Adrian is an advocate practising in sports law, disciplinary tribunals and appeals, defamation, suppression orders, contempt, common law/personal injuries, criminal and general commercial law. He brings to the Bar experience as a senior executive in major professional sport.
A former partner of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Adrian was General Manager of Football Operations of the AFL from 2004-2012 establishing the AFL’s integrity unit, tribunal system and heading negotiations such as the Collective Bargaining Agreement. At Corrs, he was the principal media law advisor to the Herald Sun and 3AW. He also acted for the AFL Players’ Association, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, Greyhound Racing Victoria, and professional athletes in disciplinary matters, anti-doping cases and contractual disputes.
Immediately prior to joining the Bar, Adrian:
He has recently appeared in:
He is a Vice President of the Melbourne Cricket Club, a Cricket Australia Conduct Commissioner, and Member of the Rules Committee of Harness Racing Australia.
Recent matters in which Adrian has appeared include:
Sports and other disciplinary matters and inquiries:
Defamation/ACL/injurious falsehood/suppression orders/commercial
Crime
Common law/personal injury
From 15 May 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Since 1987 I have practised in the Supreme and Federal Courts (at both trial and appellate level) and in arbitrations involving complex commercial disputes, banking/insolvency, corporations matters, Trade Practices Act/Australian Consumer Law matters, equity, partnership and property matters joint venture disputes, and various regulatory authority disputes.
Over the years, I have acted for many private litigants and public bodies, ASX listed entities, financial institutions, liquidators and regulators including ASIC, ACCC and APRA. I have appeared in various proceedings arising out of corporate collapses including the fraud perpetrated on the Bank of Melbourne; the collapse of the Bell Group Companies (and Bond Corporation Holdings Limited); Lehman Brothers, the Westpoint Group, the Pyramid Building Society Group, the Estate Mortgage Group, Ansett Airlines;
and the Harris Scarfe Group and others; the Waterfront Dispute between Patrick Stevedores Pty Ltd and the Maritime Union of Australia. I have regularly led teams of counsel and solicitors in complex litigation.
Doyle’s Guide 2016 – 2025
Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Senior Counsel 2024
Leading Commercial Litigation Dispute Resolution Senior Counsel 2025
Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Senior Counsel 2025
Legal 500
Commercial DisputesOther Appointments/Interests
President Victorian Bar Council 2014- 2015
Past Chairman of Victorian Bar Audit & Finance Committee; Past Member Ethics
Committee of the Victorian Bar; Counsel Committee of the Victorian Bar.
Member of Practicing Past Chairman Committee Victorian Bar
Past Director of Victoria Law Foundation (2019 – 2014)
AOC Appeals Tribunal for the 2020 Australian Olympic Team; Rowing – Permanent
Chair, Rowing Australia Selection Appeals Board since 2017
Director Legal Super Pty Ltd (2021 - )
Chairman Legal Super Investment Committee (2024 - )
From 18/06/2009, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Julia has a broad practice that includes commercial law, public law, native title, criminal law and industrial disputes. She has appeared in trial and appellate matters, led and unled, across those areas.
Prior to the Bar, Julia was an Associate to the Hon Justice Nettle AC in the High Court in 2018 and to the Hon Chief Justice Warren AC in the Supreme Court in 2015 to 2016. She was previously a Principal Solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions and a solicitor in the Litigation and Victoria Police branches of the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Statistics) and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours; Supreme Court Prize) from the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (Distinction) from the University of Oxford. She has lectured in Remedies and Torts in the JD program at Melbourne Law School.
Cases in which Julia has appeared include:
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.
On 21 April 2026, appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Fiona has a broad national practice as an advocate and adviser, in private and public law matters.
She practises principally in taxation law (federal and state), commercial law, regulatory law and administrative law, at trial and appellate level.
Fiona has previously been listed as a leading administrative and public law barrister in Victoria in Doyle's Guide.
Fiona is a former Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (2012-2017). She is a member of the International Association of Tax Judges.
Fiona is also a former Senior Fellow at Melbourne Law School (2002, 2004-2005).
Alannah practises in public law, employment law, industrial relations and occupational health and safety law. She also accepts briefs in regulatory matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Alannah was a Senior Solicitor (Human Rights team) in the Public Law Branch of the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office, where she advised on a range of issues arising under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic). Alannah also advised on issues of administrative decision-making, constitutional law and statutory interpretation.
Earlier, Alannah worked as a Senior Associate in the Workplace Relations & Safety team at Lander & Rogers, where she advised and represented clients in general employment, industrial, discrimination and occupational health and safety matters.
Alannah also served as an Associate to the Honourable Justice Richards of the Supreme Court of Victoria (now a Judge of the Court of Appeal).
Since coming to the Bar, Alannah has appeared in the Federal Court of Australia, Supreme Court of Victoria, County Court of Victoria, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Fair Work Commission. She has represented State parties, companies, unions and individuals. She has also been briefed in coronial inquests.
For a list of published cases in which Alannah has appeared, click here.
Alannah read with Sarala Fitzgerald SC. Her senior mentors are Jonathan Kirkwood SC and Kylie Evans KC.
*Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation
Claire has a broad practice that includes class actions, general commercial law, public law and quasi-criminal law.
Before coming to the Bar, Claire was a Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer working in class actions and general commercial disputes.
Claire also previously practised as a trial division solicitor at the Office of Public Prosecutions, and was an Associate to the Hon Justice Nettle AC at the High Court of Australia.
Claire holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours; University Medal in Law) from the University of Tasmania. She also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law (Dist) from the University of Oxford, where she was awarded the Rupert Cross Prize in Evidence.
Claire is an author of Zuckerman on Australian Civil Procedure: Principles of Practice (LexisNexis, 2023), and has lectured in Administrative Law, Tort Law and Remedies across the University of Melbourne JD and University of Tasmania LLB.
Claire is reading with Mark Hosking, and her senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
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 [2026] VSC 212, 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 [2026] FCA 291
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.
Justin has a broad commercial practice, incorporating general corporate and commercial law, insurance, building and construction, insolvency, and class actions.
Current and recent matters include:
Commercial Matters
Insurance
Building and Construction
Practice and Procedure
Before coming to the bar, Justin was a Senior Lawyer at Clayton Utz. During his time at Clayton Utz, Justin represented clients in a variety of commercial disputes, including large product liability class actions.
Earlier, Justin was Associate to Justice Hammerschlag, head of the Commercial List of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, with first class honours, from Monash University.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Georgia is an experienced trial and appellate advocate across a broad range of practice areas with a focus on commercial, property, insurance and professional negligence matters (primarily in respect of legal practitioners and finance professionals). She appears regularly in all courts and tribunals (both as junior counsel and unled).
Georgia has been recognised by Doyle's Guide as Preeminent Professional Indemnity Junior Counsel in Victoria in 2025.
Example list of cases:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Tammy Leane (previously Quinn) practices predominantly in general commercial litigation, trade practices, common law, property and wills and estates. Since signing the Bar Roll, Tammy has appeared in the Full Federal Court, Federal Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and County Court in a variety of cases including class actions. She has experience as a decision maker in a Tribunal setting which has given her a unique insight into strategy when running trials.
Tammy is a qualified mediator and has a passion for alternative dispute resolution. She is an instructor, coach and assessor for the Victorian Bar’s annual Lawyers’ Mediation Certificate course and is available to mediate matters in all jurisdictions.
Tammy has demonstrated tenacity in her athletic and professional life – she captained two Australian Swimming Teams and won Oceania Champion in 2002. Tammy was a Dean’s Scholar at Deakin University, graduated from her Law Degree with Honours and from her Commerce Degree with Distinction.
Tammy spent time in the United States studying psychology and mathematics, achieving the title of Dean’s List Honouree. Tammy won the ESPN Academic All-America of the Year for Women's At-Large Sports in the College Division; Women’s Athlete and Scholar-Athlete of the Year of her University and of the State of Pennsylvania; and the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Women’s Swimming Performer of the Year. In 2026, Tammy was inducted into the West Chester University Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements.
In 2019, Tammy placed 8th in the Zatopek Australian 10,000m championships, 7th in the Women’s Open 10km Australian Cross Country Championships and 4th in the Melbourne half marathon.
Tammy brings tenacity and energy to all of her work as a barrister and mediator. She is available to appear and advise in matters arising in all areas of practice listed above, in all jurisdictions.
From 08/10/2009, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Michael practises primarily in commercial, regulatory and public law.
Before being called to the bar, Michael practised as a solicitor for 10 years, initially at Lander & Rogers, and most recently as the General Counsel of Litigation for one of Australia’s largest companies.
Michael has experience acting in a broad range of commercial disputes as well as in competition law, employment, property, insurance and product liability matters.
Michael also brings to his practice, significant ‘front end’ commercial experience, having led a broad range of M&A and other corporate transactions.
Michael is a co-author of The Laws of Australia: Breach of Contract and is currently undertaking a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism & Public Relations) from RMIT University. Michael has also studied German at the Freie Universität in Berlin as the recipient of a full scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service.
Michael read with Jonathan Kirkwood SC and his senior mentor was David Batt KC.
Some of Michael’s current and recent matters include:
Commercial matters
Behbahani v Thorney Equities Pty Ltd, Waislitz & Behbahani [2026] VSC (unled, instructed by Kalus Kenny Intelex)
Appeared for Thorney Equities at trial in February and March 2026 to oppose equitable relief sought by the plaintiff in respect of land held by Thorney Equities as trustee of a trust. Judgment currently reserved.
Golden Plains Resources Pty Ltd v Omeo Gold Pty Ltd & Rimfire Pacific Mining Ltd [2025] VSC (unled, instructed by Mallesons)
Briefed for Rimfire Pacific Mining Limited, to defend the plaintiff’s claim for restitution in connection with various mining projects.
Hillman v Mayne Pharma Group Ltd [2024] VSC 786 (led by J Kirkwood SC, instructed by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer)
Briefed for Mayne Pharma in a class action relating to allegations that Mayne breached its continuous disclosure obligations and engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in connection with information about alleged price-fixing in the United States.
Golden Plains Resources Pty Ltd v Rimfire Pacific Mining Ltd [2025] VSC (led by J Thomson SC, instructed by Mallesons)
Briefed for the defendant, initially, to resist a grant of urgent injunctive relief. Subsequently briefed in arbitration of the substantive dispute.
Thousand Hills Property Pty Ltd v LBA Capital Pty Ltd [2025] VSCA 115; [2024] VSCA 312; [2024] VSC 597 (unled, instructed by GPZ Legal)
Briefed for the defendant at first instance, to oppose declaratory relief that the defendant had repudiated a contract for the development and sale of land.
Subsequently briefed to resist an appeal by the plaintiff and to seek security for costs in the appeal.
Re Roxton Commercial Builders Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 289 (unled, instructed by JHK Legal)
Briefed for a plaintiff seeking to wind up a company, which application was opposed on the basis that service of a statutory demand had not been properly effected. The Court accepted, inter alia, that there had been effective informal service of the demand and ordered that the company be wound up.
AHG WA (2015) Pty Ltd v Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1022 (led by T Castle SC and Dr C Parkinson KC, with others, instructed by HWL Ebsworth)
Briefed for the owners of Australian Mercedes-Benz franchises who alleged Mercedes-Benz had engaged in unconscionable conduct in terminating dealership agreements and implementing a direct to customer sales model.
In the matter of FTX Australia Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) [2023] VSC 788 (led by D Guidolin SC, instructed by Ashurst)
Briefed for parties seeking to be recognised as creditors of FTX entities in administration.
Fan v Yao [2022] VCC 509 (unled, instructed by Herald Legal)
Briefed for the plaintiff to enforce a loan agreement entered into in China, against a borrower domiciled in Australia.
Burwood Council v Visy Paper Pty Limited [2019] NSWSC (led by N Bender SC, instructed by Arnold Bloch Leibler)
Briefed for Visy in relation to a dispute over the interpretation of a commercial contract.
Employment law matters
Harvey v Palcove Pty Ltd [2025] FedCFamC2G 915 (unled, instructed by PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Defending claims made by a former employee that the Respondent: (a) engaged in adverse action in contravention of section 340 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth); and (b) engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct in contravention of section 18 and 31 of the Australian Consumer.
Geotesta Pty Ltd v an Employee [2022] VSC (unled, instructed by Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams)
Obtained urgent injunctive relief against a former employee in connection with confidential information obtained in course of the employment relationship.
Regulatory and other matters
Mazi v Kao (No 1) (Contempt Ruling) [2025] VSC 575 (unled, instructed by Carter Newell)
Briefed for two defendants charged with contempt of court.
Fair Work Ombudsman v House of Hoi An Pty Ltd [2022] FedCFamC2G 133 (unled, instructed by Aitken Partners)
Briefed for an employer company and director in a penalty hearing relating to contraventions of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
From 21 October 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
His Honour David Brookes SC
Mediator & Arbitrator (Former Judge of the County Court of Victoria)
Profile
David Brookes is a highly experienced dispute resolver and former trial judge whose practice spans complex personal injury and disease litigation, professional negligence (including medical negligence), workplace and transport accident claims, institutional abuse matters, coronial work, and catastrophic injury. He took silk in 2007 after more than three decades at the common law bar, appeared regularly in the High Court of Australia and the Victorian Court of Appeal, and was counsel in major public inquiries including the Metropolitan Ambulance Service Royal Commission and the HIH Royal Commission. He now practises predominantly as a mediator and arbitrator.
Judicial Service
Mediation & ADR
Bar Career
Royal Commissions & Public Inquiries (Counsel)
Areas of Practice (as Mediator/Arbitrator)
Selected Appellate Experience
Teaching & Speaking
Education
Publications & Reports (Royal Commissions)
Dylan practises in all areas of commercial law. He has particular experience in contract law, property law, corporations law, class actions, equity and trusts. In addition to his commercial practice, Dylan practises in defamation and media law.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Dylan was Associate to the Honourable Justice Niall (now the Honourable Chief Justice) in the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Before that, Dylan worked as a solicitor in the Media team at MinterEllison.
As a solicitor, Dylan was a representative of the respondents in defamation proceedings brought by Ben Roberts-Smith in the Federal Court of Australia. The respondents successfully established substantial and contextual truth defences in a 110-day trial (Roberts Smith v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd (No 41) [2023] FCA 555, upheld on appeal).
Dylan holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University, and a Master of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Cambridge.
Dylan is the Secretary of the Commercial Bar Association’s Media Law Section.
Dylan read with Sandip Mukerjea. His senior mentor is Dr Matt Collins AM KC.
Notable cases:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
A. Overview of practice
Greg came to the Bar in 1995 following 5 years as a corporate advisory and transaction lawyer with Freehills (now Herbert Smith Freehills).
Over his 29 years at the Bar, Greg has acted in a broad range of commercial and corporate law matters.
Greg is a specialist in schemes of arrangement and has acted in some 45 schemes of arrangement to effect corporate takeovers, mergers, demergers and internal corporate restructures. Greg also teaches in this area as part of the Melbourne Law Masters program and regularly gives seminars to national law firms on recent developments in this field of the law. Greg is often retained where the proposed scheme of arrangement or trust acquisition proposal is complex or novel or where shareholder activism is anticipated. Further details are set out below regarding Greg’s practice in this area.
B. Schemes of Arrangement
Overview of expertise
Greg has acted in some 45 schemes of arrangement (and trust acquisition proposals) including schemes to effect corporate takeovers, mergers, demergers and internal reconstructions. These have included schemes of substantial transaction value such as the 2023 $9.5b acquisition by BHP of OZ Minerals Limited (in which Greg acted for OZ Minerals).
For many years Greg has acted and appeared alone in substantial and complex schemes of arrangement. Greg has also led junior barristers in schemes of arrangement. While Greg continues to work, from time to time, with leading silks (from both Melbourne and Sydney, including in some of the schemes referred to below) in schemes of arrangement, he predominantly acts and appears alone in these matters. Greg has acted and appeared in a broad range of schemes of arrangement encompassing takeover (or change of control) schemes, demerger schemes, merger schemes, top-hatting restructure schemes, de-stapling restructure schemes involving share schemes and a trust scheme and internal reconstruction schemes involving orders under section 413 of the Corporations Act. Greg’s experience in this field of the law extends beyond the issues and challenges that commonly arise in schemes and includes navigating schemes through the court process in the context of complex transaction structures, bidding contests, shareholder activism and in one case acting for the acquirers where the target company was the subject of a class action proceeding.
Greg has acted for target companies, acquirers and for ASIC.
Recent schemes (and trust acquisition proposals) in which Greg has acted include the 2026 acquisition of Ausmincon Holdings Limited by Afry (in which Greg acted for Ausmincon Holdings Limited), the 2025 acquisition of BG&E Group Limited by Systra SA (in which Greg acted for Systra SA), the 2025 proposed acquisition, by scheme of arrangement, of PointsBet Holdings Ltd by MIXI Australia Pty Ltd (in which Greg acted for MIXI Australia - which scheme of arrangement did not proceed to the court approval stage), the 2024 acquisition of Capitol Health Limited by Integral Diagnostics Limited (In which Greg acted for Capitol Health), the 2023 acquisition by BHP of OZ Minerals Limited (in which Greg acted for OZ Minerals), the 2023 acquisition of SILK Laser Australia Limited by Wesfarmers (in which Greg acted for SILK Laser Australia), the 2023 Carbon Revolution Limited scheme (involving a scheme and a “de-SPAC” merger transaction in which Greg acted for Twin Ridge Capital Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company (known as a SPAC) listed on the New York Stock Exchange), the 2022 acquisition of Angel Seafood Holdings Ltd by Laguna Bay (in which Greg advised Angel Seafood in respect of certain aspects of that transaction), the 2021 acquisition by JBS Australia of the shares in Huon Aquaculture Group Limited (in which Greg acted and appeared for Huon and which involved two alternative but concurrently proposed schemes of arrangement, a simultaneous takeover bid and an associated share sale agreement in relation to the major shareholder), the 2021 acquisition proposal by NorthWest Healthcare Australia RE Limited for the units in the Australian Unity Healthcare Property Trust (an unlisted managed investment scheme) in which Greg acted for NorthWest and where the acquisition proposal was opposed by the responsible entity, the 2020 takeover of OptiComm Ltd by Uniti Group Limited (in which Greg acted and appeared for Uniti Group and which involved two competing proposals by Aware Super Pty Ltd) and the 2020 takeover of Village Roadshow Limited by BGH Capital (private equity) (in which Greg acted and appeared for Village Roadshow Corporation Pty Ltd – the largest shareholder in Village Roadshow Limited – which involved two alternative but concurrently proposed schemes of arrangement and an associated share sale agreement in relation to the major shareholder).
Further details (by category) of some of the schemes of arrangement in which Greg has acted can be found here.
Role extends beyond the Court process
Greg's work in this field extends beyond the court process and includes pre-announcement review of transaction documents, advice on discrete transactional issues, advice and input regarding the structure and content of the scheme booklet, advice regarding recourse to the Takeovers Panel and the consideration of, and proposed response to, issues raised by ASIC.
In addition to being retained by national law firms who practice in this area, Greg is also retained by boutique commercial law firms in these types of transactions.
Complex scheme structures and shareholder activism
Greg is often retained where the proposed scheme of arrangement is complex or where shareholder activism is anticipated).
Lecturing, seminars and submissions to Government and to the Court on potential areas of reform
Greg co-lectures on the subject of "Schemes of Arrangement" (as a senior fellow) in the Melbourne Masters Program (University of Melbourne Law School) (having recently taught the course in 2023 and 2024) and has often given seminars about recent developments in this area to law firms who practice in this field.
Greg was primarily responsible for the preparation of the submission made by the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria to the Treasury in June 2022 in response to the Treasury's consultation paper entitled " Corporate control transactions in Australia: consultation on options to improve schemes of arrangement, takeover bids, and the role of the Takeovers Panel".
Greg also co-authored the joint submission made by the Victorian Bar and the Commercial Bar Association to the Federal Court on its consultation letter dated 15 May 2023 regarding potential changes in the manner in which schemes of arrangement are dealt with by the Federal Court.
Greg is available to act in schemes of arrangement both in Victoria and interstate (noting that Greg has acted and appeared in several schemes of arrangement in Sydney).
C. Committees and Associations
Greg is a member of:
- the Corporations Committee of the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia; and
- the Commercial Bar Association of Victoria.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Alice practises primarily in commercial and public law, including constitutional and judicial review matters. She also accepts briefs in common law, employment and industrial relations matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Alice practised as a solicitor in both public law and commercial litigation. Most recently, she was Principal Solicitor in the Constitution and Advice team at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, where she conducted complex litigation in the High Court, State courts and the Federal Court. Alice also advised on issues of administrative decision-making, constitutional law and statutory interpretation.
Prior to joining the VGSO, Alice was a lawyer in insolvency and commercial litigation at Allens, and Associate to the Hon. Justice Davies in the Federal Court.
Alice holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons, 1st Class) and Bachelor of Arts (French) from the University of Adelaide. She was awarded multiple academic prizes, including for the highest average mark in all compulsory and elective subjects in the Bachelor of Laws.
Alice read with Frances Gordon KC. Her senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC. Her CV can be found here.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Janey has a broad practice and accepts briefs in civil law, criminal law and public law.
Before coming to the Bar, Janey was a solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office where she gained extensive litigation experience in the County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Prior to the VGSO, Janey was an Associate to His Honour Judge McInerney of the County Court.
Earlier, Janey worked in regulatory and product compliance at MECCA Brands.
Janey studied at the University of Melbourne and holds a Juris Doctor, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) with first class honours.
Janey is reading with Amanda Burnnard and her senior mentor is Ben Ihle KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Alex practises mainly in public, regulatory and commercial law. He also has particular experience in appeals, equity and trusts and tax law.
Before coming to the Bar, Alex was Counsel Assisting the Solicitor‑General of the Commonwealth, an Associate to Chief Justice Kiefel of the High Court of Australia, a Senior Solicitor in the constitutional law team at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, and Counsel at the Australian Government Solicitor. He commenced his legal career at Allens, in litigation and dispute resolution.
Alex has a Bachelor of Arts (Economics), a Diploma in Languages and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. He later obtained a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School. He has taught constitutional law at the University of Melbourne, and is a reporter for the Commonwealth Law Reports.
Alex read with Olaf Ciolek. His senior mentor is Kathleen Foley SC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.