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  • Zeleznikow Sarah

    Sarah practises primarily in commercial and public law. Sarah also accepts briefs in law enforcement, quasi-criminal and some common law matters.

    Sarah is regularly briefed to advise and appear in trials, appeals and other hearings within those fields, including in competition and consumer, financial services, constitutional and statutory interpretation matters. In 2018, Sarah was part of the team of counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

    Before coming to the Bar, Sarah was an Associate to the Hon Justice Stephen Gageler AC at the High Court of Australia. Sarah also worked as a Trial Division Researcher at the Supreme Court of Victoria, a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team of King & Wood Mallesons, and a sessional lecturer in the JD program at Melbourne Law School.

    Sarah holds undergraduate degrees in Arts and Law (with First Class Honours) from the University of Melbourne, and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School.

    Recent matters in which Sarah has been briefed include:

    Commercial and regulatory law

    • Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association Inc v Kmart Australia Limited (Federal Court of Australia, ongoing): for the respondent, led by J Kirkwood SC
    • Electoral Commissioner of the Australian Electoral Commission v Laming [2025] HCA 31; (2025) 99 ALJR 1260; [2024] HCASL 330 and (2024) 304 FCR 561: for the Commissioner, led by T Begbie KC
    • InstantScripts Pty Ltd v Secretary, Department of Health and Aged Care (Federal Court of Australia, 2024, resolved prior to hearing): for the Department, led by G Hill SC
    • Karpik v Carnival plc [2023] HCA 39; (2023) 280 CLR 640: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth and the ACCC, intervening, led by S Donaghue KC (then Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth) and R Higgins SC, with S Rajanayagam
    • Re Telstra Corporation Ltd [2023] ACompT 1; (2023) 376 FLR 1: for the ACCC, led by M Hodge KC, with D Roche and M Salinger
    • ACCC v Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 351; (2023) 167 ACSR 376: for the ACCC, led by E Bennett SC
    • Proceedings under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth) (Federal Court of Australia): for the CEO of AUSTRAC, led by M Hodge KC, with C Gleeson, A Poukchanski and W Liu
    • ACCC v BlueScope Steel Ltd (Federal Court of Australia): for the ACCC, led by M Hodge KC, with S Chordia (see, eg, [2020] FCA 625)
    • Vodafone Hutchison Australia Pty Ltd v ACCC [2020] FCA 117: for the ACCC, led by M Hodge KC and C Button KC, with N de Young, T Prince and D Foster
    • Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry (2018): Part of the team of counsel assisting, led by R Orr KC and M Hodge KC, with A Dinelli, E Dias, M Costello, M Hosking, C Schneider and T Farhall
    • Director, Consumer Affairs Victoria v The Reject Shop [2018] FCA 211: for the respondent company, led by R Orr KC and P Neskovcin KC
    • Application for merger authorisation by Tabcorp Holdings [2017] ACompT 1; ATPR 42-550: for the ACCC, led by A McClelland KC, with K Anderson, P Thiagarajan and I Cowen
    • Abrahams v Commonwealth Bank of Australia (Federal Court of Australia, 2017, resolved prior to hearing): for the applicants, led by R Merkel KC, with E Nekvapil

    Sarah also has experience in: other aspects of Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), including cartel conduct (led by R Higgins SC, with A Poukchanski and O Ronan), misuse of market power (Federal Court of Australia, led by R Orr KC, with D Roche) and informal merger clearances (led by P Collinson KC with S Hogan and S Rajanayagam); the Australian Consumer Law (led by A McClelland KC and M Hodge KC); and proceedings under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth).

    Constitutional law

    • Minister for Planning v IGA Retail Services Pty Ltd (High Court of Australia, ongoing): for the Commonwealth, intervening, led by T Begbie KC, with P Banerjee
    • EGH19 v The Commonwealth [2026] HCA 7: for the Commonwealth, led by S Donaghue KC, with M Hosking
    • Maxwell v Hersant [2025] VCC 1923 and Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, Case No P12425201: for the Attorney-General of Victoria, intervening (with M Brown in the County Court of Victoria)
    • YBFZ v The Commonwealth [2024] HCA 40; (2024) 99 ALJR 1: for the Commonwealth, led by S Donaghue KC, with M Hosking
    • Albyn Queensland Pty Ltd v Australian Postal Corporation [2024] VSC 584: for the Attorney-General of Victoria, intervening, with L Chircop
    • Yuan An v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2024] VSC 518: for the Attorney-General of Victoria, intervening, with L Chircop
    • Vanderstock v Victoria [2023] HCA 30; (2023) 279 CLR 333: for the State of Victoria, led by R Orr KC, Solicitor-General for Victoria, with M Salinger
    • Carr v Attorney-General of the Commonwealth [2023] FCA 1500; (2023) 300 FCR 562: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, led by T Begbie KC
    • Unions NSW v New South Wales [No 3] [2023] HCA 4; (2023) 277 CLR 627: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, intervening, led by S Donaghue KC, with S Rajanayagam
    • Thurin v Krongold Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd [2022] VSCA 226; (2022) 407 ALR 187: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, intervening, led by G Hill SC
    • Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs v Montgomery (High Court of Australia, resolved prior to judgment): for the Northern Land Council, intervening, led by S Glacken KC
    • LibertyWorks Inc v The Commonwealth [2021] HCA 18; (2021) 274 CLR 1: for the Commonwealth, led by S Donaghue KC, with B Lim
    • Zhang v Commissioner of Police [2021] HCA 16; (2021) 273 CLR 216: for the Commissioner, led by S Donaghue KC and P Herzfeld SC
    • Palmer v Western Australia [2020] FCA 1220 and [2020] FCA 1221: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, intervening, led by S Donaghue KC, with P Herzfeld and M Hosking
    • Zheng v Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police [2020] HCATrans 91: for the Commissioner, led by L Cheeseman SC, with D O’Leary
    • Smethurst v Commissioner of Police [2020] HCA 14; (2020) 272 CLR 177: for the Commissioner and the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, intervening, led by S Donaghue KC and C Lenehan SC
    • Minogue v Victoria [No 2] [2019] HCA 31; (2019) 268 CLR 1: for the State of Victoria, led by P Hanks KC, with A Pound
    • Palmer v Australian Electoral Commission [2019] HCA 24; (2019) 269 CLR 196: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, led by S Donaghue KC, with G del Villar
    • Re Canavan [2017] HCA 45; (2017) 263 CLR 284: for Mr Windsor, led by R Merkel KC and J Gleeson SC, with E Nekvapil

    Sarah also has experience in matters relating to ss 51(xxxi) (High Court of Australia, led by R Orr KC, with T Goodwin), 90 (High Court of Australia, led by K Walker KC, Solicitor-General for Victoria, R Orr KC and C Young SC) and 109 of the Constitution (Supreme Court of Victoria, led by P Hanks KC).

    Other public law matters

    • Patrick v Australian Information Commissioner [2024] HCASL 291: for the Commissioner, led by Z Maud SC, with A Wharldall
    • Northern Territory of Australia v Aboriginal Land Commissioner [2023] FCA 1183: for the Northern Land Council, led by S Glacken KC
    • Harris v Victorian Electoral Commission [2020] VSC 676; (2020) 62 VR 460: for the plaintiffs, led by P Hanks KC
    • DBE17 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2019] HCA 47; (2019) 266 CLR 156 (and related proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia): for the applicant, led by B Walker SC and B Quinn KC, with M Albert and M Guo
    • Chief Commissioner of Police v AMJK Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 250: for the Chief Commissioner, led by P Hanks KC
    • Northern Territory v Griffiths; Commonwealth v Griffiths [2017] FCAFC 106; (2017) 256 FCR 478: for the native title party, led by S Glacken KC, with G Hill
    • Proceedings in the original jurisdiction of the High Court of Australia, the original and appellate jurisdictions of the Federal Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth): for both the applicant and the Minister, and both led and unled (see, eg, Lasalo v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs [2024] FCA 790)

    Law enforcement and quasi-criminal matters

    • Pre-committal and pre-trial hearings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the County Court of Victoria: for the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police
    • Benbrika v Attorney-General of the Commonwealth; Attorney-General of the Commonwealth v Benbrika [2024] VSC 265; (2024) 74 VR 379: for the Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, led by P Hanks KC, with S Rajanayagam and M Jackson
    • Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police v Luppino [2021] FCAFC 43; (2021) 284 FCR 233: for the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, led by N Williams SC
    • Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth) (County Court of Victoria): for the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, led by R Craig KC
    • Proceedings under the Extradition Act 1988 (Cth): for the requested person, led by R Orr KC, C Harris KC and L De Ferrari SC (see, eg, United States v Ghodskani [2018] FCA 14)

    Sarah also has experience in foreign bribery matters (led by R Orr KC, with M Keks).

    Common law

    • Eildon Resort Pty Ltd v State of Victoria (Supreme Court of Victoria, resolved prior to hearing): for the State of Victoria, led by L Brown, Crown Counsel
    • Tortious proceedings for the recovery of land (Supreme Court of Victoria, resolved prior to hearing): for a local council, led by R Orr KC, with R Knowles
    • Proceedings alleging professional negligence against legal representatives (Supreme Court of Victoria): for a member of counsel, led by D Collins KC, and for a firm of solicitors, led by S Horgan KC

    Sarah also has experience in matters involving false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office and novel duties of care.

    Sarah was a reporter for the Commonwealth Law Reports from 2016-2022.


    From 27 Oct 2016, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.  

  • Harriet Haig

    Harriet specialises in common law and insurance litigation. Her practice includes work accidents, transport accidents, public liability, medical negligence and torts generally.

    She is available to appear, advise and draft paperwork in all jurisdictions for both plaintiffs and defendants.

    As a solicitor Harriet practised in insurance litigation. She has represented plaintiffs, corporations and insurers across a range of personal injury, public liability and other insurance matters.

    Harriet was associate to His Honour Judge Ginnane in the County Court of Victoria. She assisted his Honour with hearing serious injury applications and common law damages trials, as well as managing the self-represented litigant serious injury list.

    Harriet is reading with Julia Frederico and her senior mentor is James Mighell KC.

  • Glacken Sturt

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

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

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

  • David Osz

    David practises primarily in public and commercial law. He also accepts briefs in State revenue law matters, equity and trusts, quasi-criminal and general appellate matters.

    Before coming to the Bar, David was a senior solicitor in the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (Constitution and Advice Team), and Crown Counsel at the Office of the Solicitor-General in Tasmania. In the latter position, David was briefed to appear for and advise a wide range of clients in areas including constitutional law, administrative law, discrimination law, state revenue law and trusts law (including charitable trusts). He appeared, both led and unled, in all levels of Tasmanian courts and in the High Court of Australia.

    David holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours in Law from the University of Tasmania.

    David is reading with Sarah Zeleznikow, and his senior mentor is Chris Young KC.

    Matters in which David appeared during his time as Crown Counsel include:

    High Court

             Led by S K Kay SC for the Attorney-General for the State of Tasmania (Intervening)

             Led by M E O’Farrell SC for the Attorney-General for the State of Tasmania (Intervening)

             Led by S K Kay for the Attorney-General for the State of Tasmania (Intervening)

    Full Court of the Supreme Court of Tasmania

             Led by S K Kay SC for the Attorney-General for the State of Tasmania

             Led by M E O’Farrell SC for the Attorney-General for the State of Tasmania

             Led by P Turner SC for the State of Tasmania

               Led by M E O’Farrell SC for the State of Tasmania

    • Rosie Cham

      Rosie practices mainly in public and commercial law, with specialist experience in class actions and administrative law.

      Rosie was a graduate at Australian Government Solicitor and worked in AGS’s dispute resolution team before completing an associateship with the Hon Justice Mortimer, now Chief Justice of the Federal Court.

      Prior to coming to the Bar, Rosie was a senior associate at Phi Finney McDonald where they worked on complex class action proceedings on behalf of consumers, shareholders and public housing tenants.

      Rosie holds a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne. Rosie is reading with Eugenia Levine and their senior mentor is Sturt Glacken KC.

    • Anderson Adrian

      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:

      • conducted an integrity review for Cricket Australia concerning the threats of match fixing and doping
      • was appointed interim CEO of Cycling Australia by the Australian Sports Commission to implement governance and financial reform
      • conducted a player welfare review on behalf of the NRL.

      He has recently appeared in:

      • The Game Meats Company of Australia Pty Ltd v Farm Transparency International Ltd [2025] FCAFC 104 (led by Paul Hayes KC).
      • Racing Victoria v Brash, German and Poy, decisions of VRT of 20 December 2024, 18 March 2025 and 31 March 2025.
      • AFL Victoria v Taylor Duryea (Western Bulldogs) 3 September 2025
      • Gerry Murphy (represented by Shane Drumgold KC) v Boxing Victoria (with Boxing Australia), Decision of National Sports Tribunal, NST-25-189059, 29 August 2025
      • AFL v Alex Davies (Gold Coast Suns), AFL Tribunal, 19 August 2025
      • Goodrich v Kilmore Racing Club and Racing Victoria [2023] VSCA 37
      • Defamation, ACL and injurious falsehood proceedings including recent defamation and injurious falsehood trials in the County Court in Spencer v McKay [2023] VCC 2238 and led by David Gilbertson KC in Holten v Fehsenfeld (jury).
      • Disciplinary tribunals and appeals in the Supreme Court , Court of Appeal, VCAT, the Victorian Racing Tribunal, the Racing Appeals Tribunal NSW, and the AFL, AFLW, VFL, NBL, Swimming Victoria and Football Victoria tribunals, and the National Sports Tribunal
      • The Coronial Inquest into the death of Maria James (led by Chris Winneke KC)
      • A rape trial in the County Court in the matter of R v Leahy
      • County Court negligence matters and serious injury applications
      • General commercial and criminal law matters

      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:

      • Preston Lions v Football Victoria, decision of FV Appeals Board of 19 November 2025 and Football Victoria v Preston Lions, FV Tribunal of 30 October 2025
      • AFL NSW v Nicholas Pavlou (North Shore Bombers) 16 September 2025
      • AFL Victoria v Taylor Duryea (Western Bulldogs) 3 September 2025
      • Gerry Murphy (represented by Shane Drumgold KC) v Boxing Victoria (with Boxing Australia), Decision of NST-25-189059 of 29 August 2025
      • AFL v Alex Davies (Gold Coast Suns), AFL Tribunal, 19 August 2025
      • Keating v Stawell Harness Racing Club, injunction application before Magistrate Greenway of 26 June 2025
      • Racing Victoria v Brash, German and Poy, decisions of VRT of 20 December 2024, 18 March 2025 and 31 March 2025
      • Manningham United Football Club v Football Victoria, Mag T. W. Greenway, 17 April 2024 (action brought for failure to promote the club under s 67 Association Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic))
      • The Appellants v Gymnastics Australia, National Sports Tribunal, Appeals Division, NST-E24-4194 (selection issue)
      • FA v Tolgay Arslan, Disciplinary & Ethics Committee of Football Australia, 14 Feb 2024
      • AFL v Wil Powell (conduct unbecoming charge, May 2024)
      • 2024 AFL Tribunal matters for Jimmy Webster, Kysaiah Pickett, Max King, Charlie Cameron, Jack Higgins
      • Counsel assisting NBL in Aron Baynes NBL Tribunal hearing 12 October 2023
      • Chisolm United FC (challenge to dual registration penalty), FV Tribunal and Appeals Board, August 2023
      • Anthony Caminiti (StKilda FC), AFL Tribunal, 1 August 2023
      • Counsel for Jason Burt in AFL inquiry into allegations at Hawthorn Football Club
      • Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne FC), AFL Tribunal 9 May 2023, Appeals Board with Will Houghton KC 11 May 2023
      • Goodrich v Kilmore Racing Club and Racing Victoria [2023] VSCA 37
      • Goodrich v Kilmore Racing Club and Racing Victoria [2022] VSC 803
      • Member of EDFL Player Payments Committee re Rupertswood and Keilor Park Football Clubs, 11 April 2023
      • Charlie Ballard (Gold Coast Suns), AFL Tribunal, 28 March 2023
      • Swimming Victoria v Melbourne Swimming Club, Swimming Victoria Tribunal, 2 November 2022
      • Amy McDonald (Geelong), AFLW Tribunal, 11 October 2022
      • Jarrod Berry (Brisbane Lions), AFL Tribunal, 13 September 2022
      • Cam Rayner (Brisbane Lions), AFL Tribunal, 23 August 2022
      • Eric Hipwood (Brisbane Lions), AFL Tribunal, 5 July 2022
      • Boyd Woodcock (Southport FC) VFL Tribunal 20 April 2022
      • Tait Mackrill (GWS Giants) AFLW Tribunal 18 January 2022
      • Sports Integrity Australia and Gymnastics Australia v Liddick, National Sports Tribunal (led by Paul Hayes QC)
      • Coronial Inquest into the death of Maria James (for Mark and Adam James, led by Chris Winneke QC)
      • Harness Racing Victoria v Bellman, Racing Appeals Tribunal, 9 October 2021
      • Football Victoria v Nunawading Football Club, Theo, Khalfallah and ors, FV Tribunal, 14 July 2021
      • Counsel for Athletics Australia in selection disputes for Tokyo Olympics 2021
      • Toby Greene, AFL Tribunal 10 August 2021 and AFL Appeals Board 12 August 2021
      • Jack Viney, AFL Tribunal, 3 August 2021
      • Bailey Fritsch, AFL Tribunal, 4 May 2021
      • Douglas and Tormey v HRV [2021] VSCA 128
      • Goodrich v Kilmore Racing Club and Racing Victoria [2021] VSC 20 (strike out application re claims of breach of contract, denial of natural justice, restraint of trade)
      • AFL/VFL Tribunal appearances for Essendon and GWS players 2015 - 2021
      • Douglas and Tormey v HRV [2020] VSC 568 (re jurisdiction of VCAT)
      • Racing Victoria v Richard Laming (application to test RV sample, Judge Bowman, VRT, 21 April 2020)
      • Dr Brennan v Veterinary Practitioners Board (stay application, Senior Member Wentworth, 28 February 2020)
      • Des Dooley v Greyhound Racing Victoria [2020] VCAT 189 (life ban reduced due to special circumstances)
      • Jeff Tabone v HRV [2019] VCAT 1701 (TCO2 presentation charge - alleged material flaw in testing procedure)
      • Scott Dyer v HRV, VCAT, 8 October 2019 (appeal on penalty - involvement in race fixing)
      • HRV v Tormey and Douglas, RADB (Chair Judge Hicks), 24-25 September 2019, (tubing charge)
      • Diane Dooley v GRV [2019] VCAT 1514 with Brendan Murphy QC ('special circumstances' under GRV Rules)
      • Toby Greene v AFL, AFL Appeals Board (Chair Murray Kellam QC), 19 September 2019 , with Ross Gillies QC
      • AFLQ v Jason Burge, Tribunal 4 September 2019, and Appeal 10 September 2019
      • WRFL v Deer Park FC, VFL Disciplinary Committee, 27 August 2019 (salary cap charges)
      • Racing Victoria v Monica Croston, RADB (Chair Judge Bowman), 17 July 2019 (cobalt administration charge)
      • RNSW v David Brideoake, Stewards' inquiry before Mr Van Gestel, decision published 18 June 2019
      • HRV v Scott Dyer, RADB, 22 May 2019 (merits, corrupt conduct, and interference with test charges)
      • GRV v Des and Diane Dooley, RADB, 29 January 2019
      • HRV v Jack, Pitt and Bartley [2018] VCAT 1981 with Chris Winneke QC, and RADB 16 November 2018 (stay application and appeal)
      • Tardio v HRV, Cavanough J, [2018] VSC 722, and previous application to vacate stay 20/11/18
      • Cameron Fitzpatrick v HRNSW, Racing Appeals Tribunal NSW, 19 June 2018 with C Winneke QC (severity appeal)
      • HRV v Eastman, RADB, 28 May 2018 (race fixing charges)
      • Adrian Kenyon v GRV, RADB, 23 April 2018 (EPO administration charge)
      • Russell Clarke v Racing Victoria [2018] VCAT 747 (trainer licence application)
      • Chairman of the GRNSW Inquiry into the unauthorized export of greyhounds - Penalty decision for Michael Eberand (25/3/19), Decisions re Eberands, Cortis, Lagogiane (9/1/19), Michael Abbott (20/9/18), Farrugias (23/10/17), Paul Wheeler (20/4/18), Yiwen Xi and Wei Shan (24/4/18), and Cauchis (31/5/18)
      • Joshua Henshaw v Basketball Victoria Incorporated, Magistrate McCallum, Case No. H13331912, 8 February 2018,(injunction under Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 (Vic))
      • Ben Thompson v Racing Victoria, RADB (Chair Judge Bowman), 20 December 2017 (reckless riding charge)
      • QAFL Tribunal for Palm Beach Captain Jesse Derrick prior to QAFL grand final 2017
      • Victorian Building Authority v Jim Tsaganas [2017] VSCA 248 (with Chris Winneke QC)
      • Cyan Racing v Rogers Engineering & Development Pty Ltd, SCV injunction application, J Forrest J, 10 January 2017
      • Victorian Building Authority v Jim Tsaganas [2016] VCAT 1732 (plea before Dyer J)
      • HRV v Kilduff [2017] VCAT 2068, Snr Member Butcher (testosterone administration charge)
      • HRV v Vozlic [2017] VCAT 485, Vice President, Hampel J, (breach of conditions of disqualification)
      • HRV v Aiken (Snr Member Butcher, 26/4/17)
      • Racing Victoria v O’Brien, Mark Kavanagh and Dr Brennan (Decisions of RADB of 23/12/15 and 20/1/16)
      • Racing NSW v Sam Kavanagh, Dr Brennan and Dr Mathews (Racing Appeals Tribunal NSW decisions 6/5/16 and 17/6/16)
      • Greyhound Racing Victoria v Jason Thompson (RADB 3/4/17 and GRV appeal to VCAT 6/9/17)
      • Greyhound Racing Victoria v Braden Finn RADB decision 23/6/16 (cocaine presentation charge)
      • Victorian Football Federation Tribunal on behalf of North Sunshine Eagles SC and Diellon Memishi (2015)
      • Appeal against grand final disqualification on behalf of Melbourne East Basketball Association to Basketball Australia Appeals Tribunal (20/9/16)
      • Appeal on behalf of James Lawton and Adam Cullen to AFL Riverina Appeal Tribunal 5/9/15.

      Defamation/ACL/injurious falsehood/suppression orders/commercial

      • The Game Meats Company of Australia Pty Ltd v Farm Transparency International Limited (Costs) [2025] FCAFC 134, The Game Meats Company of Australia Pty Ltd v Farm Transparency International Ltd [2025] FCAFC 104, and The Game Meats Company of Australia v Farm Transparency International Ltd [2024] FCA 1455 (led by Paul Hayes KC)
      • Philippe Wolgen v Report Card Pty Ltd, application to identify a defendant, orders of Button J, Federal Court, 25 July 2025
      • Nikolic v Nationwide News {2025} VSCA 79 and [2024] VSC 380 (Gray J)
      • Montesanstos v Director of Housing, summary judgment application, Ierodiaconou AsJ, 20 May 2025
      • Kyle-Sailor v Heinke & ors [2024] FCA 43, application for non-publication order
      • Spencer v McKay [2023] VCC 2238
      • Clifftop v Google and Trip Advisor (preliminary discovery application) ,McEvoy J, Federal Court, 18/8/23
      • Agustin-Bunch v Smith (No 3) [2023] VSC 227, with D Gilbertson KC, hearing of preliminary questions
      • Hossain v Ali and Ors (Ruling No 2) [2023] VCC 514 re requirements of ss 12A and 12B of Defamation Act
      • Lennon v The Herald and Weekly Times Pty Ltd (No 2) [2022] VSC 792 re Burstein mitigation plea
      • Hossain v Ali and Ors (Ruling) [2022] VCC 2195 re serious harm and s 10A(5) of Defamation Act
      • Miglani v Kanwaljit (Ruling) [2022] VCC 995, stay application granted pending criminal proceedings
      • Holten v Fehsenfeld (defamation and injurious falsehood trial - jury verdict in favour of Dr Holten 7 June 2022)
      • Agustin-Bunch v Smith [2022] (No 2) VSC 290 (defamation pleadings dispute)
      • Stanowitsch International Pty Ltd v Steven Drake [2021] VCC 436 (ACL claim)
      • Andrew Womersley v Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association and McLeod (County Court defamation claim)
      • Farrah and DRF LLC v Smith and Doc Adam Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 158 (interlocutory injunction resisted)
      • Holten v Fehsenfeld (Ruling) [2021] VCC 404 (pleading dispute in defamation and injurious falsehood claim)
      • Patrick Lennon v The Herald and Weekly Times Ltd (ruling) [2021] VSC 147
      • Abela v Tracey Grimshaw, Nine Network, and Neil Mitchell [2020] VCC 1237 (summary judgment for defendants)
      • Janet Young v Steve Healy [2018] VSC 546 (extension of time and default judgment applications)
      • Asmar v Fontana and Laurence [2018] VSC 382 (strike out application)
      • Appeared for Nationwide News Pty Ltd and the Age Company Pty Ltd before Bromberg J on 1/2/19 to oppose suppression application on behalf of the AWU in AWU v Registered Organisations Commissioner and Ors
      • Ptasznik v Australian Medical Association [2018] VSC 275
      • Appeared for ABC opposing application for blanket suppression order in DPP v Pell, Chief Judge Kidd, 24/5/18
      • Stuart Johnston v Nicola Holland [2017] VSC 597, John Dixon J, (with David Collins QC)
      • Stuart Johnston v Nicola Holland [2017] VSC 448, Derham AsJ
      • Hanks v Johnston [2015] VSC 570 and [2016] VSC 149
      • Johnston v Holland [2016] VSC 340
      • Nadinic v Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd (Supreme Court injunction application before Ginnane J, 13/5/15)
      • Hanks v Johnston [2016] VSC 629
      • advising and drawing pleadings in multiple other defamation and related proceedings issued in SCV, Federal Court, County Court and Magistrates Court.

      Crime

      • Victoria Police v Milad El-Halabi and ors, plea before Bayles J, 27 June 2024 (with Robert Richter KC), committal hearing before Magistrate Ballek, 6-7 March 2023.
      • DPP v Clinton Leahy (rape trial in County Court of Victoria concluding 21 May 2019)
      • committal hearings, pleas, interlocutory matters.

      Common law/personal injury

      • Beau Hart v Beaumaris Junior Football Club, South Metro Junior Football League, and Bayside City Council (with Jeff Moore QC)
      • Multiple serious injury applications and personal injury proceedings.

      Publications


      From 15 May 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

    • Peters James

      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 Disputes

      Other 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.

    • Gibson Ben

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Cases in which Ben has appeared include:

        • Re Delacor Pty Ltd [2026] VSC 207 (with K Brazenor and A Beckwith)
        • El Zain v Vitrafy (No 3) [2026] VSC 150 (with C Middleton)
        • Department of Employment and Workplace Relations v Howell, in the matter of Castel Electronics Pty Ltd (No 2) [2025] FCA 1629 (with D Poteous)
        • New Stem Cell Australia Pty Ltd v Magellan Stem Cell Centre Pty Ltd [2025] VSC 546
        • Giovinazzo v Resource Capital Limited [2025] VSCA 176 (with B Walker SC and D Porteous).
        • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty v Bryant [2025] HCADisp 69 (special leave, with M Tennant).
          • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty v Bryant [2025] FCAFC 31, [2024] FCAFC 167 (with M Tennant)
          • Allsopp v Elly Property Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 669
          • World Touring Melbourne Limited v Australian Grand Prix Corporation [2024] VSC 521 (with N De Young KC and C Fitzgerald)
          • Resource Capital Ltd v Giovinazzo [2024] VSC 548 (with D Porteous)
          • Eastbound Estate Pty Ltd v DC Consolidated Investments Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 40 (with P Bick KC and MQ Nguyen)
          • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2023] HCATrans 15 [2023] HCATrans 097, [2023] HCATrans 15 (with B Walker SC)
          • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2023] HCA 43 (with B Walker SC)
          • Bryant v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2023] HCA 2; (2023) 406 ALR 731 (with B Walker SC)
          • Ohanse Pty Ltd v Heartwest Services Pty Ltd [2022] FCA 1204
          • Ford v Commissioner of Taxation, in the matter of Careers Australia Group Limited (in liq) (No 2) [2022] FCA 1151
          • Zphere Pty Ltd v Pakis [2022] VSC 496 (with D Porteous)
          • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Pty Ltd v Begovic (2022) 403 ALR 558 (with B Walker SC)
          • Bryant & Ors as liquidators of Gunns Limited and Auspine Limited v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2022] HCATrans 42 (with J Evans KC)
          • Re Bundoora Park Estate Holding Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 273
          • Dugan v Process Holdings Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 555, [2021] VSC 641, [2021] VSC 737 (with S Marks KC)
          • Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd v Bryant [2021] FCAFC 64 (with J Evans KC)
          • Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd v Begovic [2021] VSC 252 (with C Caleo KC)
          • Wu v OHAPIF Pty Ltd (ACN 167 080 542) as trustee for the Oliver Hume Australia Income Fund & Ors [2020] VSC 552 (with P Bick KC)
          • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Bluewood Industries Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 714 and [2020] FCA 1082 (with J Evans KC)
          • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 713 and [2020] FCA 1081 (with J Evans KC)
          • Bryant, in the matter of Gunns Limited (in liq) (receivers and managers appointed) v Edenborn Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 715 and [2020] FCA 1083 (with J Evans KC)
          • Nom De Plume v Ascot Vale Self Storage [No 2] [2020] VSCA 70 (with B Walker SC and D Porteous)
          • Northern Territory of Australia v Dover Investments Pty Ltd [2020] NTSC 3 (with P Bick KC)
          • Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 1171; [2017] FCA 442; (2016) 338 ALR 451
          • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd (No 2) [2019] VSC 285 (with P Bick KC)
          • In the matter of Ainslie Harding & Wood Solicitors Pty Ltd (in liq) & Ors VID282/2018 (with K Brazenor)
          • Mandie v Memart Nominees Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 719 (with C. Caleo KC)
          • Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) (2018) 260 FCR 272 (with L Glick KC)
          • Bryant (Liquidator) v LV Dohnt and Co Pty Ltd, Gunns Ltd (In Liq) [2018] FCA 238 (with M Hoffmann KC)
          • De Lutis v De Lutis [2018] VSC 54; [2017] VSC 505 (with P Bick KC)
          • Trust Co (Nominees) Ltd v Angas Securities Ltd [2017] FCAFC 187 (with A Myers KC)
          • Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v A&S Services Australia Pty Ltd [2017] FCA 663
          • Re Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) [2017] FCA 442; (2016) 338 ALR 451; [2016] FCA 449
          • North East Solution Pty Ltd v Masters Home Improvement Australia Pty Ltd [2017] VSCA 113; [2017] VSCA 88; [2016] VSC 1; [2016] VSC 87 (with P Bick KC)
          • Re GUNNS Limited (in liq) [2016] VSC 765; [2016] VSC 832 (with M Hoffmann KC)
          • Trust Company (Nominees) Limited, in the matter of Angas Securities Limited [2016] FCA 895 (with A Myers KC and M Hoffmann KC)
          • Nom De Plume Nominees v Fingal Developments Pty Ltd (2016) 114 ACSR 539 and [2016] VSCA 233 (B Walker SC)
          • TSG Franchise Management Pty Ltd v Cigarette & Gift Warehouse (Franchising) Pty Ltd [2016] FCA 828; [2016] FCA 674; [2015] FCA 739 (with M Robins KC)
          • Re Yeo (in their capacity as liquidators of Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liq) [2015] FCA 849 (with L Glick KC)
          • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 751(with P Bick KC)
          • Nom De Plume Pty Ltd v Fingal Developments Pty Ltd [2015] VSCA 129 (with P Bick KC)
          • Re Ascot Vale Self-Storage Centre Pty Ltd (in liq) (2014) 98 ACSR 243 (VSCA) (with P Bick KC)
          • Fingal Developments Pty Ltd v Nom De Plume Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 146; [2015] VSC 44 (with P Bick KC)
          • Rilgar Nominees Pty Ltd v BHA Holdings Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 6; (2014) 103 ACSR 370
          • Kilkenny Walsh Pty Ltd v Strasburger Enterprises (Properties) Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 117 (with S Horgan KC)
          • Playcorp Pty Ltd v Lineville Pty Ltd (subject to deed of company arrangement) t/as Robins Kitchens [2014] FCA 224
          • Re Ascot Vale Self-Storage Centre Pty Ltd (in liq) (2014) 98 ACSR 243 (with P Bick KC)
          • Weeden v Rambaldi (2013) 92 ACSR 661 (FCAFC) (with P Collinson KC)
          • Ascot Vale Self Storage Centre Pty Ltd v Wallace Smith [2013] VSC 519 (with P Bick KC)
          • Perpetual Nominees Limited v Rytelle Pty Ltd [2013] VSC 9; [2012] VSC 440 (with P Bick KC)
          • Oliver Hume Apartments (Vic) Pty Ltd v Troy Barkly Nominees Property Group Pty Ltd [2013] VCC 398
          • Weeden v Rambaldi (2012) 290 ALR 312 (FCA); [2012] FCA 647 (with J Peters KC)
          • Szanitop Homes Pty Ltd v Krok (2012) 36 VR 56 (with R Merkel KC)
          • Gotha Investments Pty Ltd v Westons Property (Vic) Pty Ltd [2012] VCC 1161 (with P Bick KC)
          • Environinvest Ltd v HLB Mann Judd (Vic Partnership) [2012] FCA 1307 (with M Hoffmann KC)
          • Jervois Mining Limited v EMC Metals Group S CI 2012 03571 (with M Hoffmann KC)
          • Peachbulk Pty Ltd v R T Edgar Pty Ltd [2012] VCC 39; [2011] VCC 1465; [2011] VCC 1370 (with P Bick KC)
          • Noce v Building Practitioners Board [2011] VSC 350
          • Fluor Australia Pty Ltd and Victorian Workcover Authority SC1 2606 of 2011 (with R Gorton KC)
          • In the matter of Rennie Produce (Aust) Pty Ltd (in liquidation) (FCA) VID 1116 of 2010 (with L Glick KC)
          • Ambridge Investments Pty Ltd (in liq) (rec apptd) v Baker [2010] VSC 59; [2010] VSC 234; [2010] VSC 282 (with P Bick QC, E.W Alstergen KC)
          • N and J Rogers Pty Ltd trading as Performance Pools v Rippingale [2010] VCAT 1899
          • Allison v BDO (NSW-Vic) Pty Ltd SCI 2009, 10625 and BDO Group Investments (NSW-VIC) Pty Ltd v Ngo SCI 1192 of 2010 (with L Glick KC)
          • Biota Scientific Management Pty Ltd v Glaxo Group Ltd [2008] VSC 110 (with S Anderson KC and others).


          Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

      • Wang Julia

        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 McTaggart KC

        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.

      • Barr Brad

        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 a nationally accredited mediator and has extensive experience mediating a broad range of disputes. He is widely recognised for his skill, expertise and creativity in facilitating negotiated outcomes. He is also 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)

        Re XBDG Pty Ltd; Lazarovski v Surbevski (2022-2026, Supreme Court, unled) (Oppression - Directors' duties)

        Chen v Insight Investment Management Pty Ltd (2026, Federal Court, unled) (Managed investment - Financial services - Misleading and deceptive conduct)

        Re Harbour Plaza Group Pty Ltd; Agius v Taranto (2026, Supreme Court, led by S Stuckey KC) (Oppression)

        Re AULT Car & Truck Rental Pty Ltd; Appleby v Mottupalli (2026, Supreme Court, unled) (Oppression - Directors' duties)

        Re Timbertop East Pty Ltd; Welsh v Facey (2026, Supreme Court, unled) (Oppression - Directors' duties)

        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.

         

      • Wheelahan Patrick
      • Hay Sam

        On 21 April 2026, appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria.

      • Alpins Fiona

        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 Slater

        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 Jago

        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.

      • Kirkwood Jonathan

        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.

      • Lipinski Justin

        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

        • Korkliniewski v Melbourne Water Corporation (Supreme Court): Acting for Melbourne Water Corporation in the defence of a class action in relation to the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood (led by Jeffery Gleeson KC, instructed by Wotton Kearney).
        • Biodiversity v Vaughan Constructions (Supreme Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and VCAT): Acted for a design & construct contractor in a large dispute concerning allegations of breach of contractual warranties under a D&C Contract (led by Tim Margetts KC, with Will Thomas and Hamish McAvaney, instructed by Piper Alderman). Settled five weeks into an estimated eight-week trial before the Honourable Justice Delany. As part of the proceeding, successfully resisted an appeal of an interlocutory decision in the Court of Appeal: Melbourne Water Corporation v Vaughan Constructions Pty Ltd & Ors [2022] VSCA 241.
        • Victorian Workcover Authority v Baldwin (Supreme Court): Acted for a Defendant in a proceeding brought under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (Vic) following a fire at a warehouse in Tottenham (settled) (led by Chris Young KC, with Tim Jeffrie, instructed by Gadens).
        • Zacole Pty Ltd v Longboat Holdings GroupNo3 Pty Ltd (Supreme Court): Acted for the trustee of an investment trust in a dispute with unitholders, including application to stay proceedings by reason of an arbitration agreement, and injunction application: Longboat Holdings group no 3 v Zacole Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 280 (settled) (led by Robert Craig KC (as his Honour then way), instructed by Hall & Wilcox).
        • A number of oppression cases, including:
          • In The Matter of CryptAI Pty Ltd (Supreme Court): Acted for a minority shareholder in relation to an oppression proceeding concerning the alleged dilution of shares. As part of the proceeding, successfully obtained an injunction with respect to the issue of shares (see In the matter of Cryptai Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 560) (settled) (led by Jonathan Moore KC, instructed by Adley Burstyner).
          • Riseley Investments Pty Ltd v Sumo Australia Limited (Supreme Court): defended a shareholder oppression proceeding brought my minority shareholders (settled) (led by Pat Zappia KC, instructed by Bird & Bird).
          • In the Matter of Gunn Freight Pty Ltd (Supreme Court): acted for a minority shareholder in an oppression proceeding (settled) (led by Robert Craig KC (as his honour then was), instructed by Holding Redlich).
          • In the matter of Synstrat Accounting Pty Ltd (Supreme Court): acted for a minority shareholder in an oppression proceeding (settled) (led by Ian Upjohn KC, instructed by Webb Korfiatis Commercial).
        • Maxcap v Eastern Health (Supreme Court): Acted for a developer in relation to a dispute concerning the alleged termination of an Agreement for Lease in relation to a development (settled) (led by Alexandra Folie KC, instructed by Gadens).
        • Laguna Bay Pastoral Company Pty Ltd v Schroder Adveq and other (Supreme Court): Acted for the trustee of an investment trust with respect to a dispute with unitholders concerning the construction and rectification of a trust deed (settled) (led by Robert Craig KC (as his Honour then way), instructed by Corrs Chambers Westgarth).

        Insurance

        • Acted for five reinsurers with respect to a dispute with a captive insurer in relation to liability arising from multiple class action proceedings in the United States (settled) (led by Richard Attiwill KC (as his Honour then was), instructed by Kennedys).
        • I regularly act for insurers in subrogated recoveries. For example:
          • Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Ltd v CPB Contractors Pty Ltd (County Court): Acted for the owner of Melbourne airport in a dispute with a contractor following flooding (settled) (unled, instructed by Lander & Rogers).
          • Cafecco Pty Ltd v Prolux Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd & Anor (County Court): Acted for a landlord in relation to a dispute concerning a fire at a building (settled) (unled, instructed by Lander & Rogers).
        • I regularly act for accountants in relation to negligence claims and disciplinary proceedings. For example:
          • McCarthy v Reade (Supreme Court of Tasmania): Acting for an accountant in a dispute with former clients in relation to an alleged breach of retainer and alleged negligence (unled, instructed by Wotton + Kearney).
          • Acting for an accountant in relation to a disciplinary proceeding brought by the Tax Practitioners Board
        • I regularly act for water corporations and their insurers. For example: Owners Corporation No. 1 PS518446V v City West Water Corporation: Acted for a water authority in relation to a claim for damage caused by a burst water main (settled) (unled, instructed by Sparke Helmore).

        Building and Construction

        • I am regularly briefed to act for builders in relation to building and construction disputes. For example:
          • A.M.O. Rifat Holdings v Dib (Court of Appeal and VCAT): Acting for a builder in relation to the appeal of a VCAT decision following a 4 day trial before Woodward J concerning unpaid progress payments and alleged defects (currently reserved) (Led by Andrew Morrison on Appeal, unled at trial, instructed by Ward + Co).
          • Hartman Constructions v Upton (Supreme Court): Acted for a builder in an appeal pursuant to s 148 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) of a VCAT decision in relation to breach of warranties by a builder (Settled) (unled, instructed by Consult Solicitors).
          • 620 Collins Street Melbourne v Koble Projects (County Court): Acting for a commercial builder in relation to an alleged breach of a commercial construction contract (unled, instructed by Wotton Kearney).
        • I am regularly briefed to act for building professionals in relation to building and construction disputes. For example:
          • State of Victoria v L.U. Simon Builders (County Court): Acted for a fire engineer in relation to a claim concerning alleged cladding-related defects (settled) (unled, instructed by Clyde & Co).
          • Koolio v Watpac & Ors (VCAT): Acted for a surveyor in relation to a claim for alleged cladding related defects (settled) (unled, instructed by Lander & Rogers).
          • Owners Corporation Plan No 625721C v Prime Projects Construction (VCAT): Acting for an architect in relation to alleged defects relating to waterproofing (unled, instructed by Lander & Rogers).
          • La Petite Tour Pty Ltd v Hantas Construction Pty Ltd (County Court): Acting for a structural engineer in relation to claim concerning alleged defects (unles, instructed by Wotton Kearney).

        Practice and Procedure

        • Atomos Limited v McGechie (Supreme Court) [2023] VSC 754: Successfully resisted an appeal of a decision to refuse to stay a proceeding on the ground of forum non conveniens.
        • Atomos Limited v McGechie (Supreme Court): Successfully resisted an application by a Defendant to stay a proceeding on the ground of forum non conveniens (led by Ben Gibson KC, instructed by Mills Oakley).
        • Biodiversity v Vaughan Constructions (Supreme Court): Acted for the respondent to an application for a freezing order (settled) (led by Jonathan Moore KC, instructed by Piper Alderman)
        • Reindel v Confreight Pty Ltd (No 1) [2022] VSC 163; Reindel v Confreight (No 2) [2022] VSC 442: Successfully obtained orders for the removal of caveats in a dispute between a developer and investors (instructed by Mills Oakley).
        • Re Tech2Home (Communications) Pty Ltd (admins apptd) [2022] VSC 580: successfully obtained an extension of the convening period of a group of companies in administration.
        • Re Soar Aviation Aircraft Holdings Pty Ltd (in liq) and Gobel Aviation Pty Ltd (in liq) [2022] VSC 812: Successfully obtained leave to proceed against two companies in liquidation.
        • Summary judgment applications, including:
          • Kirdeikis v Laurent & Anor (Supreme Court): Successfully obtained summary dismissal of the Plaintiff’s Statement of Claim (unled, instructed by Tisher Liner FC Law).
          • Jayfield Pty Ltd v McLennan & Ors (Supreme Court): Successfully obtained summary dismissal of the Plaintiff’s Statement of Claim (unled, instructed by Stenta Legal).
          • Lidgett v Lidgett [2023] VSC 705 (Supreme Court): Successfully resisted an application for summary judgment (unled, instructed by Heinz Law).
        • Jender v Flood Emergency Services Group [2021] VSC 505: Successfully obtained indemnity costs following judicial review of a Magistrates’ Court decision (instructed by Wisewould Mahoney).

        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.



      • Berlic Georgia

        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.

      • Tamara Leane

        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.



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