Robert practises in occupational health and safety, environmental and other regulatory prosecutions, personal injury, employment and industrial law, criminal law, professional disciplinary proceedings and coronial inquests in all courts and tribunals.
He was recognised in the 2025 and 2026 Doyle's Guide rankings as the Market Leader in the field of workplace health and safety law. In recent years he has appeared in many of the most significant cases in the area at both trial and appellate level, including all of the first three workplace manslaughter prosecutions conducted in Victoria.
He specialises in areas involving the intersection of the criminal law with business: occupational health and safety, competition law, corporations law and environmental regulation offences. He appears in both prosecutions and civil penalty proceedings at trial and appellate level, at inquests and disciplinary proceedings, and in the Fair Work Commission and other employment law tribunals.
He also appears in state and federal courts in personal injury cases, industrial cases, employment contract cases, general protections disputes, sexual harassment and discrimination cases. He regularly appears for players at the AFL tribunal.
Experience
Occupational Health and Safety/Regulatory Offences
Robert acts for companies charged with offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and similar legislation, in contested cases and pleas. He has appeared with success in numerous jury trials. He has appeared in a number of the significant cases in the field in the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
He is available to advise on incident management, analysing briefs of evidence, and whether a case should be contested or pleas of guilty entered.
He has also acted in prosecutions brought under the Environment Protection Act, the Building Act, the Planning Act, and Food Act, and the Gambling Regulation Act and has been briefed by the Victorian Workcover Authority, the Victorian Commissioner for Gambling and Liquor Regulation and several municipal councils to prosecute offences.
Industrial and Employment
Robert has acted for companies such as John Holland, Schweppes, Nissan Australia, Esso, DP World and Baiada Poultry in major industrial cases in the Supreme Court, the federal courts and the Fair Work Commission. He has also appeared for both employers and employees in employment contract disputes in State courts, unfair dismissal cases in the Fair Work Commission and underpayment and general protections claims in the Federal Circuit Court. He has appeared in a number of significant matters at first instance and on appeal, including in the High Court, for the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner.
Personal Injury
Since taking silk Robert has developed a practice in personal injury trial work and accepts briefs to appear in jury trials, causes and appeals.
Inquests
Robert regularly appears in the Coroners Court and has represented the Chief Commissioner of Police, employers, and families of deceased persons in that jurisdiction.
Criminal Law
Robert is an experienced jury trial advocate with particular experience in Corporations Act prosecutions, fraud, and major drug prosecutions.. He is also experienced in conducting general criminal law cases.
He has also appeared in the Court of Appeal in serious criminal matters on conviction and sentence appeals.
He is the former author/editor of the online edition of Ross on Crime.
From 12 Feb 2009, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Chris practises primarily in employment, commercial, and regulatory law. He accepts briefs in sports law and criminal matters.
Employment and industrial law
Chris acts in employment and industrial matters, including:
Chris also acts in workplace health and safety matters.
Commercial and property law
Chris acts in all areas of commercial law, particularly matters involving breaches of fiduciary and statutory duties, property law, and the protection of confidential information.
He also acts in matters involving incorporated associations, including sporting associations.
He appears in urgent applications, including applications for injunctions and freezing orders.
Regulatory matters, public law and criminal law
Chris regularly appears in merits review matters in the Review and Regulation List at VCAT. He acts both for and against regulators in professional disciplinary, privacy and freedom of information matters.
Chris acts in judicial review matters in State and Federal Courts.
Chris also accepts briefs in criminal and quasi-criminal matters, including regulatory prosecutions (such as those under the Building Act 1993 (Vic)), and coronial inquests. He regularly appears unled in County Court conviction appeal matters.
Sports law
Chris represents athletes and sporting bodies at hearings before sporting tribunals, including appearing before the AFL Tribunal and AFL Appeals Board.
He has been appointed Special Counsel under the Professional Boxing and Combat Sports Act 1985 (Vic) to represent both the interests of the regulator and applicants.
Victorian Bar
Chris is a member of the Victorian Bar’s Bar Council in 2025/2026.
He is also currently a member of the following Bar Committees:
Chris is also a member of the Industrial Bar Association, the Commercial Bar Association, and the Criminal Bar Association.
Background information
Before coming to the Bar, Chris represented clients in highly regulated industries, including government, health, private health insurance, gambling, and energy.
Chris was Associate to the Hon Justice Hargrave while his Honour was Principal Judge of the Commercial Court at the Supreme Court of Victoria, and then a judge of the Court of Appeal.
Chris has a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics.
Chris read with Tom Smyth. His senior mentor is Ben Ihle KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Carly practices predominantly in corporate and commercial litigation, tort and insurance law. She practices across Victoria and Tasmania.
Before joining the independent Bar in Western Australia in 2016 she held Special Counsel and Senior Associate roles in the commercial litigation groups of Allion Partners, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP and Talbot Olivier Lawyers. She completed her early career years in personal injury and insurance litigation, including within the statutory workers’ compensation and compulsory third party motor vehicle insurance regimes.
Carly holds degrees in Law and Economics from the University of Western Australia and a Masters in International Relations from Curtin University of Technology.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Brad specialises in commercial disputes, with particular expertise in class actions, contract, insurance, construction, property, consumer law and corporations law proceedings. He also practises extensively in common law matters.
Brad appears regularly in trial, appellate and interlocutory hearings in all state and federal courts and tribunals, at mediations and arbitrations. He appears led, unled and as lead counsel.
Brad is also a nationally accredited mediator and accepts briefs to mediate in all areas of the law. He is a member of the Victorian Bar's Alternative Dispute Resolution committee.
Brad was previously a solicitor in the commercial litigation group at Allens and an associate at the Supreme Court of Victoria in the Court of Appeal. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
A brief selection of matters in which Brad has recently acted includes:
COMMERCIAL LAW:
Albert St Group Pty Ltd v Universal Real Estate Vic North Pty Ltd (2024-2026, Federal Court, unled, briefed by Lander & Rogers) (Sale of land - Misleading and deceptive conduct - Breach of retainer - Negligence)
Kaur v Gathercole (2025-2026, Supreme Court, unled, briefed by Lander & Rogers) (Sale of land - Avoidance of contract - Misleading and deceptive conduct - Breach of retainer - Negligence)
Skordakis v Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (2025-2026, Supreme Court, led by S Stuckey KC, briefed by Lander & Rogers) (Appeal from VCAT - Construction of domestic building insurance policy and Ministerial Order)
Lazarovski v Surbevski (2022-2026, Supreme Court, unled) (Oppression - Directors' duties)
VBA t/as Building and Plumbing Commission v Fall-Armytage (2025, Court of Appeal, led by S Stuckey KC, briefed by Moray & Agnew) (Appeal from County Court - Construction of domestic building insurance policy)
In the matter of Yambuna Downs Pty Ltd (2025, Supreme Court, led by S Hay KC, briefed by Mills Oakley) (Mortgage default - Recovery of land - Recovery of cattle and milk proceeds - Interlocutory injunction)
Gunns Gully Investment Pty Ltd v MCM Investments Pty Ltd (2024-2025, Supreme Court, unled, briefed by Lander & Rogers) (Sale of land - Avoidance of contract - Breach of stakeholder duties - Breach of fiduciary duties - Misleading and deceptive conduct)
Orion East Pty Ltd v Box Hill Institute (2022-2025, Supreme Court, led by P Neskovcin KC (as her Honour then was) and then J Gurr SC, briefed by Ashurst) (Development deed - Design development - Repudiation - Termination)
Aqua Star Pty Ltd v C P Aquaculture (India) PVT Ltd (2024, Court of Appeal, leading C Middleton) (Supply Agreement - Letter of credit - Sale of Goods Act 1958 (Vic) s 19(a) - Breach - Evidence Act 2008 (Vic) ss 69, 183)
Pact Group Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd v Qube Logistics (Aust) Pty Ltd (2023-2024, Supreme Court, unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Misleading and deceptive conduct - Breach of contract - Detinue - Conversion)
Ripani v Century Legend Pty Ltd (No 4) [2024] FCA 1211 (Led by S Stuckey KC) (Misleading and deceptive conduct - Reliance - Contract - Breach - Repudiation - Estoppel)
P20 ESG Acquisition Pty Ltd, in the matter of P20 ESG Acquisition Pty Ltd (2024, Federal Court, unled) (Sections 1322(4)(c) and (d) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))
Ballymoss Pty Ltd v Kollaras & Co Pty Ltd (2022-2024, County Court, led by S Hay KC, with J Waller, briefed by Holding Redlich) (Customs duties - Duty drawback - Breach of warranty - Misleading and deceptive conduct)
Sarric Pty Ltd v Invidia Foods Pty Ltd (2023-2024, District Court of NSW, unled) (Business sale agreement - Loan facility deed - Service contract - Breach of contract - Acceleration - Unjust enrichment - Indemnity)
Sakellaropoulos v Sakellaropoulos (2023, Supreme Court, unled) (Heads of agreement - Deed of settlement - Performance)
Larkspur Tribeca Ltd v iSignthis Limited (BVI) (2023, Federal Court, led by G Bigmore KC, briefed by Colin Biggers & Paisley) (Breach of trust - Breach of fiduciary duty - Knowing receipt - Knowing assistance - Rectification - Misleading and deceptive conduct)
Santrev Pty Ltd v Orient Poultry (UK) Pty Ltd (2020-2023, Federal Court, unled) (Misleading and deceptive conduct - False and misleading representations - Passing off)
Prioletti Consultants Pty Ltd v Box Hill Institute (2022, Supreme Court, unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Registered training organisation - TAFE - Breach of contract - Misleading and deceptive conduct - Unconscionable conduct)
Century Legend Pty Ltd v Ripani [2022] FCAFC 191 (Led by S Stuckey QC) (Appeal - Misleading and deceptive conduct - Rejection of witness evidence - Exclusion clauses - Statutory rescission - Equitable rescission)
Energy Resources of Australia Ltd, in the matter of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd [2022] FCA 176 (Unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Sections 203AA(2), 205B(5), 1322(4)(c) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))
The Walt Disney Company (Australia) Pty Ltd, in the matter of The Walt Disney Company (Australia) Pty Ltd (2022, Federal Court, unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Sections 1322(4)(c) and (d) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))
RNB Equities Pty Ltd v Regal Funds Management Pty Ltd (2018-2021, Federal Court, led by G Bigmore QC and M Goldblatt, briefed by Logie Smith Lanyon) (Market manipulation - ss 1041A, 1041B, 1317HA Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) - Derivative financial instrument - Algorithmic trading - Market microstructure)
Bachy Soletanche Australia Pty Ltd v Geotech Pty Ltd (2020, Supreme Court, led by R Craig QC (as his Honour then was), briefed by Ashurst) (Breach of trust - Breach of joint venture deed - Preservation of trust property pending arbitration - "Material adverse effect" - "Material default" - Interim injunction - Interlocutory injunction - Mandatory injunction)
Mortgage Finance Options Pty Ltd v Uniq Finance Australia Pty Ltd [2019] VCC 2156 (Unled) (Contract - Repudiation - Expectation damages - Assessment of damages - Whether GST should be included in damages)
COMMON LAW:
Ram v Magri (2023-2024, Supreme Court, unled) (Contract of sale - Terms contract - Equitable lien - Professional negligence by solicitor - Breach of retainer)
Todd v Todd (2023-2024, Supreme Court, unled) (Inducing breach of contract - Injurious falsehood)
The Tailor Made Spirits Company Limited v Hall & Wilcox (2019, VCAT, unled, briefed by Minter Ellison) (Professional negligence - Breach of retainer - Breach of the Australian Consumer Law - Jurisdiction of VCAT)
Williams v AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd (2017, Supreme Court, led by G Harris QC, with T Jeffrie, briefed by Colin Biggers & Paisley) (Mickleham bushfire class action - Duty of care - Scope and content of duty - Breach of duty - Legal and factual causation - Apportionment - Contribution)
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION:
In the matters of the Berwick Hospital and the Casey Specialist Centre (2025, Building Appeals Board, unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Section 160A Building Act 1993 (Vic) - Application to determine the proposed performance solution for the cladding arrangement complies with the Building Code of Australia)
ACN 115 918 959 Pty Ltd v Moulieris (2018-2025, VCAT, led by R Craig QC (as his Honour then was), briefed by Gadens) (Domestic building - Prime cost items - Provisional sums - Variations - Repudiation - Restitution - Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 32 - Defects - Builder's warranties - Misleading and deceptive conduct)
Becon Investment Group Pty Ltd v Stojanovski (2023-2024, Supreme Court, unled) (Domestic building - Joint venture agreement - Constructive trust - Misleading and deceptive conduct - Estoppel - Restitution)
In the matter of the Melbourne Cricket Ground [2022] VBAB 105 (Unled, briefed by Ashurst) (Section 160A Building Act 1993 (Vic) - Application to determine that the proposed performance solution for the cladding arrangement at the Northern Stand complies with the Building Code of Australia)
West Gate Tunnel Project (2019-2020, led by S Marks QC and R Craig QC (as his Honour then was), with B Slocum and S Mariole, briefed by Clayton Utz) (Acting for the State of Victoria)
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE:
Kuksal v State of Victoria (2025, Supreme Court, unled, briefed by Corrs Chambers Westgarth) (Application for hearing by interstate judge)
ACN 115 918 959 Pty Ltd v Moulieris [2024] VSCA 71 (Led by R Craig KC (as his Honour then was), briefed by Gadens) (Appeal from Trial Division - Relevant and irrelevant considerations - Dismissal for want of prosecution - Hardship - Conduct of proceeding causing disadvantage)
Aqua Star Pty Ltd v C P Aquaculture (India) Pvt Ltd [2024] VSCA 67 (Leading C Middleton) (Application for stay of orders requiring payment of outstanding judgment debt pending appeal)
The King v Xpress Building Design Pty Ltd (2023-2024, Supreme Court, unled) (Contempt - Failure to comply with subpoena)
Ripani v Century Legend Pty Ltd (No 3) [2023] FCA 812 (Led by S Stuckey KC) (Scope of new trial - Misleading and deceptive conduct)
Gomez v Carrafa [2023] FCA 719 (Unled) (Application for extension of time to appeal – Leave to appeal required – No reasonable prospect of success)
Ballymoss Pty Ltd v Kollaras & Co Pty Ltd (No 4) [2023] VCC 1268 (Unled, briefed by Holding Redlich) (Particular discovery - Legal professional privilege - Waiver - Security for costs)
ACN 115 918 959 Pty Ltd v Moulieris [2022] VSC 555 (Led by R Craig KC (as his Honour then was), briefed by Gadens) (Appeal from VCAT - Relevant and irrelevant considerations - Legal unreasonableness - Dismissal for want of prosecution - Hardship - Conduct of proceeding causing disadvantage)
Gomez v Carrafa [2022] FCA 1013 (Unled) (Strike out application - Application for leave to amend - Bankruptcy - Allegation of malicious prosecution by trustee in bankruptcy – Allegation of misfeasance in public office by trustee in bankruptcy)
Gomez v Carrafa [2021] VSCA 661 (Unled) (Special federal matter – Transfer of proceeding to Federal Court – Whether appeal competent – Section 13(a) precludes appeal from decision of court in relation to transfer of proceeding under Act – Whether decision confined to reasons for transfer and not antecedent reasons)
Hunter Byron & Co Pty Ltd v AC Home Design Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 777 (Unled) (Judicial review of an order by VCAT – Natural justice – Appeal from an order of VCAT - Reasonable excuse for not attending the hearing)
ACN 115 918 959 Pty Ltd v Moulieris [2021] VCAT 1136 (Led by R Craig QC (as his Honour then was), briefed by Gadens) (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 - Section 76 - Dismissal for want of prosecution - Section 78 - Conduct of proceeding causing disadvantage)
Mortgage Finance Options Pty Ltd v Uniq Finance Australia Pty Ltd (No 2) [2020] VCC 555 (Unled) (Costs - Offer of compromise - Calderbank offer - Costs on an indemnity basis)
RNB Equities Pty Ltd v Credit Suisse Investment Services (Australia) Ltd [2019] FCA 760 (Led by G Bigmore QC, briefed by Logie-Smith Lanyon) (Jurisdiction - Market manipulation - Breach of PDS - Whether "matter" arising under legislation - Accrued jurisdiction - Whether common substratum of facts)
RNB Equities Pty Ltd v Credit Suisse Investment Services (Australia) Limited (No 2) [2019] FCA 1385 (Led by M Goldblatt, briefed by Logie-Smith Lanyon) (Strike out application – Alternative claim for particulars)
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.
Chris practises mainly in commercial law, equity and trusts law, and public law. He also has experience in anti-discrimination matters. Chris has advised and appeared on behalf of corporations, government bodies and individuals in a range of courts and tribunals, at both trial and appellate level.
Before coming to the Bar, Chris worked as a senior associate to the Honourable Chief Justice Marilyn Warren AC and the Honourable Justice Melanie Sloss at the Supreme Court of Victoria, as a solicitor at Allens working on tax and intellectual property litigation, and as an associate to the Honourable Justice Susan Kenny AM at the Federal Court of Australia.
Chris completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours at the University of Melbourne, where he graduated second in his LLB cohort. He is proficient in French and spent an exchange semester at the Université Jean Moulin Lyon III during his studies. In 2017, Chris completed a Bachelor of Civil Law at Balliol College, Oxford.
Chris is the secretary of not-for-profit association BottledSnail Productions Inc and a reporter for the Victorian Reports. He read with Jonathan Kirkwood SC and was a member of the Victorian Bar’s Pro Bono Committee for seven years.
Matters in which Chris has been briefed include:
Commercial and corporations law
Equity and trusts law
Taxation law
Public law
Discrimination and employment/industrial law
Advice
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Callum accepts briefs in commercial and common law matters, and has a particular interest in disputes involving regulated commercial relationships, such as retail leases, Security of Payment Act disputes, and licences and permits.
Before coming to the bar, Callum was associate to first Justice Osborn and then Justice Riordan where he was involved in proceedings in every division of the Supreme Court of Victoria, including the Court of Appeal.
He was awarded both the Supreme Court Prize and the Dean's Medal (Law) in his final year at La Trobe University, graduating with first class Honours.
Callum has tutored and assessed law students, including the subjects of Remedies, Tort Law, Contract Law, Property Law, Statutory Interpretation, Public Law, and Family Law.
He regularly operates with electronic briefs, and prefers to do so where feasible.
Callum read with Samuel Hopper. His senior mentor is Ian Waller QC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Simon Grant was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland on 16 June, 1997, a Barrister of the High Court of Australia on the 29th January, 1999 and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales on 17th March, 2003. He has completed Mediation Training at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2001.
Simon accepts instructions from Solicitors to appear and/or advise in the areas of practice listed, in preliminary disputes, in hearings and trials at first instance and in appeals. He also accepts briefs from in-house corporate counsel. Simon is available to act as a mediator or to appear for parties in mediations. He has extensive experience representing parties in mediations.
Simon is co-author of the LexisNexis loose-leaf and online service Civil Liability Australia with Richard Douglas KC and Gerry Mullins KC, as well as being co-author of the Annotated Civil Liability Legislation Queensland (from the 1st edition to the current 6th edition).
Previously a tutor at the Queensland University of Technology in 2002/2003, Mr Grant has also been involved in the QUT Alumni mentor program and is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association.
Cal has a broad practice in public law spanning first instance and appellate matters. Cal also accepts briefs in some commercial law, common law and industrial law matters.
He has appeared in the High Court (special leave, led), the Federal Court (led and unled), the FCFCA (led and unled), the Supreme Court of Victoria (Court of Appeal and Trial Division, led and unled), the Supreme Court of Queensland (Trial Division, led), the County Court of Victoria (unled), the VCAT (led and unled), the AAT (led) and the Coroner’s Court of Victoria (led and unled).
Cal also has experience acting for CEOs, senior executives, and Ministers of the Crown called before boards of inquiry, parliamentary inquires, regulators (e.g., APRA), anti-corruption commissions (e.g., IBAC) and ombudsmen, including when subject to compulsory examination.
Cal holds an LLM (Public Law) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (2012 to 2013), where he studied as a Chevening Scholar, and was awarded the Stanley De Smith Prize for the best overall performance in the public law specialism. In his undergraduate studies, Cal was awarded the Dean’s Merit List Award in Law.
Cal read with Nick Wood S.C., and his senior mentor was Sturt Glacken K.C.
Before coming to the Bar, Cal was Deputy General Counsel/Senior Adviser to the then Premier of Victoria (2016 to 2021), an adviser at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2014 to 2016), and a solicitor in the commercial team at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers (2011 to 2012).
Cal currently sits on the Indigenous Justice Committee of the Victorian Bar, and is a member of Koiki Mabo Chambers.
For a sample list of cases and inquiries, click here.
From 7 May 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Bruce practices in the areas of appellate, building/construction, commercial litigation, equity and trusts, estate litigation, industrial/employment, insurance, public/administrative law and workers compensation.
Bruce practices across Victoria and Tasmania. He joined the bar in Tasmania in 2005 and was appointed silk in 2013. Prior to joining the bar he spent 19 years as a barrister and solicitor doing most of his own appearance work across a broad range of litigation areas.
Bruce is a member of the Advocacy Training Council and coaches on the Advanced Advocacy and Essential Trial Advocacy courses run by the Australian Bar Association.
Jonathan practises in commercial law, public law, industrial law and torts, including in numerous class actions. He has advised and appeared at trial and appellate level for a diverse range of clients including corporations, government agencies, unions and individuals.
Before coming to the Bar, he worked as Chief of Staff to Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McClelland, as a Senior Associate in Commercial Dispute Resolution at Holding Redlich Lawyers, and as an Associate to Justice Michael Moore at the Federal Court.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons I) from the University of Sydney, and a Bachelor of Science with a double major in mathematics and physics from the University of Melbourne. He also has a Diploma of French Language from the University of Strasbourg, and studied Mandarin at Fudan University in Shanghai.
Jonathan's litigation experience includes handling complex scientific and engineering expert evidence in a range of proceedings.
He read with Bernie Quinn KC.
Matters in which he has acted have included:
Commercial law
Acting for the defendant in a securities class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning oil and gas reserves and production: Nelson v Beach Energy Ltd (2025-), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Acting as court-appointed contradictor in an application for approval of the settlement of a Federal Court class action concerning superannuation trustee duties: Janssen & Anor v OnePath Custodians Pty Ltd & Ors (2025-)
Acting for the respondent retailer in a class action in the Federal Court concerning discount pricing: Demery v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 1016, instructed by Allens
Acting as court-appointed contradictor in an application for approval of the settlement of a Federal Court class action concerning a financial planning network: Equity Financial Planners Pty Ltd v AMP Financial Planning Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 1036
Acting for the defendants in product liability class actions in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning motor vehicle diesel engine emissions: El Helou v Mercedez-Benz Australia-Pacific Pty Ltd & Ors [2025] VSC 211; Wawryk & Anor v Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd & Anor [2024] VSC 120, 186, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Acting for the defendant in a securities class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning US regulatory action in the pharmaceutical industry: Hillman v Mayne Pharma Group Ltd [2024] VSC 786, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the respondent bank and insurers in a class action in the Federal Court claiming misleading or deceptive conduct, financial product advice contraventions, unconscionable conduct and restitution for mistake, in connection with consumer credit insurance products: Reilly & Anor v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd & Ors [2020] FCA 1609, 1502, 436, led by Michael Borsky KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for a respondent bank in a class action in the Federal Court alleging cartel conduct in the foreign exchange market: J Wisbey & Associates Pty Ltd v UBS AG & Ors [2021] FCA 36, led by Wendy Harris KC and Michael Borsky KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the CITIC parties in several proceedings relating to the Sino Iron Project:
- Proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia alleging breaches of contract concerning proposals under a State Agreement: Sino Iron Pty Ltd & Ors v Mineralogy Pty Ltd & Anor [2025] WASC 168, 154, 131, 130, 25; [2024] WASC 242, 322, 413, 486; [2024] WASCA 168, with Noel Hutley SC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
- Proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia involving various tortious and contractual claims concerning litigation relating to the Sino Iron Project: Mineralogy Pty Ltd & Anor v Dillon & Ors [2024] WASC 322, with Steven Finch SC, instructed by Allens
- Proceedings initially in the Federal Court and subsequently in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Western Australia involving claims in contract, estoppel and under the Australian Consumer Law concerning proposals under a State Agreement: Sino Iron Pty Ltd & Ors v Mineralogy Pty Ltd & Ors [2019] FCA 675, [2020] WASC 311, [2021] WASC 475, 473, 451, 384, 170, [2022] WASC 476, 475, 474, 473, 472, 471, 46, 25, [2023] WASC 192, 96, 56, led by John Karkar KC, Stephen Parmenter KC and Stephen Free SC (Supreme Court), and Noel Hutley SC (Court of Appeal), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
- Proceedings in the Court of Appeal of Western Australia and the High Court involving a contractual dispute relating to a magnetite production royalty: Sino Iron Pty Ltd & Ors v Mineralogy Pty Ltd [2019] WASCA 80, [2020] HCATrans 10, led by Alan Archibald KC and Charles Scerri KC (Court of Appeal), and Justin Gleeson SC (High Court), instructed by Allens
- Proceedings in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Western Australia involving a contractual dispute concerning a Site Remediation Fund, and an application to replace a trustee: Mineralogy Pty Ltd v Sino Iron Pty Ltd & Ors [2021] WASC 45, [2022] WASCA 162, led by Kanaga Dharmananda SC, instructed by Allens
- Proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia concerning a contractual indemnity: Palmer v CITIC Ltd [No 7] [2023] WASC 202, led by John Karkar KC, instructed by Allens
Acting for a respondent bank in a class action in the Federal Court alleging breaches of contract and unconscionable conduct in relation to 7-Eleven franchises: Davaria v 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd & Ors [2020] FCA 1234, led by Michael O'Bryan QC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for a bidco in a scheme of arrangement proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria: Re Zenitas Healthcare Ltd (2018), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the respondent bank in Federal Court proceedings concerning responsible lending obligations in the context of motor vehicle finance: Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd [2018] FCA 155, led by Alan Archibald KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for several defendants in two securities class actions in the Federal Court concerning accounting and forecast financial information in the dairy industry, and trustee obligations of a responsible entity: Webster v Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Ltd & Ors [2018] FCA 990; [2017] FCA 1260, 995; Endeavour River Pty Ltd v MG Responsible Entity Ltd [2020] FCA 968, led by Wendy Harris KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the applicants in two securities class actions in the Federal Court concerning forecast financial information relating to an infant milk formula business: McKay Super Solutions Pty Ltd (Trustee) and Basil v Bellamy’s Australia Ltd [2017] FCA 947, [2020] FCA 461, led by Rachel Doyle SC and John Sheahan KC, instructed by Slater + Gordon and Maurice Blackburn
Acting for the respondent in a securities class action in the Federal Court concerning accounting and forecast financial information relating to a facilities services business: Court v Spotless Group Holdings Ltd [2020] FCA 1730, led by Michael Garner, instructed by Colin Biggers & Paisley
Acting for a retailer in relation to an Australian Securities and Investments Commission investigation and infringement notice concerning continuous disclosure (2017), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for a law firm in Federal Court proceedings relating to the approval of a settlement of a managed investment scheme class action: Kelly v Willmott Forests Ltd (2017), led by Richard Attiwill QC, instructed by Macpherson Kelley
Acting for the respondent gold mining company in a securities class action in the Federal Court concerning gold production outlook and impairment assessments: Earglow Pty Ltd v Newcrest Mining Ltd (2015-2016), led by Wendy Harris KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills (settled)
Torts
Acting for the State of Western Australia in several individual and representative proceedings in the Federal Court alleging false imprisonment, negligence, assault, battery and breaches of anti-discrimination legislation in relation to detention facilities: Walters, BIJ23, EIX20, EIY20 v State of Western Australia (2025-), instructed by Norton Rose Fulbright
Acting for the Commonwealth in an application in the Federal Court for approval of the settlement of the Robodebt class action appeal: Prygodicz & Ors v Commonwealth of Australia (2025-), with Richard Knowles KC, instructed by Thomson Geer
Acting for the Commonwealth in a class action in the Federal Court alleging negligence, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office and race discrimination in relation to people smuggling boat crew: Yasmin v Commonwealth of Australia [2025] FCA 123; [2023] FCA 1661, instructed by Australian Government Solicitor
Acting for a proposed defendant in defamation proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning a limitation period: Johnston v Holland [2017] VSC 448, instructed by Slater + Gordon
Acting for a third party medical services provider in a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria in proceedings alleging negligence and false imprisonment relating to the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre: Kamasaee v Commonwealth of Australia & Ors (2017), led by Richard Attiwill QC, instructed by Barry Nilsson Lawyers (settled)
Acting for a defendant electricity distribution company in a class action in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleging negligence, breach of statutory duty and nuisance in connection with the 2014 Mickleham bushfire: Williams v AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd & Ors (2016-2017), led by Michael Wheelahan QC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills (settled)
Acting for a former football player in relation to claims against Essendon Football Club and the Australian Football League arising from the Essendon supplements program (2016), instructed by Schetzer Constantinou (settled)
Acting for the plaintiff in defamation proceedings in the County Court of Victoria concerning a limitation period: Van Garderen v Channel Seven Melbourne Pty Ltd & Ors [2016] VCC 953, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for a defendant electricity distribution company in three class actions in the Supreme Court of Victoria alleging negligence, breach of statutory duty and nuisance in connection with the 2009 Beechworth, Kilmore East-Kinglake and Murrindindi bushfires: Mercieca v SPI Electricity Pty Ltd & Ors (2012), led by Jonathan Beach QC (settled); Matthews v SPI Electricity Pty Ltd & Ors (2012-2014), led by Jonathan Beach QC and Bernie Quinn KC (settled following 208 day trial); Rowe v AusNet Electricity Services Pty Ltd & Ors (2014-2015), led by Philip Solomon KC and Bernie Quinn KC (settled), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for a defendant litigation funder and its managing director in defamation proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria and Court of Appeal: Barrow v McLernon & IMF (Australia) Ltd [2012] VSC 134 and 313, led by Stephen O'Meara QC, instructed by Arnold Bloch Leibler
Acting for a former Victorian Government Minister defending defamation proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria: Lovell v Holding (2011-2012), led by Georgina Schoff KC, instructed by Holding Redlich (settled)
Acting for a financial advisory firm and its officers in proceedings in the ACT Supreme Court involving allegations of defamation and misuse of confidential information: Taylor v Dixon Advisory Ltd & Ors (2009-2011), led by Jeremy Ruskin KC, instructed by Slater + Gordon (settled)
Public law
Acting for the applicant in a Federal Court class action against the Commonwealth under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) concerning the Community Development Program (2025-), instructed by Maurice Blackburn
Acting for the Commonwealth in Federal Court and High Court proceedings under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) concerning the age pension: Fisher v Commonwealth of Australia [2023] FCAFC 106, 181, [2024] HCASL 58, 59, led by Jenny Firkin KC (Federal Court), Stephen Donaghue KC (High Court), instructed by Australian Government Solicitor
Acting for the Commonwealth respondents in Federal Court proceedings concerning legal representation in class action proceedings: Paschke v Secretary, Department of Social Services [2023] FCAFC 143, instructed by Australian Government Solicitor
Acting for a respondent wind farm operator in Federal Court proceedings alleging breaches of the National Electricity Rules in connection with the 2016 South Australian blackout: Australian Energy Regulator v Pacific Hydro Clements Gap Pty Ltd [2021] FCA 733, led by Philip Solomon KC, instructed by Allens
Acting for the defendants in two proceedings in the Victorian Supreme Court and Court of Appeal concerning political party preselection and disciplinary processes: Asmar v Albanese [2021] VSC 782, 672, 334, 324, 263, [2022] VSCA 19; Kairouz v Bracks [2021] VSC 783, 671, 130, led by Peter Willis SC and Tony Lang, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for a union in freedom of information proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal concerning access to a report of an inquiry in the TAFE sector: Department of Education and Training v Australian Education Union [2019] VCAT 1667, instructed by the AEU
Acting for the defendants in a proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning a political party preselection: Barker v Australian Labor Party & Ors [2018] VSC 596, 646, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for the Secretary to the Department of Justice and Regulation in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Court of Appeal opposing a judicial review application to restrain the conduct of the VEOHRC Independent Equity and Diversity Review of the Country Fire Authority and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade: United Firefighters’ Union v VEOHRC & Anor [2018] VSCA 252; [2017] VSC 773, led by Melinda Richards SC, instructed by Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office
Advising Victorian Government agencies on various constitutional and legislative issues (2016-2017, 2020), with Kristen Walker QC and Richard Niall QC, Solicitors-General for Victoria, instructed by Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office
Acting for several third parties in freedom of information proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal concerning access to commercial information: Medibank Private Ltd v Alfred Health & Ors (2017), instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills (settled)
Acting for the applicant in freedom of information proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal concerning access to research data: Johnson v Cancer Council Victoria [2016] VCAT 1596, led by Charles Scerri KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the Commonwealth in Federal Court proceedings concerning the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth): CW3 v Commonwealth of Australia (2014), led by Stephen Donaghue KC, instructed by Australian Government Solicitor (settled)
Acting for the appellant union in High Court proceedings concerning the constitutional validity and statutory interpretation of retrospective legislation: Australian Education Union v General Manager of Fair Work Australia [2012] HCA 19, led by Peter Hanks KC, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for the respondent Members of Parliament in election petition proceedings in the Federal Court under the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth): Green v Bradbury [2011] FCA 71, Freemantle v O'Neill [2011] FCA 72, led by Bret Walker SC and Tony Lang, instructed by Slater + Gordon
Acting for a defendant in an injunction application in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning a political party preselection: Jackson v Bitar [2011] VSC 11, led by Kristine Hanscombe KC, instructed by Holding Redlich
Industrial law
Acting for an employer organisation in an application to vary the General Retail Industry Award: Application by the Australian Retailers Association [2024] FWCFB 197, 251, instructed by King & Wood Mallesons
Acting for certain respondent franchisees in a class action in the Federal Court concerning paid breaks in the fast food industry: Singh v Kentucky Fried Chicken Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 1180, instructed by Clifford Chance
Acting for a respondent labour hire company in a class action in the Federal Court concerning casual employment: Ridge v Hays Specialist Recruitment (Australia) Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 328, instructed by Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Acting for the applicant income protection insurer in Federal Court proceedings involving claims under the ASIC Act: ATC Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd v United Firefighters' Union of Australia [2023] FCA 566, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for several teachers in Federal Court proceedings under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) concerning reasonable adjustments: Dunwill & Ors v Secretary to the Department of Education and Training (2019-), instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for the respondent in a class action and regulatory proceeding in the Federal Court alleging underpayment under the General Retail Industry Award: Pabalan v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd and Fair Work Ombudsman v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FCA 1092; [2021] FCA 118, led by Rachel Doyle SC and Marc Felman KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the respondent labour hire companies in two class actions in the Federal Court concerning casual employment: Turner v TESA Mining (NSW) Pty Ltd & Ors [2019] FCA 1644, [2022] FCA 151 and Hill v Skilled Workforce Solutions (NSW) Pty Ltd (2019-), led by Paul O'Grady KC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills
Acting for the applicant teacher in a proceeding in the Federal Court alleging breaches of an enterprise agreement concerning fixed term employment at a TAFE institute: Kappes v Goulburn Ovens Institute of Technical and Further Education (2017-18), instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for the respondent union in an application by a university in the Fair Work Commission to terminate an enterprise agreement: Murdoch University [2017] FWCA 4472; and for the respondent union and its officers in Federal Court proceedings concerning enterprise bargaining: Murdoch University v National Tertiary Education Industry Union & Ors [2017] FCA 1507, led by Richard Attiwill QC, instructed by Maurice Blackburn
Acting for the applicant Commonwealth regulator in civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court alleging breaches of statutory governance obligations by the Health Services Union and its former officers: General Manager of the Fair Work Commission v Thomson [2015] FCA 308 and 1001, led by Stephen Donaghue KC, instructed by Corrs Chambers Westgarth; and General Manager of Fair Work Australia v Health Services Union & Ors [2014] FCA 970, led by Stephen Donaghue KC, instructed by Australian Government Solicitor
Acting for the applicant union in an application in the Fair Work Commission for a majority support determination relating to editorial staff in the Australian Football League's media operation, AFL Media: Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance v Australian Football League [2014] FWC 8898, instructed by Maurice Blackburn
Acting for the applicant Commonwealth regulator in civil penalty proceedings in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria alleging underpayment of award wages and record-keeping contraventions by a 7-Eleven franchisee affecting employees on international student visas: Fair Work Ombudsman v Bosen Pty Ltd & Ors [2011] VMC 21, instructed by Maurice Blackburn and FWO
Acting for the applicant Commonwealth regulator in civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Magistrates' Court alleging underpayment of award wages affecting employees on 457 visas and apprentices: Fair Work Ombudsman v Taj Palace Tandoori Indian Restaurant Pty Ltd [2012] FMCA 258, instructed by FWO; Fair Work Ombudsman v Bottcher [2010] FMCA 956, instructed by FCB Workplace Law
Acting for the applicant forensic scientist in Federal Court proceedings against the Chief Commissioner of Police seeking an injunction against suspension from employment under the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic): Quinn v Overland [2010] FCA 799, led by Rachel Doyle SC, instructed by Maurice Blackburn
Acting for the respondent employer in proceedings in Fair Work Australia concerning a dismissal based on redundancy: Nichols v Hoad Fabrics Corp Pty Ltd [2010] FWA 6205, instructed by Holding Redlich
Acting for the respondent employee in appeal proceedings in Fair Work Australia concerning the power to grant permission to appeal: GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd v Makin [2010] FWAFB 5343, instructed by the National Union of Workers
From 04 Jun 2009, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Lachlan practices in revenue, foreign investment and commercial law. He specialises in taxation and the foreign investment (FIRB) regime.
He frequently acts for the Commonwealth as well as private clients.
Lachlan has appeared in a wide range of disputes in the High Court, Full Federal Court, Federal Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as Royal Commissions.
Lachlan practices in Australian foreign investment law (FIRB) matters, having been involved in drafting the current Act, is the co-author of Thomson Reuters' "Foreign Investment Law" publication, appeared in all recent Federal Court cases involving FIRB breaches and advised on many hundreds of FIRB application and compliance matters.
He has appeared in many taxation trials and appeals in Australia, including in the High Court. He specialises particularly in anti-avoidance and transfer pricing matters, tax treaty disputes and other international tax matters.
He advises on commercial and corporations law matters, including equity and trust law, contract, oppression and ASIC regulatory disputes.
Immediately before coming to the Bar, Lachlan was in the Commonwealth Treasury Portfolio, covering taxation, foreign investment (FIRB) and corporations law. He was involved with the development of Commonwealth legislative reforms, including the development of the Multinational Anti-avoidance Law and Diverted Profits Tax to counter avoidance schemes.
Prior to that he was a solicitor at an international firm advising on taxation and commercial disputes in Australia.
He has graduated with two Masters with Distinction from the University of Oxford (including winning the prize for best overall performance in the Masters of Taxation; and prize for best tax research paper). He has a Bachelors in Laws and Engineering from the University of Melbourne. He was a Pegasus Scholar.
He is the Treasurer and an executive board director of the Law Council of Australia and has been a member of the Victorian Bar Council.
Lachlan has a deep interest in heritage and heritage law and is Chair of the National Trusts of Australia and Chair of the National Trust of Victoria, two community organisations.
He is a Senior Fellow of the Law School of the University of Melbourne, teaching corporations and taxation subjects in the Masters of Law and Juris Doctorate programs, including the Tax Avoidance masters subject taught jointly with former justices Hon Tony Pagone AM KC and Hon Jennifer Davies KC. He also takes the tax subject in the Bar Readers' course.
Lachlan is a member of Lincoln's Inn, London; and maintains chambers there at Field Court Tax Chambers, one of the world's highest ranked tax law sets.
Lachlan read with Eugene Wheelahan QC and Allan Myers AC QC.
Recently published cases in which Lachlan has appeared:
Commercial and equity/trust matters
Keybridge Capital Limited v WAM Active Limited [2023] FCAFC 194
M C Wholesaling v Zheng [2024] VSCA 248
Parker v Auswild; Bergmuller v Auswild [2022] VSCA 8; (2022) 403 ALR 111
Cant v Mad Brothers Earthmoving Pty Ltd [2020] VSCA 198; 63 VR 222
Watkins v Tatana [2023] FCA 248
Porter & Anor v Mulcahy Co Accounting Services Pty Ltd & Ors (No 6) [2024] VSC 6
Re Legal Super Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 545
Ultra Tune Australia Pty Ltd v Cole & Anor [2023] VSC 700
Timeless Sunrise Pty Ltd v BigJ Enterprises Pty Ltd (No 10) [2023] VSC 524
Bignaches Pty Ltd v Access Strata Management Pty Ltd (Costs) [2022] VSC 793
In the matter of Access Strata Management Pty Ltd & Ors [2022] VSC 639
Timeless Sunrise Pty Ltd v BigJ Enterprises (No 3) [2022] VSC 499
Timeless Sunrise Pty Ltd v BigJ Enterprises (No 7) [2022] VSC 549
Ian Morris v Victorian Farmers Federation [2022] VSC 407
Rita Troiano v Ross Voci & Ors [2021] VSC 851
Porter & Anor v Mulcahy & Co Accounting Services Pty Ltd & Ors [2021] VSC 572
JAB Nominees (Aust) Pty Ltd v Auswild [2021] VSC 275; (2021) 152 ACSR 618
JAB Nominees (Aust) Pty Ltd v Auswild & Ors [2020] VSC 731
Porter v Mulcahy & Co Accounting Services Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 430
Ran Bi v Yingde Investments Pty Ltd [2019] VSC 324
Troiano v Voci [2019] VSC 859
In the matter of Erfanian Developments Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 342
Wildorm Pty Ltd v Greg Hocking Altona Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VCC 96
Carlig v M H Heath & M P Jones (t/as Allmand Jones & Partners) [2019] VCC 1175
Taxation and revenue matters
Sharpcan v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] HCA 36; (2019) 269 CLR 370
Watson v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] HCASL 224
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] FCAFC 197; (2021) 114 ATR 1
Victoria Power Networks Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] FCAFC 169; (2020) 281 FCR 318
Watson v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] FCAFC 92; (2020) 277 FCR 253
Hart v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCAFC 179; (2020) 272 FCR 612
Clifford v Tax Practitioners Board (No 2) [2024] FCA 557
Hilton International Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2023] FCA 1504
Makrylos v Commissioner of Taxation [2023] FCA 971
Commissioner of Taxation v Balasubramaniyan [2022] FCA 374
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] FCA 108; (2021) 112 ATR 752
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation (No 2) [2021] FCA 267
Watson as trustee for the Murrindindi Bushfire Class Action Settlement Fund v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCA 228; (2019) 109 ATR 794
Paule v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCA 394
Ammouche v Chief Commissioner of Police [2018] FCA 1703; (2018) 266 FCR 430
Premier Bay Pty Ltd v Commissioner of State Revenue [2024] VSC 447
Jeff Lunn and Gregoriades Sofocleous & Associates Pty Ltd and Tax Practitioners Board [2025] ARTA 2654
Auz Taxation and Tax Practitioners Board [2025] ARTA 1711
PCQT and Commissioner of Taxation [2025] ARTA 1873
Lunn and Tax Practitioners Board [2025] ARTA 697
Hall and Commissioner of Taxation [2025] ARTA 600
Shugai and Commissioner of Taxation [2024] AATA 3619
Clifford and Tax Practitioners Board [2023] AATA 2068
Bolton and Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2021] AATA 5293
From 03 May 2018, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Since coming to the Victorian Bar, Justin has practised primarily in criminal, civil, commercial and family law matters including the provision of advice in native title, banking & finance, OH&S and environment protection matters. Appearing regularly for the Defence and the Crown in both State and Commonwealth matters in the Victorian Court of Appeal, Supreme, County and Magistrates' Courts conducting appeals, bail applications, pleas, appeals, subpoena hearings, committals, IVO and IVO appeals, interlocutory appeals, special hearings, ground rules hearings, contests and trials. Justin has also appeared in coronial inquests, civil contests, commercial matters including winding up applications in the Federal and Supreme Courts and VCAT's, administrative and civil divisions in the review and regulation, retail tenancy, human rights, owners corporation, residential tenancy and guardianship and administration lists.
More recently, Justin has been appearing in the Sydney and Melbourne registries in both property and parenting matters, to conduct interim applications and trials for all types of property matters involving partnerships, companies, trusts, spousal maintenance, relocation, recovery orders and litigation funding hearings in the Family and Federal Circuit Court, and has acted as a Court appointed mediator and an Independent children's lawyer in family law matters. He has also been appearing in the County and Supreme Court, in relation to occupational health and safety appeals instituted by the DPP, drug importations, sexual offences, murder and assault trials including fitness to be tried Special Hearings pursuant to the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act . He has conducted out of hours emergency bail applications in the Supreme Court's criminal division and has appeared in the Court of Appeal, criminal division to present appeals against conviction and sentence and interlocutory appeals. Justin has also appeared in the commercial division of the Supreme Court to conduct property disputes and in the judicial review and appeals list.
Since the pandemic commenced, Justin has maintained a practice online, and in person in the commercial, criminal and family law jurisdictions to conduct interim applications, mediations and trials, including appearances in the Federal Court of Australia to conduct Bankruptcy matters and the provision of advice in relation exclusion and restraining orders, pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Justin completed his articles of clerkship as a prosecutor, with the Office of Solicitor to the Environment Protection Authority in 2006 and then spent a year working as a native title solicitor in the Yamatji (Midwest) region of Western Australia with the Yamatji Land and Sea Council. In 2007, he practiced as a solicitor advocate, in the criminal law division of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service regularly appearing in the Koori Court. In 2008, Justin worked as a commercial solicitor in Melbourne at two boutique commercial law firms. Justin has also practised in the Children’s Court in child protection matters and worked as a volunteer solicitor with the Western Suburbs Legal Service. In 2009-2010, Justin practised in Broome with the Kimberley Land Council on native title, criminal and commercial law matters.
Prior to embarking on a legal career, Justin spent some years working in the Australian and Japanese hospitality industry, which culminated in a variety of positions as a Japanese interpreter, translator and tour guide. Justin worked as an interpreter and translator for CBS television at the Nagano Winter Olympic Games in 1998 and for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the World Exposition in, Nagoya in 2005.
Justin holds a current Indictable Crime Certificate.
A list of reported cases Justin has appeared in can be obtained from Austlii.
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.
Perry frequently appears in the High Court and intermediate appellate courts, as well as at the trial level in various jurisdictions.
He is a co-author of Interpretation (3rd ed, 2024), a leading text on interpretation in public and private law, and Nygh’s Conflict of Laws in Australia (11th ed, 2026), a leading text on private international law. He is the editor of the New South Wales Law Reports. He is also a fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Perry was an Associate to the Hon Justice Susan Crennan of the High Court of Australia. Before his Associateship, Perry was a lawyer in the litigation department at Allens Arthur Robinson.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Phil practises in commercial and public law.
In public law, Phil has appeared in both judicial and merits review matters at all levels. He has expertise in professional regulation, particularly in the regulation of health practitioners, as well as environmental law and general administrative law cases (from licensing to patent matters). Phil has taught public law subjects at the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University.
In commercial law, Phil has a broad practice including insurance, sale of business and general contractual matters.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Phil was a commercial and public litigation solicitor at Ashurst and Browne & Co in Melbourne, a Principal Legal Policy Officer in the Department of Justice in Victoria, and Associate to the Honourable Justice Habersberger in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Phil also practised in the United Kingdom with Richard Buxton Environmental and Public Law, with whom he instructed at the Supreme Court, and at the Compliance Committee for the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters at the United Nations in Geneva.
From 17 May 2013, liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Available as a mediator.
Kalia practices primarily in commercial and public law.
Before coming to the Bar, Kalia was an associate to the Hon Justice Gleeson of the High Court of Australia, associate to the Hon Justice Elliott of the Supreme Court of Victoria and a solicitor in commercial litigation at Allens.
Kalia holds a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford, for which she was awarded a full scholarship. She graduated second in her cohort from the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne.
Some recent cases in which Kalia has been briefed to appear are as follows.
Commercial law
Public law
Kalia has an interest in a diverse range of other areas, including financial crime and common law.
Kalia read with Kateena O’Gorman SC. Her senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Annette accepts briefs in a broad range of commercial matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Annette was a partner in the litigation team of a leading national law firm where she gained experience in banking and finance, commercial and consumer law, insolvency, regulatory law and securities.
Annette read with Sam Rosewarne KC and her senior mentor is Hamish Austin KC.
Annette served as a member of the Victorian Bar New Barristers' Committee in 2023 and as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee in 2024.
Some matters in which Annette has been briefed since coming to the Bar include:
From 22 Oct 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Meg’s principal areas of practice comprise commercial, common law, property, equity & trusts, insurance law and torts.
Meg has a busy trial and advice practice. She appears in all state courts and tribunals and the federal court.
Meg accepts direct briefs (including from in-house counsel).
Meg is a member of the Executive of the Commercial Bar Association and a member of the Bar’s Pro-Bono Committee. She is a former member of the Victorian Bar Council; the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of the Victorian Bar; and the Counsel Committee of the Victorian Bar.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Meg was a solicitor at Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons). Meg has an honours degree in Philosophy. At University, she was an accomplished mooter and debater and won the World University Debating Championships.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Retired in March 2026