Search Results

  • Connolly Liam

    Liam is a commercial barrister specialising in commercial, construction, ACL and insurance disputes.

    He is recognised as a preeminent construction and infrastructure law barrister both in Victoria and Australia-wide in the peer-reviewed Doyle's Guide. He appears (led and unled) in commercial courts throughout Australia.

    Liam has particular expertise in acting in substantial and complex construction and engineering disputes involving litigation or arbitration. Many of these disputes concern major infrastructure projects (across a range of sectors including energy, roads, waste-water treatment plants, desalination plants and hospitals) and involve complex issues of delay, disruption, contract termination and professional negligence.

    Liam is also experienced in acting in disputes involving the security of payment legislation, including applications for judicial review, having been involved in a number of significant decisions in this area.

    Liam is a member of Victorian Bar's Building and Construction law group and the Society of Construction Law Australia.

    A selection of recent cases/ significant cases:

    Court proceedings (various)

    • Cobolt Constructions Pty Ltd v Duke Ventures Wellington Street Pty Ltd [2025] VSC 609 - Acting for the Plaintiff in successful application for injunctive relief to restrain a principal from calling on bank guarantees (leading D Peacock).
    • Boroondara City Council v ADCO Group & Anor [2025] VSC 774 - Acting for the Plaintiff in a proceeding brought for declaratory and injunctive relief in respect of provision of security in respect of the performance of a construction contract (led by N Hopkins KC).
    • Tesseract v Pascale (2024) 418 ALR 539 - Acting for the applicant in a successful appeal to the High Court concerning the applicability of State and Commonwealth proportionate liability legislation in arbitration (led by B Walker SC and T Margetts KC).
    • Mirvac Victoria Pty Ltd v Building Appeals Board [2024] VSC 782 - Acting for the Plaintiff in a successful application for judicial review in which orders were obtained quashing a determination made by the Building Appeals Board (leading A Mobrici).
    • Biodiversity Sub TC Pty Ltd v Vaughan Construction Pty Ltd & Ors (2023) (Supreme Court of Victoria) - Acting for the vendors of land in a large multiparty dispute involving complex geotechnical and hydrogeological issues and allegations of breach of contractual warranties (led by C Archibald KC).
    • Pirmax Pty Ltd v Kingspan Insulation Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1340 - Acting for the successful Respondent and Cross-claimant in a proceeding concerning allegations of misleading or deceptive conduct and false product performance claims made in relation to thermal insulation products (led by C Archibald KC , with A Terzic).
    • Gemcan Constructions Pty Ltd v Westbourne Grammar School [2022] VSC 6 - Acting for a successful claimant in an application to enforce an arbitral award and resist an application to set aside the award(unled).
    • Lendlease Building Pty Ltd v Scientific Fire Services Pty Ltd & Ors (Supreme Court Proceeding of Victoria) (ongoing) - Acting for a claimant seeking to recover losses incurred in connection with claims of professional negligence made as a result of the construction of an apartment building with combustible cladding (led by N Pane KC).
    • John Holland Pty Ltd v The Minister for Works (Western Australian Supreme Court Proceeding)(2022) - Acting for the Minister for Works in a complex dispute involving alleged delay and variation claims in the vicinity of $150M arising from the construction of the Perth Children’s Hospital (led by M Roberts KC and J Taylor SC).
    • Tesseract International Pty Ltd v Pascale Construction Pty Ltd [2021] SASCA 8 - Acting for an appellant seeking to set aside a decision regarding the enforceability of dispute resolution clause in a construction contract (led by T J Margetts KC).
    • Transurban WGT Co Pty Ltd v CPB Contractors Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 476 - Acting for Transurban in application for declaratory and injunctive relief in a major dispute concerning ground conditions encountered during the construction of the West Gate Tunnel Project (led by B Walker SC, M Roberts KC, J Moore KC, with T Breakspear and J Gregory).
    • Gemcan Constructions Pty Ltd v Westbourne Grammar School [2020] VSC 429 - Acting for the successful contractor in an application to enforce an arbitration clause in a construction contract (unled).
    • Rocke Brothers Pty Ltd v Civilmech Pty Ltd & Ors (2020) (Supreme Court proceeding) - Acting for a structural engineer defending claims of professional negligence involving alleged failures to take reasonable care (unled).
    • Sitzler Pty Ltd v GPT RE Ltd [2019] (Federal Court proceeding) - Acting for the head contractor in complex multiparty proceeding in the Federal Court involving professional negligence, alleged building defects and disputed variations (led by R Manly KC).

    Security of payment matters

    • J Hutchinson Pty Ltd v Transcend Plumbing and Gasfitting Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 39 - Application for judicial review of an adjudication determination made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (leading B Stephenson).
    • Whitehorse Box Hill Pty Ltd v Alliance CG Pty Ltd & Anor [2022] VSC 22 - Application for judicial review of an adjudication determination made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (unled).
    • MKA Bowen v Carelli Constructions [2019] VSC 436 - Acting for a contractor applying to set aside an adjudication determination made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) on the basis of jurisdictional error (unled).
    • Westbourne Grammar School v Gemcan Constructions Pty Ltd [2017] VSC 645 - Application for judicial review of an adjudication determination made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (unled).
    • SSC Plenty Road Pty Ltd v Construction Engineering (Aust) Pty Ltd [2016] VSCA 119 - Court of Appeal Proceeding. Acting for the head contractor defending an appeal involving the application of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (led by T Margetts KC).
    • Milburn Lake Pty Ltd (trading as Irwin Stockfeeds) v Andritz Pty Ltd [2016] VSC 3 - Application for judicial review of an adjudication determination made under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic) (unled).

    Arbitration proceedings

    • N v B&W (2024) - Acting for a council in an arbitration proceeding involving disputes regarding variations, liquidated damages, extension of time and delay costs.
    • G v W (2021) - Acting for the contractor in arbitration proceeding involving disputes regarding variations, liquidated damages, extension of time and termination (unled).
    • RC v WW (2020) - Acting for contractor in a dispute involving the construction of a sewerage infrastructure works.

    Expert determination

    • G v E (2018) - Appointed as an expert to determine dispute concerning the interpretation of a variation clause in a major residential apartment development.


    From 21st June 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.



  • Wheelahan Eugene

    Eugene practises principally in tax law. He has acted for both taxpayers and the Commissioner of Taxation in leading cases in the High Court and Federal Court.

    Eugene advises and acts in disputes involving issues such as consolidation, transfer pricing, the CFC rules, thin capitalisation, double tax treaties, capital gains tax, the debt/equity rules, capital/revenue distinctions, losses, GST, taxation of trusts and Part IVA. He acts for clients in the mining, infrastructure, telecommunications and financial services industries, among others, providing opinions and assisting them in their dealings with the Commissioner during reviews, audits, objections and litigation.

    Eugene has a Master of Tax from the University of Melbourne where he is a Senior Fellow of the Law Faculty lecturing in the subject Tax Litigation and, previously, Tax Avoidance and Planning.

    He is the immediate past President of the Tax Bar Association and a Fellow of the Tax Institute of Australia.

    Eugene is consistently recognised in publications such as Doyles Guide, Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific, Who's Who Legal and Best Lawyers.

    Recent or significant cases in which Eugene has appeared as silk include (client in bold):

    • PepsiCo Inc. v Commissioner of Taxation (High Court)
    • Bendel v Commissioner of Taxation (High Court - decision pending)
    • Mylan Inc. v Commissioner of Taxation (Federal Court)
    • Minerva Financial Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court)
    • Ausnet Services Limited v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court and application to High Court for special leave)
    • Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court)
    • Landcom v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court)
    • Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court)
    • Watson v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court and application to High Court for special leave)
    • Mussalli v Commissioner of Taxation (application to High Court for special leave)
    • Moreton Resources Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (Full Federal Court)
    • Auctus Resources Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (application to the High Court for special leave)
    • BHP Billiton Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation (High Court)



    From 24/07/2008, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • Julia Wallace

    Julia practises across criminal and quasi-criminal law (including disciplinary and regulatory matters), and in common law. Julia regularly acts in tortious claims involving police misconduct.

    Julia also accepts briefs in coronial and judicial review matters.

    Prior to coming to the bar, Julia was a solicitor-advocate at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, an associate to the Hon. Justice Jane Dixon in the Supreme Court of Victoria and a solicitor at Fitzroy Legal Service in a health-justice partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital.

    Julia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications) from the University of Melbourne and a Juris Doctor from Monash University.

    Julia read with Amelia Beech. Her senior mentor was the Hon. Justice Elizabeth Bennett.


    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

  • Crennan Kathleen

    Kathleen maintains a broad practice and accepts briefs to appear and advise in a range of areas including:

    • criminal and quasi-criminal law (including proceeds of crime and asset confiscation proceedings and occupational health and safety proceedings) on behalf of prosecution and defence;
    • general commercial and corporate law (particularly financial services and consumer lending);
    • coronial inquests and public inquiries;
    • public and administrative law (including judicial review); and
    • common law (including intentional torts).

    Previously, Kathleen served as the Associate to the Honourable Justice R R S Tracey AM RFD of the Federal Court of Australia. Immediately prior to coming to the Bar, Kathleen was employed as a Senior Solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions. Prior to this, she served as a legal officer at the Coroners Court assisting Coroner R Carlin (as her Honour then was), and as a lawyer within the Court of Appeal Registry.

    Kathleen read with P Wallis KC. Her senior mentor was R Gillies KC.

    Recent significant matters include:

    • Coronial Inquest into the deaths of residents of St Basil’s Home for the Aged (2021-ongoing); Counsel Assisting the State Coroner, led first by P Rozen QC (as his Honour then was), then by R Knowles KC, with N Hodgson
    • Wage Inspectorate Victoria v Woolworths Group Ltd & Anor (Magistrates Court of Victoria, 2024; prosecution pursuant to the Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic)); acting on behalf of the Wage Inspectorate; unled
    • DPP v Tuteru [2023] VSCA 188 (Director’s interlocutory appeal in respect of permanent stay); led by B Ihle KC
    • DPP v Talbot [2023] VSCA 95 (Director’s appeal); led by C Boyce KC (as his Honour then was)
    • DPP v Lumsden [2023] VCC 212 (plea); led by R Gibson KC
    • Chaouk v The Queen [2022] VSCA 151 (appeal against conviction); led by C Boyce KC (as his Honour then was)
    • Snyder (a pseudonym) v The Queen [2022] VSCA 140 (appeal against conviction and sentence); led by J C J McWilliams
    • Crozier v Department of Health (Review and Regulation) [2022] VCAT 1301 (freedom of information; legal professional privilege and public interest override); led by P Hayes KC
    • Ballam: Finding into death with inquest of Ballam, Tessa Michelle [2022] VicCorC 27784; on behalf of Myer Pty Ltd; led by C Currie
    • James: Finding into death with inquest of James, Maria [2022] VicCorC 27756; acting on behalf of the James family; led by C Winneke KC, with A Haban-Beer, A Anderson and B House
    • Meyer (a pseudonym) v The Queen [No 2] [2020] VSCA 206 (appeal against conviction and sentence); led by C Boyce KC (as his Honour then was)
    • Levy v The Queen [2020] VSCA 44 (appeal against sentence); led by B Kissane KC
    • Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (April 2019 - September 2020); acting on behalf of Victoria Police
    • Tamarr Pty Ltd v Marr & Ors (2019, VSC, settled at trial; concerning directors’ duties under the Corporations Act, fiduciary duties, trusts, oppressive conduct); led by P Wallis KC


    Appointments:

    Kathleen currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Commercial Bar Association and the Exam Committee. She previously served on the Health and Wellbeing Committee. Kathleen is a director of the Victorian Bar Foundation, the Bar's charitable trust.

    From 25 October 2018, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Robinson Andrew

    Andrew put on a bit of condition since becoming a parent, but sees this as lending greater weight to his submissions.

    He enjoys riding Italian motorcycles and eating Italian food (see reference to condition).

    An experienced advocate who can be an expert on anything given sufficient notice.

  • Chadwick Wong

    Chadwick has a broad practice in public, commercial, regulatory and criminal law. He has particular interest in corporate misconduct, white-collar crime, class actions and human rights.

    Before coming to the Bar, Chadwick had a career spanning the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. He was most recently General Counsel at Grata Fund, a public interest litigation funder. Previous roles include Acting Principal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor at the Justice and Equity Centre specialising in strategic litigation, Associate at Allens working on regulatory investigations and disputes, and Adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, advising on public law and policy including national security.

    Chadwick was also Associate to the Hon Justice Mortimer, now Chief Justice of the Federal Court.

    Chadwick holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Relations from the University of Sydney. He also has a Master of Laws specialising in International Law (with Distinction) from the Australian National University. He currently teaches public law at Melbourne Law School.

    Chadwick sits on the Victorian Bar’s Human Rights Committee and is on the Commonwealth DPP’s Junior Counsel List. He read with Fiona Batten and his senior mentor is Neil Clelland KC.

    His recent cases include:

    Public law

    • Hobley v Rasier Pacific Pty Ltd (disability discrimination claim against Uber, led by Kate Eastman SC, with Rebecca Davern for the applicant)
    • MWC25 on behalf of MWD25 and MWE25 v NSW (racial discrimination claim against NSW Police, led by Tony McAvoy SC, with Kathleen Heath for the applicant)
    • National Disability Insurance Agency and Hyde (Guidance and Appeals Panel) [2025] ARTA 2597 (statutory interpretation before the ART Guidance and Appeals Panel, unled)
    • Glamorgan Spring Bay Council v Mills [2025] FWCFB 69 (unfair dismissal appeal, unled for the respondent)
    • KPA25 v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship [2025] FCA 1188 (unled for the applicant)

    Commercial and regulatory

    • Sunshine Disability Care Services Pty Ltd and Commissioner of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS) [2025] ARTA 2475 (unled, for the Commissioner)
    • Caring Beyond Bounds Pty Ltd and Commissioner for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS) [2025] ARTA 2755 (unled, for the Commissioner)
    • Active Sports Management Pty Ltd v Industry Innovation and Science Australia [2024] FCA 1346 (judicial review of taxation decision, led by Stephen Lloyd SC, with Fiona Batten for the respondent)
    • Various advices in matters concerning director’s duties, private health insurance, employment

    Class actions

    • Yong v Westpac Banking Corporation (shareholder class action, led by Wendy Harris KC, with Leana Papaelia, Dion Fahey, Tom Rawlinson for the applicant)
    • Janssen v OnePath Custodian Pty Ltd & Ors (superannuation class action, led by Kristine Hanscombe KC, with Alexandra Folie, Tim Farhall, James Page, Michela Agnoletti for the applicant)

    Crime

    • CDPP v Bowen [2024] VCC 2114 (insider trading, led by Neil Clelland KC and Ruth Shann SC, with Felicity Fox for defence)
    • DPP v Prommachan (sex offences, led by Sarah Thomas for the prosecution)
    • Various contested committals, bail applications, pleas and appeals for prosecution and defence


    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Ben Holding

    Ben practises in commercial, public law and discrimination matters. He has a significant practice in work-related areas, including employment law, industrial law and occupational health and safety.

    Ben appears at trial and appellate level for a diverse range of clients. He regularly appears for corporations, government departments, individuals and associations at State and federal levels. He acts for clients in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction and banking and finance.

    Before coming to the Bar, Ben worked in private practice at Holding Redlich, predominantly in the workplace relations and safety team. He also practised in-house at KDR Victoria Pty Ltd (trading as Yarra Trams) and accepts briefs directly from in-house counsel.

    Ben holds a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.

    Ben read with Jack Tracey KC. His senior mentor is Jonathan Kirkwood SC.

    His recent cases include:

    • Labour Hire Licensing Authority v Cameron Workforce Pty Ltd & Ors [2025] VSC 185 (unled)
    • Fair Work Commission - Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Awards Review [2025] FWCFB 297 (led by J Tracey KC)
    • Monash IVF Pty Ltd v Hamish Hamilton S ECI 2024 06751 (interlocutory application; with A Manos)
    • Peers v VCAT and Medical Board of Australia S ECI 2024 06751 (judicial review; led by B Jellis SC)
    • Brimbank City Council [2025] FWCA 2923 and appeal (unled)
    • Gunashingha v Department of Families, Fairness and Housing [2025] FedCFamC2G 1904 (unled)
    • Ponte v Greater National Holdings Pty Ltd (No 2) [2025] FedCFamC2G 1499 (unled)
    • Bishop v Department of Justice and Community Safety [2025] FWC 2034 (unled)
    • Dixon and Minhas v United Workers’ Union [2024] FWCFB 442 (unled)
    • Dixon v United Workers Union - [2023] FCA 1526 (led by J Tracey KC)

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.


  • Ivana Smojver

    Ivy accepts briefs in all areas of law, and has a particular interest in common law, commercial law, coronial inquests, employment and insurance matters.

    Before coming to the Bar, Ivy was an associate to the Hon. Chief Justice Ferguson at the Supreme Court of Victoria.

    Earlier, she practised as a solicitor at Corrs Chambers Westgarth in the commercial disputes team where she specialised in investigations and public inquiries, personal injury, and regulatory matters. She has acted in high profile Royal Commissions, government inquiries and coronial inquests, including most recently, the Victorian Hotel Quarantine Board of Inquiry. Whilst at Corrs, Ivy was also seconded to a multinational mining company as a workplace investigator.

    Ivy holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University.

    Ivy is reading with Elle Nikou Madalin and her Senior Mentors are Ben Jellis SC and Jeremy Ruskin KC.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

  • Shavin David

    David practices primarily in Patent Law and Intellectual Property generally, Competition, Telecommunications, Administrative, Corporations and Commercial Law and appellate work.

    Over the last 40 years, David has had extensive trial and appellate experience in Australia in the Federal Court and High Court, focused heavily, but not exclusively, on patents (especially pharmaceutical and life sciences, and software and business methods) on trade marks and competition and administrative law. He also has trial and appellate experience in the Supreme Court of Victoria, especially in the Commercial Court. He has also appeared in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court. He has appeared in a number of landmark patent, trade mark and competition cases as a silk over the last 26 years.

    In New Zealand where David was appointed silk in 1994, his appearance work in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court has focused heavily on competition and regulatory work but includes some patent and trade mark work. He appeared for Transpower in NZ in the input methodologies litigation and Pfizer in the Viagra patent litigation.

    For nine years he lectured in the Masters programs at Melbourne Business School, Melbourne University and Monash University in Advanced Trade Practices Law with the late Prof Maureen Brunt, the late Professor Baxt and Professors Fels, Williams, and Officer. David has been an accredited LEADR Mediator and the former Trade Practices Editor of the ABLR. David is also admitted in New Zealand.

    Areas of Mediation

    • Commercial
    • Competition
    • Intellectual Property
    • Telecommunications and Broadcasting
  • Campbell Roshena

    Roshena practises in commercial and public law.

    Prior to coming to the bar, Roshena was a Senior Associate at Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Roshena acted for multinationals, government authorities and large public and private entities in a variety of matters in the Federal Court, Supreme Court and appellate courts.

    Roshena holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Monash University and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.

    Roshena read with the Honourable Justice Catherine Button and her senior mentor was the Honourable Justice Niall (then Solicitor-General for Victoria).

    Practice

    Roshena has advised and appeared both led and unled in commercial and public law matters. Select matters in which Roshena has been briefed include:

    Connective Services Pty Ltd & Anor v Lees & Ors (reserved) – acted for defendant directors in a 52 day trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria involving allegations of breaches of directors’ duties (led by Michael Borsky QC).

    Crown Melbourne Royal Commission into the Casino Operator and Licence

    Perth Casino Royal Commission

    Acting for the State of Victoria in disputes regarding the West Gate Tunnel Project (led by Martin Scott QC).

    Acting for the taxpayer in a confidential transfer pricing matter.

    Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Company Holdings Limited v Mondelez Australia (Foods) Limited - environmental contamination (led by Tomo Boston QC).

    Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

    Amcor Flexibles Group Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Limited [2016] FCA 1428 – acted for insurer in dispute regarding breach of warranty on business purchase (led by Catherine Button QC).

    Bodycorp Repairers Pty Ltd v GDG Legal Pty Ltd & Anor [2018] VSCA 32 and Bodycorp Repairers Pty Ltd v GDG Legal Pty Ltd & Anor [2017] VSC 200 – professional negligence (settled). Appeared both unled and led by Catherine Button QC.

    Lopez v Harstedt Pty Ltd [2018] VSCA 19, Harstedt Pty Ltd v Tomanek [2018] VSCA 84 and Harstedt Pty Ltd v Apollo Development Enterprises Pty Ltd [2017] VCC 834 – fraudulent breach of trust and on appeal to the Court of Appeal (led by David Robertson QC).

    Harstedt Pty Ltd v Lopez & Ors [2018] VCC 1361 - transfer of land with intent to defraud creditors (led by David Robertson QC).

    Australian Motoring Services Pty Ltd v Victorian WorkCover Authority (VCAT, 2017) - acted for statutory authority in an insurance premium dispute (unled).

    Celsius Fire Services Pty Ltd v Magistrates’ Court of Victoria - acted for plaintiff in Supreme Court judicial review proceedings arising out of a prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) (led by Timothy McEvoy QC and Anthony Strahan QC).

    Dominion WFS Pty Ltd and Ors v Ace Insurance and Ors (Supreme Court of New South Wales) - contraventions of the Corporations Act and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act (led by Andrew Coleman SC and Andrew Bailey).

  • Tom Carmody

    Tom is a generalist and accepts briefs in a broad range of areas. He has a passion for media law (defamation and privacy) and a keen interest in commercial and common law disputes.

    Before coming to the Bar, Tom was an Associate to the Honourable Justice Incerti of the Criminal Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria. In that time, Tom assisted her Honour with a series of landmark bail rulings (including Re PJ, Re Terei and Re McLaughlin) and several significant decisions under the Serious Offenders Act. Prior to admission, Tom worked at a boutique media law firm. In an earlier life, Tom was an actor (bartender) in LA and NY.

    Tom holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the Aaron Levine Prize for Criminal Law, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne (with a focus on media and IP law). Tom also holds a Bachelor of Arts (English, Australian Indigenous Studies) from the University of Melbourne and a certificate in winemaking from UC Davis.

    Tom read with Amelia Beech and his senior mentor is Chris Winneke KC.

    Tom does not accept direct briefs.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • Hayes Paul

    PROFILE

    Advises and appears in cases at interlocutory, trial and appellate levels, (common law litigation, commercial & equity litigation, international law & arbitration, large scale litigation, constitutional & administrative law and sporting disputes), conducted in multiple jurisdictions, but primarily in Melbourne, Sydney, London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Lausanne. Frequently appears in common law jury cases and causes conducted in the Supreme and County Courts of Victoria, including in the field of defamation. Select cases appear below.

    Appointed a Senior Fellow (Course Director of the LLM subject 'International Sports Arbitration') at Queen Mary University of London (School of Law) in 2022. Previously a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne (Faculty of Law), 2010-2022. Past President of the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria (CommBar), 2024-2025. Recognised internationally in Who's Who Legal (2016-2025 editions) as a leading lawyer in the specialty of sports law and listed by Doyle's Guide as a leading senior counsel in arbitration and administrative & public law.

    Holds degrees from the Queensland University of Technology (LLB) and the University of Cambridge (MSt). Prior to commencing practice at the Bar, practised as a Lawyer (1986 to 1990) at: Power & Power, Brisbane; Allen Allen & Hemsley (Allens), Sydney; and Baker & McKenzie, Sydney. Chambers located in Melbourne (Owen Dixon Chambers West, Level 9 - Dever's List), Sydney (8 Wentworth Chambers) and London, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (39 Essex Chambers).

    CASES

    High Court of Australia

    Farm Transparency International Limited v The Game Meats Company of Australia Pty Limited

    [2025] HCADisp 293 [Appeal pending].
    Trespass; Breach of copyright, Constructive trust; Injunction.

    Mathai and Others v Nelson

    [2013] HCASL 115.
    Insolvency, Proof of fraudulent disposition of property (Bankruptcy Act 1974, s.121).

    Narain v Euroasia (Pacific) Pty Ltd

    [2010] HCATrans 188.
    Equity, Unconscionability (Garcia and Yerkey principle).

    WPS Enterprises Pty Ltd v Radford

    [2009] HCATrans 223.
    Contract, Reasonableness of restraint of trade clause.

    Goryl v Greyhound Australia Pty Ltd and Another

    [1994] HCA 18, (1994) 179 CLR 463; (1994) 120 ALR 605; (1994) 68 ALJR 432.
    Constitutional law, Inter-state discrimination/Full faith and credit (Constitution, ss.117 and 118).

    Federal Court of Australia

    The Game Meats Company of Australia Pty Limited v Farm Transparency International Limited

    [2025] FCAFC 104, [2025] FCAFC 134; [2024] FCA 1455.
    Trespass; Breach of copyright, Constructive trust; Injunction; Constitutional implied right to freedom of political communication.

    Zhojie v Yu and Others

    Unreported (O’Callaghan J), 1 September 2025, No. VID 695 of 2025.
    Corporations, Oppression of minority shareholder (Northwest Bend Solar Project).

    Australian Epic Health Services Pty Limited v National Disability Insurance Agency

    Unreported (Horan J), 9 December 2024, No. VID 1148 of 2024.
    Administrative Law. Judicial review, Irrelevant considerations.

    Westpac Banking Corporation v Forum Finance Pty Limited

    [2022] FCA 171; [2022] FCA 910.
    Injunction, Variation of freezing order.

    Kassiou and Others v Heard and Another Re GEBIE Services Pty Ltd (In Liquidation)

    [2017] FCA 425.
    Company’s ‘examinable affairs’ (Corporations Act 2001, s.596).

    Mathai and Others v Nelson

    [2012] FCA 1448, (2012) 208 FCR 165.
    Proof of fraudulent disposition of property (Bankruptcy Act 1974, s.121).

    Korda (Receiver and Manager), In the matter of South Eastern Secured Investments Ltd (Receivers and Managers Appointed)

    [2010] FCA 1417, (2010) 191 FCR 68.
    Company’s ‘examinable affairs’ (Corporations Act 2001, s.596).

    Blue Wedges Inc v Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

    [2008] FCA 399, (2008) 167 FCR 463.
    Administrative Law. Judicial review.

    Nine Network Australia Ltd v Roy Morgan Research Pty Ltd and Seven Network Ltd

    Unreported (Bennett J), 21 April 2005, 4 August 2005 and 2 May 2006. No. N-1298 of 2004.
    Intellectual property, Trademarks (‘the worm'), Breach, Proprietorship, Prior/Honest and concurrent use.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd v AAPT Ltd ex parte Hansen Corporation Ltd

    [1999] FCA 1410.
    Subpoena set aside; Costs of compliance.

    Liberty USA Pty Ltd v Telstra Corporation Ltd

    [1998] FCA 1189.
    Breach of contract; Misleading and deceptive conduct (Trade Practices Act 1974, s.52); Assessment of damages.

    Karedis Enterprises Pty Ltd and Another v Antoniou and Another

    [1995] FCA 1356, (1995) 59 FCR 35, (1995) 137 ALR 544, (1995) 31 IPR 393; (1995) ATPR 41-427, [1994] FCA 1551; (1995) ATPR 41-400.
    Misleading and deceptive conduct (Trade Practices Act 1974, s.52); Limitation of actions.

    Hosmer Holdings Pty Ltd v CAJ Investments Pty Ltd

    (1995) 57 FCR 45, (1995) ATPR 41-407, (1995) ATPR 41-442.
    Misleading and deceptive conduct (Trade Practices Act 1974, s.52).

    Supreme Court of Victoria

    Jieyun International Investments Pty Limited v Toorak Development Group Pty Limited and Others

    [2022] VSC 387.
    Equitable fraud (Knowing assistance & receipt, Barnes v Addy principle), Equitable compensation, Worldwide freezing order.

    Khmer Buddhist Temple Association Inc v Chhet (No 3)

    [2021] VSC 560.
    Suppression Order (Open Courts Act 2013 (Vic), ss. 4, 10, 17, 18).

    Waller v Munson Bowling Pty Ltd and Another

    Unreported (Croucher J), 28 October – 11 November 2020, No. S CI 2018 01296.
    Negligence (Occupier’s liability), Product liability (Defective product and installation), Foreseeability, Response to risk.

    Jerak v Lazarus

    [2020] VSC 729.
    Administrative Law, Jurisdictional error.

    Tsamis v State of Victoria

    Jury (John Dixon J), 5-28 August, 16 September 2019, 24 February 2020. [2020] VSC 67; [2019] VSC 826; [2019] VSC 591; [2019] VSC 590; [2019] VSC 507; [2019] VSC 506; [2018] VSC 209; [2017] VSC 496.
    Defamation, Imputations, Justification, Damages, Witness pseudonym orders.

    Quilligan v Copyshift Group Pty Limited

    [2018] VSC 784.
    Negligence, Causation.

    Vale v Daumeke and Others

    [2017] VSC 467.
    Negligence; Foreign State Immunity.

    Kalos v Goodyear & Dunlop Tyres (Aust) Pty Ltd and Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce

    Jury (Keogh J), 15-22 August 2016. [2016] VSC 715.
    Negligence, Foreseeability.

    Teo v Pacific Media Group Pty Ltd

    [2016] VSC 626.
    Release from Harman obligation.

    Kambouris v Kiatos

    [2016] VSCA 266.
    Appeals, Leave to appeal out of time.

    Bridge Bar Investments Pty Ltd and Anor v Dog at the Bridge Pty Ltd and Others

    [2016] VSC 224.
    Corporations; Realisation of security, Liquidator’s duty; Apprehended Bias.

    Nolan v Executive Director, Land Management Policy, Department of Environment and Primary Industries

    [2015] VSCA 301.
    Administrative Law. Judicial review, Availability of declaratory relief.

    St Kilda Arts & Events Company (Vic) Pty Ltd and Others v Apes With Wings Pty Ltd and Another

    [2015] VSCA 199.
    Appeals, Stay of judgment pending appeal.

    Sgargetta v National Australia Bank Ltd

    [2014] VSCA 159.
    Appeals, New evidence on appeal; Proper construction of Settlement Deed; Accord and satisfaction.

    Loftus v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd

    [2014] VSC 342.
    Appeals, New evidence on appeal; Summary judgment, Triable issue.

    Mentha v Naddvick Holdings Pty Ltd and Others

    Jury (Cavanough J), 7-17 October 2013.
    Negligence, Obvious risk, Damages.

    Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd v Cox Coating Pty Ltd and Wattyl Australia Pty Ltd

    [2012] VSC 358.
    Negligence, Causation (Failure of bridge coating), Damages.

    Zhou v Kousal

    [2012] VSC 187, (2013) 35 VR 419.
    Sheriff’s duties on unreserved sale of property; Inherent jurisdiction of court to set aside sale at undervalue; Equity, Unconscionability.

    French v Herald and Weekly Times Ltd

    [2010] VSC 155, (2010) 27 VR 171; [2010] VSC 127, (2010) 27 VR 140.
    Defamation, Justification, ‘Hore-Lacey’ defence, Fair comment, Qualified privilege, Malice, Damages.

    Narain v Euroasia (Pacific) Pty Ltd

    [2009] VSCA 290.
    Equity, Unconscionability (Garcia and Yerkey principle).

    French v Triple M Melbourne Pty Ltd

    Jury (J Forrest J), 10-28 November, 1 December 2008. [2008] VSC 547; [2008] VSC 548; [2008] VSC 549; [2008] VSC 550; [2008] VSC 553.
    Defamation, Justification, Fair comment, Malice, Damages.

    French v John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd

    [2007] VSC 105.
    Defamation, ‘newspaper rule’.

    Morton v Elgin-Stuczynski

    [2008] VSCA 25; (2008) 19 VR 294; [2006] VSC 279; [2007] VSC 8.
    Contract, Proper construction of loan agreement, Calculation of interest; Implied terms.

    Mobile Cosmetic Treatments Pty Ltd v Cosmetic Equipment Company Pty Ltd

    [2007] VSC 194.
    Injunction; Interpretation of contract; Private International Law (Chinese law); Adequacy of remedy of damages.

    Martech Energy Systems Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) & Another v Bell

    [2005] VSC 198.
    Resulting Trust, Rebuttal of presumption of resulting trust.

    Sarkis and Others v Deputy Commissioner of Taxation

    [2005] VSCA 67, (2005) 59 ATR 33; [2003] VSC 349; (2003) 54 ATR 127.
    Constructive Trusts, Declaration (Standing of applicant).

    Lau v Bob Jane T-Marts Pty Ltd

    [2004] VSC 69.
    Employment contract, Termination.

    Beaton and Another v Equestrian Federation of Australia Ltd

    [2003] VSC 252.
    Right to legal representation before domestic tribunal.

    Hollow and Sons (In Liquidation) Pty Ltd and Others v A.H. Hollow and Another

    [2002] VSC 543.
    Insolvent trading, Directors’ liability, Interlocutory injunction.

    IGA Distribution Pty Ltd v King & Taylor Pty Ltd and Another

    [2002] VSC 440.
    Contract, Repudiation. Specific performance. Failure to lodge caveat, Consequences, Constructive notice.

    Layrill Pty Ltd v Furlap Constructions Pty Ltd

    [2002] VSC 51; (2002) V ConvR 54-659.
    Caveats, Successive caveats, Caveatable interest.

    Chapman v E-Sports Club Worldwide Limited and Another

    [2000] VSC 403, (2000) 35 ACSR 462, (2001) 19 ACLC 213.
    Corporations, Derivative action, Application of rule in Foss v Hardbottle (Corporations Law, ss.236, 237).

    Karadimas v H & P Solopitias Pty Ltd

    [2000] VSC 392.
    Mareva injunction, Onus of proof.

    Kyriakou v Saba

    [2000] VSC 318.
    Constructive trusts, Nature of contributions; Equity, ‘clean hands'.

    Beckwith v Pedlar

    [2000] VSCA 86.
    Costs (solicitor/client and solicitor/own client), Solicitor's entitlement.

    Supreme Court of New South Wales

    Tam v Worksafe Victoria

    [2023] NSWSC 173.
    Administrative Law. Judicial review.

    Stanton v Fell

    [2014] NSWCA 44; [2013] NSWSC 1001, [2014] NSWSC 1052.
    Defamation.

    Barcar Pty Ltd v Carpatsea Pty Ltd

    [2008] NSWSC 344.
    Misrepresentation; Misleading and deceptive conduct (Trade Practices Act 1974, s.52).

    Brunninghausen v Glavanics

    [1999] NSWCA 199, (1999) 46 NSWLR 538, (1999) 32 ACSR 294, (1999) 7 ACLC 1247; (1996) 19 ACSR 204, (1996) 14 ACLC 345.
    Corporations, Directors’ fiduciary duties.

    Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Cliveden Consulting Group Pty Ltd and Another

    (1996) 33 ATR 521; (1996) 34 ATR 26.
    Breach of undertaking, Contempt.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia v Australian Cherry Exports Ltd and Others

    (1996) 39 NSWLR 337, (1996) 132 FLR 266.
    Prohibition on enforcement of Mortgage (Farm Debt Mediation Act 1994 (NSW), s.4).

    Drummoyne District Rugby Club Inc v New South Wales Rugby Union Ltd

    (1994) Aust. Contract R 90-359.
    Contract, Privity, Umbrella organisation; Estoppel.

    Darley v Shale

    (1993) 4 Med LR 161.
    Negligence, Response to risk (Laparoscopy/Laparotomy – surgical decision).

    Dickson v The Nominal Defendant and Others

    Unreported (Gleeson CJ), 1 June 1993, No. 1789/1991.
    Negligence, Motor vehicle accident occurring on private not public road.

    Pyout Pty Ltd v Puleo and Others

    Unreported (Cohen J), 18 October 1991, No. 2249/1991.
    Real Property, Deposit, Forfeiture, Calculation of loss.

    County Court of Victoria

    Director of Public Prosecutions v Basa

    [2025] VCC 1181.
    Criminal Law, Workplace death (Building & construction), Sentence.

    McKenzie v Charles Stewart & Company Pty Limited

    [2024] VCC 429.
    Negligence, Insurance (Professional indemnity), Liability, Quantum.

    Read v Metcalf Cranes Pty Limited and Others

    Jury (HHJ Clarke), 1-14 February 2024.
    Negligence, Personal injury (Crane failure), Liability, Quantum, Insurance (Contribution).

    Vincent v Victorian Workcover Authority

    Jury (HHJ Morrish), 22 May - 11 July 2023. [2023] VCC 1667.
    Negligence, Personal injury (Psychological injury), Liability, Quantum.

    Victorian Workcover Authority v Rule

    [2021] VCC 1591.
    Statutory Recovery, Workplace Injury and Compensation Act 2013 (VIC), ss.369, 435 (Indemnity), Wrongs Act 1958 (VIC), ss.48-59.

    Bersee v State of Victoria

    [2021] VCC 1940.
    Negligence, Personal injury (Psychological injury), Liability, Quantum.

    Turner v Brett Conlon Racing Pty Limited

    [2021] VCC 1312.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Jackson v Jones

    [2021] VCC 638.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Victorian Workcover Authority v Strike CCW Pty Limited (In Liquidation)

    [2021] VCC 609.
    Statutory Recovery, Workplace Injury and Compensation Act 2013 (VIC), ss.369, 491 (Indemnity).

    Arvanitis v Holder

    Jury (HHJ Clayton), 17-27 May 2021.
    Defamation, Publication, Justification, Contextual Truth, Qualified Privilege, Malice, Damages.

    Djukic v Kokosi Constructions Pty Limited

    Jury (HHJ Ginnane), 9-28 October 2019.
    Negligence, Personal Injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Barnes v Forys

    Jury (HHJ Jordan), 27 May - 1 June 2019.
    Medical Negligence, Liability, Quantum.

    Bamco Grove Pty Limited and Anor v Contek Constructions Pty Limited & Anor

    [2019] VCC 400; [2019] VCC 327.
    Negligence, Insurance (Property damage), Liability, Quantum. Costs (Indemnity costs).

    Quilligan v Copyshift Group Pty Limited

    [2018] VSC 784.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Radosavljevic v Residential Commercial Industrial Roofing Pty Limited

    Jury (HHJ K L Bourke), 7-17 May 2018.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Victorian Workcover Authority v Racing Victoria Limited

    [2018] VCC 124.
    Statutory Recovery, Accident Compensation Act 1986 (VIC), s.138 (Indemnity).

    Griffin v The Orbost Club Inc

    Jury (HHJ Saccardo), 13-25 October 2017. [2017] CCV 1022.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum. Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Extension of time).

    Kavusan v Capeyield Pty Ltd

    Jury (HHJ Brookes), 7-25 August 2017.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Lagogiannis v ALH Group Pty Ltd and Others

    [2016] VCC 30.
    Tort. Assault and Battery; Limitation of Actions Act 1958 (Extension of time).

    Etan v Owners Corporation PS414356B

    Jury (HHJ Parrish), 12-24 August 2015.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum.

    Williamson v Kildair Hotels Pty Ltd and Princess Laundry Services Pty Ltd

    Jury (HHJ Judge Dyer), 16-18 June 2015. [2015] VCC 1771.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum. Contribution. Statutory Recovery (Indemnity), Accident Compensation Act 1986 (VIC), s.138.

    Toth v Southern Health and Secure Parking Pty Ltd

    Jury (HHJ Cohen), 29 May - 6 June 2014.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Liability, Quantum. Insurance, Construction of agreement for indemnity.

    Telstra Corporation Ltd v Quinn Civil Pty Ltd & Ors

    [2014] VCC 465.
    Negligence, Property damage, Breach of duty of care. Proportionate Liability, Wrongs Act 1958 (VIC), Part IVAA.

    Trajovska v Nuredinovski and Others

    [2014] VCC 174.
    Negligence, Existence of duty of care, Contributory negligence, Quantum (prior injury).

    Dislakis v Huhtamaki (CP) Pty Ltd and Another

    [2014] VCC 37.
    Negligence, Foreseeability, Causation of injury.

    Delaney v Geelong Leather Pty Ltd

    Jury (HHJ Brookes), 28 August - 3 September 2013.
    Negligence, Personal injury, Assessment of damages.

    Akras v Mora

    Jury (HHJ Murphy), 20 July - 13 August 2012. [2012] VCC (23 August 2012).
    >Defamation, Justification, Qualified Privilege, Malice, Damages.

    Independent Cement & Lime Pty Ltd v Rafidi and Others

    [2010] VCC 521.
    Freezing order sought against third party, Balance of convenience.

    International Commercial Arbitration

    Arbitration seated in Singapore and conducted under SIAC Rules.

    Sole Arbitrator, SGD$10M, Final Award dated 12 February 2026. Sport.

    Arbitration seated in Switzerland and conducted under CAS Rules.

    Counsel, GBP £200M (USD $250M), Proceeding resolved August 2023. Sport.

    Arbitration seated in Malaysia and conducted under AIAC Rules.

    Sole Arbitrator, MYR RM472,604,114M (USD $110M), Proceeding resolved June 2019. Media and Broadcasting.

    Arbitration seated in Australia and conducted under RIoA Rules.

    Counsel, Injunction, Interim Award dated 5 April 2019. Education, Franchising.

    Arbitration seated in the United Kingdom and conducted under LCIA Rules.

    Counsel, USD$50M, Proceeding resolved September 2017. Telecommunications.

    Arbitration seated in Singapore and conducted under SIAC Rules.

    Counsel, USD$800K, Proceeding resolved September 2017. Electronic Technology.

    Arbitration seated in Malaysia and conducted under KLRCA Rules.

    Sole Arbitrator, USD$1.349M, Final Award dated 12 September 2017. Infrastructure.

    Arbitration seated in Malaysia and conducted under UNCITRAL Rules.

    Sole Arbitrator, USD$11.250M, Final Award dated 28 September 2016. Infrastructure, Transportation and Energy.

    Court of Arbitration for Sport (Switzerland)

    Air Sport Australia Confederation v Federation Aeronautique Internationale

    CAS 2021/A/8550. Award & Order dated 15 February 2022.
    CAS Jurisdiction, Time limit for appeal.

    Marton v Australian Taekwondo

    CAS 2021/A/8089. Appeal Award, 11 November 2021.

    CAS 2021/A/7945. Appeal Award, 9 June 2021.
    Olympic selection, Proper construction and application of Nomination Criteria.

    Talbot v Federation Internationale De L’Automobile

    CAS 2016/A/4635. Consent Award 5 October 2016.
    Doping, Alleged ADRV.

    Iles v Shooting Australia

    CAS A1/2016. Partial Award, 30 June 2016; Final Award, 9 September 2016.
    Olympic selection, Proper construction and application of Nomination Criteria.

    Lloyd & Elks v Australian Sailing

    CAS A3/2016. Final Award, 12 July 2016.
    Olympic selection, Proper construction and application of Nomination Criteria.

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and Athletics Australia v Mottrom

    CAS A4/2014. Partial Award (Jurisdiction), 27 March 2015. Final Award, 21 March 2016.
    Jurisdiction, Termination of arbitration; Doping, Reliability of laboratory analysis of positive sample test result.

    Equestrian Australia v Kenzig

    CAS 2014/A/3738. Partial Award, 9 January 2015. Final Award, 5 March 2015.
    Doping, ‘B’ sample, Results management, Proof of alleged ADRV.

    Hill v Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and Cycling Australia

    CAS 2013/A/3242. Award, 24 September 2013.
    Jurisdiction, Separability of arbitration agreement (CAS Code of Sports-related Arbitration, Rules 28, 55 and Statute of Bodies Working for the Settlement of Sports-related Disputes, Article S1. Federal Code on Private International Law 1987 (Switzerland) Articles 186, 190(2)).

    Walker v Australian Biathlon Association Incorporated

    CAS 2011/A/259. Appeal Award, 15 December 2011.
    Selection, Proper application and consideration of nomination/selection criteria, Review.

    Buckley v Boxing Australia Incorporated (BAI) & Association of International Boxing Associations (AIBA)

    CAS 2010/O/2118. Consent Award, 9 June 2010.
    Athlete surgically fitted with cardiac pacemaker, Risk or advantage to athlete, Power of AIBA/BAI to ban athlete.

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority v Nisbet

    CAS A2/2009. Appeal Award, 2 February 2010.
    Doping, No significant fault or negligence; Sanction.

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority v Atkins

    CAS A1/2009. Appeal Award, 4 November 2009.
    Doping, Whether athlete bound by NF Anti-doping Policy; ADRV consequences for athlete and other team members.

    World Anti-Doping Agency & International Rugby Board v Australian Rugby Union & Troy

    CAS 2008/A/1652. Appeal Award, 2 June 2009; (2009) 4(1) ANZSLJR 1.
    Doping, Non-analytical positive ADRV; Appeals, Time limit for lodgement of appeal.

    D'Arcy v Australian Olympic Committee Inc

    CAS 2008/A/1574. Appeal Award, 7 July 2008; (2008) 3(1) ANZSLJR 1.
    CAS 2008/A/1539. Appeal Award, 2 June 2008.
    Misconduct, Bringing self into disrepute, Team agreement, Exercise of discretion to terminate agreement; Sanction, Severity, Proportionality; CAS appellate jurisdiction.

    Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority v Van Tienan

    CAS 2007/A3. Final Award, 16 June 2008.
    Doping, Non-analytical positive ADRV, Reliable means of proof of ADRV; Sanction.

    Zubkov v Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA)

    CAS 2007/A/1291. Appeal Award, 21 December 2007.
    Misconduct, Bringing sport into disrepute; Sanction, Severity, Proportionality.

    Marinov v Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority

    CAS 2007/A/1311. Appeal Award (Save as to costs), 26 September 2007, (2007) 2(1) ANZSLJR 2; Final Award (Costs), 20 December 2007. Award (First Instance), 9 June 2007.
    Doping, Non-analytical positive ADRV, Possession of prohibited substance (knowledge).

    French v Australian Sports Commission and Cycling Australia

    CAS 2004/A/651. Appeal Award, 11 July 2005; Award (First Instance), 8 June 2004.
    Doping; CAS Appeals, Admissibility of new evidence on appeal; Private International Law; Costs.

    Beaton and Scholes v Equestrian Federation of Australia Ltd

    CAS 2003/A/477. Appeal Award, 20 October 2003.
    Doping, Opportunity for Athlete to be present at opening of ‘B’ sample.

    National Sports Tribunal (Australia)

    Kettlewell v Australian Endurance Riders Association Inc and Another

    Proceeding NST-E24-105202. Consent Award dated 5 September 2024.
    Alleged equine ADRV, Jurisdiction, No fault/No significant fault or negligence of persons responsible, Applicable sanction.

    Liddick v Gymnastics Australia and Sport Integrity Australia

    Proceeding NST-E21-148352. Interim Award dated 13 December 2021, Final Award dated 28 January 2022.
    Conduct, Code of Conduct and Member Protection Policy; Limitation of Actions; Applicable sanction.

    Neil and Equestrian Australia v Hanna

    Proceeding NST-E20-258261. Award dated 5 November 2020.
    Sports Law. Conduct (Social media policy); Jurisdiction.

    World Rugby Independent Judicial Committee (Ireland)

    Cerejo v World Rugby

    Panel Chair. Decision, 20 May 2025.
    Doping, TUE, Unintentional ADRV, Sanction.

    Wellman v World Rugby

    Panel Chair. Decision, 12 December 2023.
    Doping, Unintentional ADRV, Sanction.

    Palamo v World Rugby

    Panel Member. Decision, 16 August 2017.
    Doping, Unintentional ADRV, Sanction.

    International Biathlon Union Anti-Doping Hearing Panel (Germany)

    International Biathlon Union v Ustyugov

    Panel Member. Decision, 13 February 2020.
    Doping, Non-analytical positive ADRV, Sanction.

    International Biathlon Union v Sleptsova

    Panel Member. Decision, 11 February 2020.
    Doping, Non-analytical positive ADRV, Sanction.

    Full Court of the Family Court of Australia

    Pace and Halkias

    [2021] FamCAFC 81.
    Harman obligation.

    Supreme Court of Queensland

    Joyce v Amaca Pty Ltd and Others

    Unreported (Crow J), 27 January 2026, No. 1240 of 2024.
    Negligence (Asbestos-related disease), Foreseeability.

    Supreme Court of South Australia

    McKenzie v Police

    [2015] SASC 78.
    Criminal law, Assault, Consent (sporting contest).

    High Court of Justice of England and Wales

    Fieldglen and Ford v Financial Services Authority and Keydata Investment Services Limited (In Administration)

    Unreported (Richards J), 22-23 July 2009, HC09C02458.
    Unreported (Briggs J), 13-16 July 2009, HC09C02458.
    Corporations’ regulation; FSA Investigation, Validity of enforcement notice; Trespass to goods; Injunction.

    Flashback Ventures Limited v The New Clapham Grand Limited and Howard Spooner

    Unreported (Collins J), 27 October 2005, No. HC05C00560.
    Contract, Wrongful termination; Relief against forfeiture; Damages.

    High Court of Fiji

    ANZ Banking Group Ltd v Campbell and Others

    Unreported (Scott J), 20-22 October 1998, No. HBC 331 of 1997.
    Guarantee, Indemnity of surety.

    Glavanics v Neasoft (Fiji) Ltd

    Unreported (Pathik J), 2 August 1995, No. HBC 352 of 1995.
    Corporations, Oppression of minority shareholders.

    Pacific Timber Developments Ltd and Others v Elders Resources NZFP Ltd and Others

    Unreported (Fatiaki J), 5-16 December 1994, No. 623 of 1993.
    Breach of contract; Enforcement of security; Unconscionability.

    District Court of New South Wales

    Cowley v D'Arcy

    Unreported (Puckeridge DCJ), 18 July 2011, No 118277/2010.
    Assault and Battery, Self Defence, Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), ss.52 and 53, Damages.

    R v Murphy

    Jury (Herron DCJ), 1997.
    Criminal Law, Drugs, Possession, Trafficable/Commercial quantity, Customs Act 1901, s.233B.

    R v Johnson

    Jury (Smyth DCJ), 1994.
    Criminal Law, Escape from lawful custody, Aid and abet, Harbour escapee, Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), ss.310C, 310G.

    Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

    Marsh v Medical Board of Australia

    [2023] VCAT 1320.
    Administrative Law, Health Practitioner Regulation Law (Victoria) Act 2009 (Vic), ss.156(1)(a), 156(1)(e) and 202, Interim restriction on doctor’s registration.

    Crozier v Department of Health

    [2022] VCAT 1301.
    Administrative Law, Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), ss.25(a), 32(1), 33(1) and 50(4), Relevance of documents, Legal professional privilege and personal affairs exemptions, Public interest override.

  • Redd Hamish

    Hamish practises in commercial law at both trial and appellate levels. Examples of cases (including links to judgments on Austlii, where available) are listed below.

    Commercial

    Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2025] VSCA 294 Contract of insurance covering ‘loss’ ‘resulting from’ a ‘claim whether ‘obligation to pay under settlement’ constituted ‘loss’ – Whether ‘loss’ required establishment of underlying liability independent of settlement – Definition of ‘claim’ included proceeding seeking ‘compensation or other legal remedy’ – Whether ‘claim’ extended to non-monetary claim

    Pallak Pty Ltd v Stoneypint Pty Ltd [2025] VCC 1594 The question in this case was whether a legally enforceable agreement concerning the purchase of land had been entered into with related issues.

    Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 632 Costs ruling where Plaintiffs' wholly unsuccessful and multiple Defendant insurers separately represented.

    Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 485 Indemnity dispute for business interruption costs arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With David Collins KC instructed by Clyde & Co

    Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd  [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.

    Dessmann, in the matter of Dessmann [2023] FCA 1019 Appeared as amicus curiae on an application for an order that the applicant not be a disqualified person under s 126J(1)(b) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).

    Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No 1 [2022] VSCA 105 Statutory interpretation of s 134 of the Building Act 1993 concerning the limitation period to apply to projects with multiple occupancy permits and related issues as to joinder of parties. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Thomson Geer.

    Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No. 1 [2021] VSC 471 Costs ruling where issues decided in favour of both appellant and respondents. Instructed by Thomson Geer.

    Auslong Development Management Pty Ltd v Morey [2021] VSC 250 Application for leave to appeal, and appeal, from a decision of the VCAT concerning the operation of Part IV of the Property Law Act 1958 (Vic).

    Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited v Billinghurst [2017] FCAFC 201 Superannuation – decision of Superannuation Complaints Tribunal setting aside decision of Trustee and remitting it for reconsideration, where Trustee adopted a valuation based on calculations of Plan Actuary who had advised the employer. Whether the Trustee’s decision was fair and reasonable in the circumstances. Led by Jonathan Brett QC instructed by Greenfields Lawyers.

    Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609 Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.

    FSS Trustee Corporation v Eastaugh & Anor [2016] VSC 636 (Commercial Court, McDonald J); construction of a superannuation trust deed and whether payments made to members of a defined benefit scheme constituted salary (led by David Robertson QC, instructed by Greenfields Lawyers).

    Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).

    Nguyen v Phan (No 2) [2015] VSC 634(Commercial Court, Elliott J): a shareholder dispute involving allegations of breaches of fiduciary duties and accessorial liability with a counterclaim alleging breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC with Kate Burgess as junior counsel, instructed by Baker & McKenzie)

    Minh Nguyen & Ors v Tu Phan & Ors [2015 VSC 32]: interlocutory ruling during trial concerning application to amend pleadings.

    Kilkenny Walsh Pty Ltd v Strasburger Enterprises (Properties) Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 117: breach of contract arising from the purchase of land formerly used as a service station (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Best Hooper).

    Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors [2012] VSC 156: beneficial ownership of shares in companies and unit trusts and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).

    Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors (No. 2) [2013] VSC 381: separate question on entities to be taken into account for order of purchase of shares and units (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).

    Drapac & Ors v Wain & Ors [2013] VSCA 19: application for stay of judgment pending appeal (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).

    Exxon Mobil Superannuation Plan Pty Ltd v Esso Australia Pty Ltd [2010] VSC 357: rectification of trust deed (led by Jennifer Batrouney SC and Stephen McLeish, instructed by Minter Ellison).

    Berndale Securities Ltd v How Trading Pty Ltd[2010] VSC 216: default by client of contract with options trading clearing house; limitations on liability of client to indemnity broker (led by Paul Anastassiou QC, instructed by Blake Dawson).

    Ipex v Melbourne Water Corporation [2009] VSC 383: misleading and deceptive conduct and information technology outsourcing agreement (led by Ian Waller QC and Alan Sandbach, instructed by AJH Lawyers).

    Gunns Ltd v Marr [2008] VSC 464: interlocutory ruling on redaction of documents for confidentiality and irrelevance (with Ian Waller QC instructed by Clayton Utz).

    Biota Scientific Management v Glaxo Group Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria Sep 2006 – July 2008): breach of contract and best endeavours clause led by John Karkar QC and Michael Wheelahan QC, instructed by Deacons).

    Yarra Capital Group v Sklash [2006] VSCA 109: whether default clause a penalty (led by Nemeer Mukhtar QC, instructed by Clayton Utz).

    Masha Nominees v Mobil Oil Australia[2006] VSC 15: breach of contract arising from purchase of land formerly used as a petrol station (led by Ian Waller, instructed by Ashley West & Co).

    Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609: Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.

    Insurance

    Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.

    Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2022] VSC 377 Waiver of client legal privilege in the context of a claim against an insurer for indemnity following the settlement of a proceeding. With Ella Zauner, instructed by HWL Ebsworth.

    Entyce Food Ingredients Pty Ltd v CGU Insurance Limited [2020] VSC 757 Construction of general and products liability insurance policy and commercial contracts in the context of a recall and withdrawal and loss of frozen berry products due to contamination of food products with Hepatitus A. Led by Michael Thompson QC, instructed by William Abbott and Associates.

    Bergman v CGU Insurance Ltd [2016] VSC 81 (Commercial Court, Hargrave J); insurance, non-disclosure and misrepresentation; whether policy responded (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Cornwall Stodart).

    Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).

    Leading Synthetics Pty Ltd v Adroit Insurance Group [2011] VSC 467: estoppel and credit risk insurance (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill Lawyers).

    Mainstream Aquaculture v Calliden Insurance Ltd [2011] VSC 286: construction of commercial insurance contract (led by Chris Blanden QC instructed by GTR Lawyers).

    Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 353: action in contract and negligence arising out of a train derailment (led by Chris Blanden QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill).

    Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 500: Decision on damages where split trial.

    Environmental and Public Law

    VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater's Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.

    Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2021] VSC 869 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Led by Philip Solomon QC, and with Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery

    Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 569 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery

    Kinglake Friends of the Forest Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 788 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery

    Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 406 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery

    Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2021] HCATrans 215 Application for special leave to appeal a judgment of the Full Federal Court. Led by Bret Walker SC and Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker McKenzie.

    VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66; 285 FCR 70 Appeal concerning the correct interpretation of s 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth). Led by Ian Waller and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.

    Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2018] FCA 178 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Katrina Chow, instructed by Baker McKenzie.

    MyEnvironment v VicForests [2013] VSCA 356; (2013) 198 LGERA 396, 206 ALR 624, [2014] ALMD 2380: statutory construction where competing purposes, and lawfulness of proposed logging in Toolangi (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).

    MyEnvironment v VicForests [2012] VSC 91: question of whether proposed logging in Toolangi lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, with Nasos Kaskani as junior, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).

    Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2010] VSC 335; (2010) 30 VR 1; [2012] ALMD 3348: question of whether proposed logging in East Gippsland lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth).

    Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2009] VSC 386: interlocutory injunction and standing of environmental group (led by Ian Waller QC instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).

    Environment East Gippsland v VicForests (No. 2) [2009] VSC 421: interlocutory injunction, whether security in addition to undertaking should be provided in public interest litigation (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).

    Other

    Catch the Fire Ministries v Islamic Council of Victoria [2006] VSCA 284; (2006) 15 VR 207, 235 ALR 750, 206 FLR 56.: religious vilification (led by Brind Woinarski QC and Debbie Mortimer SC, instructed by Allens Arthur Robinson).

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Brenker Stephanie C.B.

    Stephanie Carmela Batsakis Brenker has a broad civil practice, practising in commercial law, tort and public law.

    Stephanie’s expertise has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide, as a leading Australian class actions barrister.

    Before coming to the Bar, Stephanie was an Associate to the Hon Justice M M Gordon AC at the High Court of Australia.

    Stephanie also practised in London and Tokyo as a solicitor in commercial litigation and arbitration: first, at Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and then at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP.

    Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford, where she attended on an Allan Myers QC Scholarship. She also holds two first class honours degrees from the University of Melbourne: an undergraduate degree in Arts, which she attended as a Melbourne National Scholar, and a Juris Doctor degree in Law, where she was awarded the Joan Rosanove QC Memorial Prize.

    Stephanie read with Meg O’Sullivan KC and her senior mentor was Rowena Orr KC (as her Honour then was).

    Selected cases:

    Commercial

    Common law

    • KTM24 v Rio Tinto Ltd; KXO24 v BHP Group Ltd, Federal Court of Australia, ongoing (acting for applicants in two class actions alleging negligence and sex discrimination at mining sites) (led by K Foley SC and A Edwards, with T Scott).
    • Tziotzis & Anor v Nine Digital Pty Ltd & Ors, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2025 (acting for defendants in five week defamation trial) (led by S Mukerjea, with C O'Beirne).
    • Al-Iboody v Crown Melbourne Ltd & Ikon Services Australia Pty Ltd, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2025, settled (acting for employer defendant in case alleging negligence and sexual assault by employee) (led by P Hayes KC).
    • We R Somewhere Pty Ltd & Ors v Legal Practitioners' Liability Committee, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2025 (acting for plaintiffs in professional negligence case, settled part-way through trial) (led by N Andreou then M Tehan).
    • Yasmin v Commonwealth [2023] FCA 1661 (acting for Indonesian youth applicants in class action alleging negligence, false imprisonment and racial discrimination due to age assessments based on wrist x-ray analysis. Successfully obtained Court-approved settlement of AU$27.5 million) (led by A Strahan KC, P Tierney and T Jeffrie, with E Brumby and H Canham).
    • Healy v Bird [2022] VSC 823 (successfully defended strike-out application in proceeding alleging novel duties against Catholic Diocese of Ballarat) (unled for hearing of application; led by L de Ferrari SC in matter generally).
    • Sharma v Minister for the Environment [2021] FCA 560; Sharma v Minister for the Environment (No 2) [2021] FCA 774 (class action on behalf of Australian children, successfully arguing at first instance that Minister owed a duty of care to avoid causing harm to Australian children from climate change by the exercise of her statutory powers). Reversed on appeal: Minister for the Environment v Sharma [2022] FCAFC 35 (led by N Hutley SC, E Nekvapil and K Brazenor, with N Petrie).
    • Agnello v Heritage Care Pty Ltd; Fotiadis v St Basil's Homes for the Aged [2021] VSC 838 (successfully defended strike-out applications in class actions acting on behalf of plaintiffs against aged care facilities) (led by A Broadfoot KC).
    • Jackson v Jones [2021] VCC 638 (acting for successful plaintiff in seven-day personal injury and battery trial, obtaining judgment and damages for the plaintiff) (led by P Hayes KC).
    • Chen v Gibson Importing Co (Aust) Pty Ltd, Supreme Court of Victoria, 2020 (acting for plaintiff pro bono in 10-day personal injury trial, settled on the 10th day) (led by F McLeod SC and B Johnson).

    Public law

    Awards:

    Daniel Pollak Readers’ Award for first-year pro bono advocacy (2021).



    From 8 May 2020, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation

     

  • Crutchfield Philip

    Philip holds Commerce and Honours Law Degrees from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science. 

    He did articles at Mallesons Stephen Jaques in 1987 and was admitted to the partnership on 1 January 1996. He signed the Bar Roll in November 1998 and took silk in 2009.

    Philip is a former Senior Fellow in the Law Faculty of the University of Melbourne, a member of the University of Melbourne Law School Foundation Board, a member of the University of Melbourne Humanities Foundation Board, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, a board member of the Victorian Bar Foundation and a former President of the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria.

    He was a reporter for the Commonwealth Law Reports and the author of a text book, Corporate Voluntary Administration Law, now known as Crutchfield’s Voluntary Administration.

    Outside of the law, Philip is a public company director and the Chair of the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company.


    From 01/07/2008, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • Daniel Wright-Neville

    Daniel practises in commercial and public law.

    Since coming to the Bar, Daniel has appeared and advised in:

    • commercial and corporate disputes, including regulatory investigations, trade practices claims, shareholder oppression, directors’ duties and confidential information claims;
    • building and construction disputes, including applications under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic);
    • land acquisition and compensation claims, environment and local government matters; and
    • commercial and retail leasing, valuation and real property disputes.

    Before coming to the Bar, Daniel practised as a solicitor in commercial disputes at Minter Ellison and Baker McKenzie. He was also an Associate to the Honourable Justice Digby at the Supreme Court of Victoria. He holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.

    Daniel read with Georgie Coleman and his senior mentor is Meg O’Sullivan KC.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

  • Hay Sam

    TYPE OF PRACTICE

    Trial and appellate advocacy, pleadings and opinion work principally in the Supreme Court and the Federal Court in a broad range of commercial disputes. Practice focuses on banking and finance, corporations law, insurance, financial advice disputes, insolvency, trusts, contracts and trade practices.

    EXAMPLES OF CASES

    Whild v GE Mortgage Solutions:  Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about the effect of an overstatement in a notice of default on a mortgagee's power of sale.

    Wolfe v Permanent Custodians Limited:  Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about the enforceability of a settlement agreement entered into after a mortgagee had obtained judgment for debt and possession.

    Westpac Banking Corporation v Tesoro:  Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about the consequences of a lender's failure to strictly comply with the default notice provisions of the National Credit Code.

    Macralink v Saris:  Supreme Court of Victoria application pursuant to s 237 of theCorporations Act 2001 (Cth) concerning whether the applicant would be in a position of conflict if leave were granted.

    Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union v Beynon:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding concerning s 550 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and whether an insolvency practitioner was "involved in" a contravention of that Act.

    Hogg v Corke:  Supreme Court of Victoria application pursuant to ss 232 and 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) involving a corporate trustee and a unit trust.

    NABE v BDO:  Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about the appropriateness of advice given by a financial planner.

    Re The Wilderness Society:  Supreme Court of Tasmania proceeding about the governance of an incorporated association.

    Kiernan-Walker v Westpac:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about the appropriateness of advice given by a financial planner.

    SRO v Capital Securities:  Court of Appeal proceeding about a statutory demand and the application of the Broadbeach principle.

    Servco v AGL:  County Court of Victoria proceeding about the termination of an exclusive licence agreement.

    Re Great Southern Managers:  Supreme Court of Victoria ASIC intervention about judicial advice to a Responsible Entity.

    BrisConnections v ASI:  Supreme Court of Victoria ASIC intervention about a Responsible Entity's duties.

    Thirteenth Corp v St George Bank:  Court of Appeal proceeding about fee agreement rebates between a bank and its solicitor.

    Central Pacific Holdings v State of Victoria:  Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about a contractual indemnity for land tax liability.

    Commonwealth Bank v Kyriackou:  Supreme Court of Victoria injunction proceeding about the restraint of solicitors.

    ATO v King & Ors:  Supreme Court of Victoria indemnity proceeding against the former directors of a listed company.

    McBride v L J Hooker Ltd:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) class action proceeding about alleged misrepresentations concerning stamp duty payable on new house and land packages.

    Slann v Edmondson:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) oppression proceeding about the proper date for the valuation of shares to be purchased by majority shareholders.

    CGU Insurance v Chacmol Holdings Pty Ltd:   Supreme Court of Victoria Commercial List trial about a claim in restitution for money held in breach of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth).

    TSI Australia Pty Ltd v Australian Taxation Office:   Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about voidable transactions under ss 588FE(2) and 588FE(3) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).  The action included a claim by the ATO against former directors under s 588FGA for partial indemnity.

    Westpac Bank v Tabet:  Supreme Court of Victoria recovery proceeding involving the non est factum defence.

    ASIC v Westpoint Constructions:   Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about the appointment of a final liquidator to a company in a corporate group that was already largely under administration.

    CSL Limited v ACTU and Ors:   Federal Court (NSW Registry) proceeding about a claim for damages caused by a secondary boycott in Western Australia and South Australia.

    Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union v Qantas: Australian Industrial Relations Commission proceeding about a jurisdictional issue arising out of a recent federal legislative amendment.

    Complete Health Care Pty Ltd v Rafter:   Victorian Court of Appeal proceeding on appeal from a decision of the County Court about the sale of a medical practice and the appointment of a trustee in bankruptcy before a sequestration order was made.

    Tylden Pty Ltd v Woodleigh Pty Ltd:   Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about a complex corporate and land ownership structure set up for the operation of a time-share resort.  The matter largely related to director’s duties and voidable resolutions relating to the purported acquisition of fractional title interests in land.

    Media World v USC:   Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about a winding up under s 461(1)(k) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

    Burton Pty Ltd v Guida:   Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about permanent injunctions under s 1324 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

    Body Corporate No 2 v Airspace Australia:   Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about a roof top development in Melbourne’s CBD. The claim concerned the validity of the appointment of members of the body corporate committee.

    ASIC v United Insurance Fund:   Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about the alleged misappropriation of insurance premiums and breaches of the financial recording and reporting provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

    ABB Australia Pty Ltd v Meaco:   Supreme Court of Victoria proceeding about the misappropriation of funds and a knowing assistance/receipt claim.

    MH6 v Mental Health Review Board: Court of Appeal proceeding about the rules of natural justice in treatment order proceedings at VCAT.

    Ruhani v Director of Public Prosecutions:   High Court appeal from a decision of the Supreme Court of Nauru about the validity of visas issued to asylum seekers under the terms of the “Pacific Solution”.

    M38 of 2002 v Minister for Immigration   High Court special leave application about the extent of the power of the Commonwealth to remove unlawful non-citizens.

    VBAP v Minister for Immigration:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about the circumstances in which an administrative decision may stand despite the presence of jurisdictional error.

    SZDPY v Minister for Immigration:  Federal Court (Victorian Registry) proceeding about the circumstances in which an applicant can adopt earlier evidence so as to render it before the administrative tribunal.

    'Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.'

  • O'Gorman Kateena

    Kateena has a BCL from Oxford University, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and was associate to Justice McHugh for his final year on the High Court of Australia. Kateena was Lecturer in Corporate Law at Queen Mary, University of London. Kateena has a broad practice, with a focus on commercial litigation, public law and tax.

    Kateena's cases include:

    Public Law:

    • Acting for Victoria in High Court litigation concerning the validity of the Lockdown Directions: Gerner v State of Victoria (led by Kris Walker, Solicitor-General for Victoria, Craig Lenehan SC and with Tom Wood).
    • Acting for the applicant in Federal Court proceedings concerning the invalidity of the Robodebt scheme (led by Peter Hanks QC with Glyn Ayres).
    • Acting for the Attorney-General for the State of Victoria intervening appeals to the High Court, for example:
      • An appeal concerning section 2 of the New South Wales Constitution Act 1855 (NSW) (led by the Solicitor General for Victoria, Richard Niall QC): New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council v Minister Administering the Crown Lands Act [2016] HCA 50.
      • An appeal concerning the constitutional validity of South Australian sentencing laws: KMC v Director of Public Prosecutions [2020] HCA 6 (led by Kris Walker, Solicitor-General for Victoria).
    • Acting for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth intervening in Awabdy v Electoral Commission of Queensland in the Queensland Court of Appeal concerning the Commonwealth's exclusive power to regulate federal elections (led by the Commonwealth Solicitor-General).
    • Acting for the Attorney-General (Cth) in Federal Court litigation concerning the International Transfer of Prisoners Act 1997 (Cth) (led by Stephen Lloyd SC).

    Class actions:

    • Acting for the plaintiffs in the challenge to Homes Victoria's decision to demolish the public housing towers.
    • Acting for the plaintiffs in a shareholders class action concerning Noumi.
    • Acting for the respondents in a class action concerning Roundup (led by Steven Finch QC and Rob Craig QC).
    • Acting for OZ Minerals Ltd in a shareholder class action in the Federal Court instructed by Freehills (led by Michael Garner QC with Rob Craig).

    Commercial law:

    • Acting for parties to power purchase agreements in the Federal Court.
    • Acting for former shareholders in a proceeding arising out of the acquisition of the shares in the business in the Victorian Supreme Court.
    • Acting for the plaintiff in respect of a misleading and deceptive conduct claim arising out of a large acquisition (led by Matt Collins QC).
    • Acting for United Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd in United Petroleum Aus

    Arbitrations:

    • Acting for a listed pharmaceutical company in arbitration proceedings instructed by MinterEllison (led by Chris Caleo QC).
    • Acting for a gas company at gas arbitrations (led by Michael Borsky QC).
    • Acting for parties in a sugar arbitration (led by GA Thompson QC).

    Regulatory and Corporate:

    • Acting for ASIC in proceedings concerning cyptocurrency.
    • Acting for ASIC in proceedings concerning the application of the Credit Code.
    • Acting for RI Advice in ASIC proceedings concerning cyber security (led by S Finch QC).
    • Acting for a foreign exchange trader in Federal Court proceedings brought by ASIC (led by Chris Archibald QC).
    • Appearing in Federal Court and Supreme Court proceedings concerning schemes of arrangement, including unit trust schemes: eg, Wellcom Group Limited, in the Matter of Wellcom Group Limited [2019] FCA 1655.

    Insolvency:

    • Acting for a property developer in proceedings commenced by ASIC in the Federal Court.
    • Appearing at liquidators' public examinations.
    • Advising directors of insolvent companies in respect of liabilities arising out of the liquidation.
    • Advising the ATO in respect of DOCAs.

    Criminal and Quasi-Criminal:

    • Acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions in criminal appeals (led by the Chief Crown Prosecutor): Cvetanovski v R [2020] VSCA 272; Tony Mokbel v R .
    • Counsel-assisting IBAC in examinations.
    • Acting for IBAC in litigation in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Court of Appeal concerning ongoing investigations.
    • Acting for various nation states in proceedings to extradite persons arrested under extradition arrest warrants under the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth), for example:
    • Ghodskani v United States of America [2018] FCA 14; Castle v United States of America [2018] FCA 931; [2018] FCA 1079; Reyes v United States of America [2020] FCAFC 14;
    • Acting for Bosnia and Herzegovina in a proceeding concerning the interpretation of the Extradition Act 1988 (led by Stephen Donaghue QC in the FCFCA and unled in the FCA): Traljesic v Bosnia and Herzeovina [2017] FCAFC 70; [2016] FCA 383.
    • Providing advice in respect of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) (led by S Donoaghue QC).

    Environmental law:

    • Acting for Amcor Ltd in proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria (instructed by Gilbert + Tobin and led by David Collins QC and then A Monichino QC) concerning the cost of reme

    Tax:

    • Acting variously for the taxpayer and for the Commissioner of State Revenue in a number of proceedings concerning the foreign purchaser additional duty (for land tax and duties).
    • Acting for the Commissioner of State Revenue in proceedings concerning the validity of assessments for land tax (led by Phil Solomon QC): Vasiliades v Commissioner of State Revenue [2016] VSC 544.
    • Providing various advice to the ATO and SRO in relation to proposed legislative reform.


    Royal Commissions
    :

    • Acting for Crown Hotels at the Inquiry into Hotel Quarantine (led by David Batt QC).
    • Acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (led by C Caleo QC).
    • Junior counsel for the Commonwealth in the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry (led by F McLeod SC).
    • Acting for a class of businesses in the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program (led by Michael Windsor SC).



    From 27 Mar 2014, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Wodak Tyson

    Tyson was admitted to practice in 1998 and signed the Bar Roll in 2005. He conducts a broad commercial litigation and advisory practice. A selection of matters in which Tyson has been briefed are referred to in the 'Cases' tab.

    Areas of particular interest include:

    • corporate oppression proceedings and other shareholder/director disputes;
    • disputes involving allegations of misleading or deceptive conduct;
    • disputes arising out of restraint clauses - both in sale of business contexts and in the employment context;
    • disputes arising from the intersection of intellectual property and commercial dealings. In recent years he has been briefed in numerous disputes involving allegations of the misuse of confidential information; and
    • professional indemnity claims.

    He has substantial experience in litigation involving estate agents, medical practices and non-English-speaking clients and has acted in disputes involving cryptocurrency exchanges.

    Tyson is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a Masters Degree in Bioethics, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment and has completed the Company Directors Course. He is a member of the Victorian Bar's audit, finance & risk committee.

    Outside his practice at the Bar, Tyson is:

    • President of Bialik College (an independent school with more than 1,150 students spanning creche through to year 12), a director of its associated companies and former chair of its Governance and Risk Management Committees
    • Chair of the Reid Malley Foundation, a Public Ancillary Fund.

    Before coming to the Bar Tyson practiced as a solicitor (with Piper Alderman Lawyers and with Phillips Fox / DLA Piper) and was an executive in the technology industry. He was co-founder of an Internet-based financial services company.

    Tyson has a strong interest in medical & scientific ethics and related issues. He spent 14 years as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, retiring in December 2020.

    Cases:

    From 07 Aug 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Clough Daniel

    Daniel has more than twenty years of experience as a commercial barrister. He regularly appears in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court, County Court of Victoria, the Courts of Appeal, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

    His particular areas of expertise are in competition and consumer law, property and proprietary estoppel, equity and trusts, commercial contracts, restraints of trade, directors’ duties and partnerships. He is included in Australia's Best Lawyers for Competition Law (2018 to 2026) and Commercial Law (2020 to 2026).

    He also practises in corporations law, insolvency, telecommunications, professional negligence, corporate governance, administrative law and local government.

    Prior to signing the Bar Roll in 2004, Daniel was a Senior Associate in the Competition Group of Allens Linklaters in Melbourne and a director in the Telecommunications Group of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. He was Associate to the former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, Sir Gerard Brennan.

    Daniel is the author of Competition Law - The Laws of Australia (2014 Thomson Reuters). For more than twenty years, he was the author and editor of the Competition Law and Restraints of Trade chapters of Laws of Australia. He has published several refereed articles in the areas of competition law, international trade law, law and economics, consumer protection and unconscionability.

    He has Honours in Economics at Monash University, Master of Laws with first class honours at the University of Melbourne, and Master of Laws (Kent Scholar) at Columbia University Law School, New York. He was an Assistant Lecturer in Economics at Monash University. At the Law School of the University of Melbourne, he co-lectured Economics for Competition Lawyers in the Masters program and lectured Legal Theory in the Juris Doctor program.

    Daniel was the Chair of the Competition and Consumer Law Section of the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria from 2019 to 2022. He is the Principal Examiner for Specialist Accreditation for Commercial Litigation for the Law Institute of Victoria.



    'Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.'



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17