in several schemes of arrangement in Sydney).
C. Committees and Associations
Greg is a member of:
- the Corporations Committee of the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia; and
- the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Brittany practises in common law, insurance law and administrative law (judicial review), with a special interest in class actions. She is available to appear in all metropolitan and regional courts.
Before coming to the Bar, Brittany was Associate to the Honourable Justice J Forrest and the Honourable Justice Tsalamandris at the Supreme Court of Victoria. Brittany assisted their Honours in the hearing and management of civil trials (both jury and judge alone), appeals and a range of interlocutory matters. Prior to this, Brittany worked at a national firm in the area of professional indemnity insurance.
In November 2025, Brittany was elected as a member of the Victorian Bar Council for 2025-2026. She is the Bar Council representative on the New Barristers' Committee and the Readers' Course Committee, and is also a committee member of the Women Barristers' Association.
Brittany read with Ben Jellis KC and her senior mentor is Jeremy Ruskin KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister's clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.
Sarah has been a barrister for over 35 years. She has a busy criminal practice and is available for both prosecution and defence work. She has held an Indictable Crime Certificate since its inception.
She is on the list of preferred counsel for Victoria Legal Aid; the list of counsel retained by the OPP; and the panel of barristers briefed by the Commonwealth DPP.
Sarah appears in complex jury trials in the Supreme and County Court, as well as the Indictable and Summary streams in the Magistrates’ Court, and the Court of Appeal. She appears regularly on circuit. She also has longstanding experience in coercive examinations and inquisitorial jurisdictions including IBAC and the Coroners’ Court.
Sarah has lived and travelled in the Pacific region and has a strong interest in engagement with our neighbours in that region. An active member of the Bar’s International Advocacy Training Committee since 2021, she has provided pro bono in-country advocacy training to lawyers in Vanuatu (2022 and 2024, as team leader), Tonga (2024) and Papua New Guinea (2025). She has coached and mentored Pacific lawyers in person as part of the IATC’s Train the Trainer programs held in Melbourne (2024-5) and online to PNG, Tonga and Solomon Islands during 2021-2, and coached in the Victorian Bar Readers' Course.
Sarah has served on the Criminal Bar Association Committee (2009-2010) and the Equality and Diversity Committee of the Victorian Bar (2018).
Sarah enjoys mentoring future and present law students and Readers, and welcomes enquiries from future Readers.
Tess has a broad commercial law practice and has experience advising and appearing in disputes concerning contract, equity and trusts, and corporations law.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Tess served as an associate to the Honourable Justice Elliott of the Supreme Court of Victoria. She also worked as a solicitor at Holding Redlich where she acted in a range of complex commercial disputes, royal commissions, white-collar criminal law matters and asset confiscation applications.
Tess holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne.
In addition, Tess holds Negative Vetting 1 security clearance from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.
Tess read with Katherine Brazenor and her senior mentor is Kateena O’Gorman SC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Fiona practises primarily in the area of medical liability. She appears in medical negligence trials including cases involving catastrophic injuries. Fiona also appears in coronial inquests and professional disciplinary hearings involving health practitioners.
Fiona is an experienced mediator with ability to facilitate online mediations.
Harley practises in all areas of commercial, employment and regulatory law.
Prior to coming to the bar, Harley had a career spanning over 15 years in Australia and Hong Kong. He held senior positions across both private practice and in the government, including as a senior lawyer at the Fair Work Ombudsman and as a partner of global law firm, Mishcon de Reya.
Harley specialises in commercial litigation and arbitration, as well as professional regulatory and civil penalty proceedings. He has been involved in and led some of the largest and most complex financial cases in Australia and Hong Kong, particularly in the context of corporate fraud with significant cross-border elements, involving the intersection between Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and offshore jurisdictions.
Harley holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours, as well as a Masters in Law (BCL) from the University of Oxford, graduating with Distinction.
Harley is admitted as a solicitor in the High Court of Hong Kong and was conferred Higher Rights of Audience to practise as a Solicitor Advocate in civil matters in Hong Kong. He was also an Associate to the Honourable Justice Layton in the Supreme Court of South Australia.
Harley read with Georgie Coleman and his senior mentors are Kathleen Foley SC and Albert Dinelli KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Summary
James Barber KC practises commercial litigation, mainly in cases involving equity & trusts, sale of land, leases, restitution, corporations & securities, insolvency and banking & finance. Before his call to the Bar he practised as a commercial litigation solicitor for eight years in Melbourne and London and spent some months seconded to the litigation department of a major bank. He has an LLM from University College, London.
James is co-author, with William Rimmer of counsel, of Voumard – The Sale of Land (published by Thomson Reuters) having been co-author with the late Nimal Wikramanayake KC from 2018 until Nimal’s demise in 2023.
Experience:
Significant or interesting matters include:
VicProp OC Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2025] VCC 83 (leading Daniel Briggs): general insurance; construction of insurance contract;
Immix Holdings Pty Ltd v Western Port Metal Recyclers Pty Ltd [2024] VCC 1551 (specific performance of contract of sale of business);
Salamon v Dolphin [2023] VCC 791: constructive or resulting trust; proprietary estoppel;
China Insurance Group Finance Company Ltd v Kingston (No 3) [2023] VSC 6 (led by Penny Neskovcin KC); loan agreement, foreign law, estoppel, unconscionable conduct;
Northgate Park Pty Ltd v Floyd [2022] VSC 783 (represented minor beneficiaries): lost trust deed;
Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd (in liquidation) v Lao [2022] FCA 458 (represented 4th, 5th & 6th defendants the claims against whom were resolved after 10 days of trial): unreasonable director-related transaction, directors’ duties, fiduciary duties, knowing assistance and knowing receipt;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd S CI 2017 03211 (led by Allan Myers QC, leading Joseph Carney, represented plaintiffs whose claims were resolved after 8 days of trial): removal of trustees, breach of trust;
Troiano v Voci [2021] VSC 851 (leading Joseph Carney): breach of contract, fiduciary duties, knowing receipt;
Australian Fast Foods Pty Ltd v Kameel Pty Ltd [2021] VCAT 921: retail lease, appointment of valuer;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 633 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC, leading Joseph Carney): amendment of pleadings;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 590 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC, leading Joseph Carney): beneficiary’s application to inspect trust documents;
Teen Entertainment Enterprise Network Pty Ltd v A&H Natoli Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 388: appeal from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT);
Carbone v Melton City Council (2020) 60 VR 539; [2020] VSCA 117: statutory interest;
Chan v Chan [2020] VSCA 40: summary recovery of possession of land;
Troiano v Voci (2019) 61 VR 511: security for costs;
Hampshire Automotive Pty Ltd v Centre Com Pty Ltd (2019) 60 VR 579; [2019] VSCA 77 (led by Ian Upjohn QC): easements by prescription, doctrine of lost modern grant, whether dominant tenement landlord’s consent is required for tenant’s enforcement of easement;
Red Pepper Property Group Pty Ltd v S 3 Sth Melb Pty Ltd [2019] VSC 41: appeal from VCAT, retail leases, construction, alleged landlord’s repudiation;
Chan v Valmorbida [2018] VSC 336 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC): construction and rectification of Will;
Guildford International Group Pty Ltd v Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 600; Guildford International Group Pty Ltd v Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd (No 2) [2018] FCA 1486: security for costs;
CellOS Software Pty Ltd v Huber (2018) 132 ACSR 468 (led by Daniel Crennan QC): diversion of business opportunity, capital raising and secondary market, application by a company to recover profits made in trading in its own shares;
ASIC v Hochtief AG (2016) 117 ACSR 589 (led by Neil Young QC): insider trading;
Rees v Rees [2016] VSC 452; [2016] VSC 579: deed of settlement set aside for mistake, indemnity costs;
Versus (Aus) Pty Ltd v ANH Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 515: appeal from VCAT, retail leases, landlord’s statutory obligation to repair during renewed term, repudiation;
Vasco Investment Managers Ltd v Morgan Stanley Australia Ltd (2014) 108 IPR 52; [2014] VSC 455 (led by Sam Horgan QC): confidential information, restitution, quantum meruit, success fee;
CNM Investments Pty Ltd v Greek Orthodox Community of Victoria & Melbourne [2013] VCAT 1969: application to restrain counsel from continuing to act;
Westpac Banking Corporation v The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) (No 3) (2012) 44 WAR 1; 270 FLR 1; 89 ACSR 1; [2012] WASCA 157 (led by Neil Young QC): directors’ duties, breach of fiduciary duties, duty to exercise powers for a proper purpose, relief under the rule in Barnes v Addy, dispositions with intent to defraud creditors, equitable relief, compound interest;
RDN Developments Pty Ltd v Shtrambrandt [2011] VSC 130: compensation for lodgement of caveat without reasonable cause;
Re D W Marketing Pty Ltd (in liq) [2009] VSC 663: liquidator’s examination enjoined for abuse of process;
The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) v Westpac Banking Corp (No 10) (2009) 39 WAR 930; (2009) 71 ACSR 300 (led by Michael Corboy QC): equitable relief, compound interest;
In 2009 (with Byrne J and Philip Solomon, now Philip Solomon KC), drafting a new practice note for the Commercial Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria;
The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) v Westpac Banking Corp (No 9) (2008) 39 WAR 1; (2008) 225 FLR 1 (2008) 70 ACSR 1 (led by Ross Robson QC and Jim Peters QC): relief under the rule in Barnes v Addy, dispositions with intent to defraud creditors;
Allstate Exploration NL v QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd (2007) 14 ANZ Ins Cas 61-743; [2007] VSC 380; [2008] VSCA 148 (led by Neil Young QC): construction of insurance contract;
Beaconsfield Gold NL v Allstate Prospecting Pty Ltd [2006] VSC 320 (led by Allan Myers QC and Peter Collinson QC): joint venture agreement, right of pre-emption;
Tarongo Land Pty Ltd v Lyons [2005] VSC 491 (led by Peter Vickery QC): construction of option agreement;
Alinta DEGP Pty Ltd v Wellington Shire Council (2005) 141 LGERA 187; [2005] VSC 307 (led by Jim Delany QC): rating;
Creasy's Grain Enterprises Ltd v Clarke and Barwood Lawyers Colac Pty Ltd [2004] VSC 77 (led by Nemeer Mukhtar QC): priority dispute between first and second mortgagees;
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd v Malaysian-Kuwaiti Investment Co [2003] VSC 495; [2004] VSC 351 (led by Nimal Wikramanayake QC): priority dispute between purchaser and mortgagee, rule in Hopkinson v Rolt; costs;
Crowe v Stevedoring Employees Retirement Fund Pty Ltd [2003] VSC 316: superannuation fund member's right to documents and information from trustee;
Logue v Hansen Technologies Ltd (2003) 125 FCR 590 (led by Robin Brett QC): security for costs;
Andrew Shelton & Co Pty Ltd v Alpha Healthcare Pty Ltd [2002] 5 VR 577 (led by Peter Vickery QC): restitution, free acceptance.
Representing, on many occasions throughout the period of the cases above, persons required to attend for examination under s 19 of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001.
Professional Qualifications:
Academic Qualifications:
Previous Employment:
November 1998 to February 2001:
Senior Associate/Solicitor Commercial Litigation Department
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors
101 Collins Street Melbourne
(Appointed Senior Associate 1 July 1999)
(including 5 months seconded to the litigation department of a major bank)
September 1996 to October 1998:
Solicitor
Litigation Department
Freshfields, Solicitors
65 Fleet Street, London
September 1995 to August 1996:
Full-time LLM student
April 1992 to August 1995:
Solicitor
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors (now Ashurst Australia)
March 1991 to March 1992:
Articled Clerk
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors (now Ashurst Australia)
Before being called to the Bar, major matters as a solicitor included:
From 10th August 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.