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  • Carly Sluiter

    Carly practices predominantly in corporate and commercial litigation, tort and insurance law. She practices across Victoria and Tasmania.

    Before joining the independent Bar in Western Australia in 2016 she held Special Counsel and Senior Associate roles in the commercial litigation groups of Allion Partners, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP and Talbot Olivier Lawyers. She completed her early career years in personal injury and insurance litigation, including within the statutory workers’ compensation and compulsory third party motor vehicle insurance regimes.

    Carly holds degrees in Law and Economics from the University of Western Australia and a Masters in International Relations from Curtin University of Technology.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Wood Amy

    In her practice as a barrister, Amy predominately appears in personal injury related matters. She appears both on her own and with senior counsel, in all jurisdictions in which such matters are litigated. As well as appearing in personal injury matters, Amy also accepts briefs to advise and draft paperwork, including but not limited to, "Serious Injury" Applications, Interrogatories and Medical Panel Referrals.

    Amy has a particular interest and ability in sporting tribunal work, coronal inquests and summary crime, and since coming to the Bar she has provided advice and appeared in these areas in various matters.

    Amy is an accredited mediator.

    Prior to coming to the Bar, Amy was the Associate to His Honour Judge Hicks at the County Court of Victoria. As an Associate, Amy acquired a wealth of experience in both the personal injury and criminal law jurisdictions (including the Racing Appeals Tribunal). Prior to working as a Judge's Associate, Amy worked for a boutique commercial law firm and a prior to that, with a criminal law sole practitioner.

    Amy is a member of the Compensation Law Bar Association and the Criminal Law Bar Association.

  • Walsh Matthew

    Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Product Liability.

    Matt is an experienced trial and appellate advocate, and practices extensively in the Supreme Court (including the Court of Appeal) and County Court in the following areas:

    • industrial accidents
    • motor vehicle/transport accidents
    • medical negligence
    • total and permanent disablement claims
    • Medical Panel appeals
    • public liability
    • professional negligence
    • insurance
    • recovery proceedings
    • appeals
    • institutional abuse

    Qualifications - Legal

    • LLB (Hons) University of Adelaide
    • Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice (GCLP) University of South Australia
    • Certificate in Mediation at the Harvard Law School (HNI program) Cambridge, USA (2016)

    Qualifications - Other

    • BBus - Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Tax Major)
    • Sydney Futures Exchange, Licensed Dealer
    • Mathematics of Finance. Macquarie University
    • Treasury Management. Graduate School of Managment, University Of Melbourne

    Work History

    ANZ Banking Group Ltd, Melbourne (Capital markets).

    Phillips Fox Adelaide - Clerkship.

    Fisher Jeffries Adelaide - Clerkship.

    HWL Ebsworth Adelaide (formely Kelly &Co) - Articles/lawyer.

    Barrister @ Vic Bar since 1997 and @ SA Bar 2018

    Read with James Peters AM, KC.

    Bar Positions Present

    • Walsh Chambers - Head of Chambers.
    • Aickin Chambers - Senior Member
    • Member of the Common Law Bar Association - Current
    • Member of the Compensation Bar Association - Current

    Bar Positions Past

    • Assistant Honorary Treasurer of the Victorian Bar Council
    • Member of the Victorian Bar Council
    • Director of Barristers’ Chambers Limited
    • Member of the Victorian Bar’s Audit and Finance Committee
    • Member Pro Bono Committee
    • Member alternative dispute resolution committee

    Readers/Mentorship

    Mentor to 8 readers.

    Stewart Pinkstone, Ramon Fowler, Gary Taylor, Peter Haddad,

    Glenn Worth, Robyn Harper, Jacqueline Lontos, Ian Lloyd.

    Chambers

    • Aickin Chambers Melbourne
    • Walsh Chambers Geelong
    • Edmund Barton Chambers Adelaide


    From 10 August 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Wallis Daniel

    Daniel practises in common law with a focus on medical malpractice litigation, public liability claims and institutional abuse claims and appears for both plaintiffs and defendants.

    In his medical malpractice claims Daniel has acted for plaintiffs of all ages with minor injuries through to catastrophic injuries. He has also acted for health service providers and regularly appears in inquests.

    Daniel has been ranked as a leading junior counsel in professional indemnity by Doyle's Guide in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and as a recommended junior counsel in insurance in the 2019 Doyle's guide.

    In his public liability claims Daniel has represented individuals who have suffered injury as well as defendants sued as occupiers or manufacturers including acting for providers of recreational pursuits.

    Daniel also has extensive experience in making applications at various stages of litigation including privilege applications, discovery applications, stay applications and extension of time applications.

    Daniel worked as a Senior Associate at DLA Piper in the Insurance Litigation team before coming to the bar in 2008. Daniel was trained and educated in England before being admitted to practice in New South Wales in 2003 and Victoria in 2004.

  • Wang Julia

    Julia has a broad practice that includes commercial law, criminal law and public law.

    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. She is a reporter for the Commonwealth Law Reports and the Victorian Reports.

    Matters in which Julia has appeared include:

    • Commonwealth v Yunupingu (Gove Compensation Case) [2024] HCATrans 48, on appeal from [2023] FCAFC 75 – native title; constitutional law (led by S A Glacken KC and G Hill SC)
    • Director of Public Prosecutions v Smith [2024] HCATrans 27 – criminal procedure; statutory interpretation (led by L T Brown SC, Crown Counsel, with S C Clancy)
    • Hun v Aljazeera International (Malaysia) SDN BHD (Federal Court, ongoing) – defamation (led by J J Gleeson KC)
    • Zeally Investments Pty Ltd v Minister for Planning [2023] VSC 755 – administrative law; planning (led by C J Horan KC)
    • Davey v Northern Territory (Federal Court; ongoing) – native title compensation claim (led by S A Glacken KC and T P Keely SC)
    • Farm Transparency International Ltd v New South Wales [2022] HCA 23 – constitutional law (led by S Donaghue QC, Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth, with T Wood)
    • Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources and Water [2023] FCA 809 – judicial review; constitutional law (led by C L Lenehan SC, with C J Tran and C Trahanas)
    • Azizi v Director of Public Prosecutions [2022] VSCA 71 – proceeds of crime; statutory interpretation (led by Dr P T Vout QC)
    • Re HEST Australia Ltd [2021] VSC 809 – trusts and superannuation (led by P H Solomon QC, with J A G McComish)
    • Director of Public Prosecutions v Bowen (2021) 65 VR 385; [2021] VSCA 355 – appeal against sentence (led by C B Boyce QC)


    From 7 May 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Jennifer Davies

    The Hon Jennifer Davies KC is a retired judge of the Federal Court of Australia and during her time on the bench was the national co-ordinating judge of the Taxation National Practice Area. Prior to her appointment to the Federal Court she was a judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, sitting in the Commercial Court division and before then, a member of the Bar from May 1983. She took silk in 2004.

    She is an Honorary Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne lecturing in postgraduate courses and on the Melbourne University Tax Advisory board. She is also on the board of the International Association of Tax Judges and is a member of the Australian Academy of Law, the International Academy of Estate and Trust Law and the International Fiscal Association, and a Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia.

  • McCarthy Rebecca

    Rebecca practises in commercial law and has particular interest and expertise in insolvency, corporations, contract, equity and trusts disputes.

    Since joining the Victorian Bar, Rebecca has appeared both led and unled in trials and applications in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the County Court of Victoria, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the VCAT. Between November 2020 to March 2021, Rebecca acted as assistant to the Honourable Susan Crennan AC in the conduct of a private international arbitration.

    Before coming to the Bar, Rebecca was Associate to the Honourable Associate Justice Gardiner of the Supreme Court of Victoria, where Rebecca gained experience in interlocutory applications and trials brought under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Before this, Rebecca worked as a solicitor in the commercial litigation team at Frenkel Partners Lawyers.

    Rebecca is regularly briefed in applications to set aside statutory demands, winding up applications, applications on behalf of liquidators for directions from the Court and to appear in public examinations and voidable transaction proceedings.

    Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Adelaide and is undertaking a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne specialising in commercial subjects. Rebecca is also a sessional academic at Deakin University, teaching Evidence Law.

    Rebecca is a member of both the Law Council of Australia Young Lawyers Committee and of the Victorian Bar New Barristers’ Committee.

    Rebecca read with Peter Fary SC and her senior mentor is Penny Neskovcin KC.

    Selected Cases

    Harman v Coram Investments Pty Ltd [2023] VCC 1187 – Application for dismissal or permanent stay of proceeding, for the plaintiff, led by Andrew Meagher.

    Gountzos (as liquidator of GVE Hampton Pty Ltd) (In Liq) v Krok [2022] VSC 539 –Application by the liquidator for Court approval of a compromise, for the liquidator, led by Carl Moller SC.

    Saaticho Pty Ltd & Ors v EVR Group Pty Ltd & Ors [2022] VSC 45 – Injunction to restrain incursion into plaintiffs’ airspace, for the plaintiffs.

    Re Wynyard Victoria Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 81 – Application to set aside statutory demand, for the defendant.

    Shangri-La Construction Pty Ltd v GVE Hampton Pty Ltd (In Liq) [2021] VSC 161 – Application for appointment of special purpose liquidator, for the respondent liquidator.

    Doxa Youth Foundation & Ors vs Doxa Community Club & Ors S ECI 2021 02968 – Oppression proceeding, led by Christopher Brown, settled prior to trial.

    In the matter of SOCA Nominees Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) S ECI 2022 04842 – Application for appointment of receiver over trust assets and for relief from liability on part of Company pursuant to s 85 of the Trustee Act 1925 No 14 (NSW), for the liquidator.

    Official Trustee in Bankruptcy v Veitch MLG433/2022 – Application for declaration of vesting of beneficial ownership in Official Trustee and sale of land, for the Official Trustee, settled prior to trial.

    In the matter of Project Volar Creditors’ Trust established in the administration of Virgin Australia Holdings Ltd & Ors No. 2021/00247797 – Application for leave to file an amended proof of debt pursuant to s 81 of the Trustee Act 1925 (NSW), for the Applicant.

    W Capital 18 Pty Ltd v LWB Development Pty Ltd & Ors - Supreme Court of Victoria – breach of contract, estoppel, led by Peter Fary SC, settled prior to trial.

    DS & KCC Enterprises Pty Ltd v Jimmy and Jangs Enterprises Pty Ltd S ECI 2021 02490 – Oppression proceeding, for the plaintiff, settled prior to trial.

    Clear Logistics Australia Pty Ltd v Naracoopa Mineral Sands Pty Ltd VID578/2022 – Injunction for the delivery up of a Vessel, for the Respondent, led by Sam Rosewarne KC.

    ASIC v Arandez VID338/2022 – Application pursuant to section 1323(1)(k) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), for the Respondent, led by Michael Gronow KC.

    Jackson v Edsall S ECI 2020 04574 – Application by executor of deceased estate for orders to allow sale of deceased’s property, for the plaintiff.



    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • Wolahan Owen

    Owen has a broad commercial practice with a focus on complex disputes primarily encompassing issues of contract and misleading or deceptive conduct, as well as proceedings in respect of superannuation, commercial leasing and professional misconduct. Experience includes injunctive relief, mediation, trials and appeal proceedings in Victoria and the Federal Court. Owen also regularly advises on commercial issues and manages interlocutory proceedings.

    Matters that Owen has been briefed on since coming to the bar include:

    Whirlpool (Australia) Pty Ltd v Castel Electronics Pty Ltd, for Castel (with Andrew Bailey, led by Leslie Glick KC) (settled)

    FSS Trustee Corporation v Eastaugh [2016] VSC 636, for Alfred Health (with Hamish Austin)

    Cargill Australia Limited v Viterra Malt Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 13, for Viterra and Glencore (led by Allan Myers AC KC, Suresh Senathirajah KC and Stephen Parmenter KC) (judgment delivered January 2022 after a trial of 113 days)

    Marton v Australian Taekwondo including in the Court of Arbitration for Sport 2021/A/7945 (led by Paul Hayes KC)

    Tansley v Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, for Mr Tansley MD FRCS (with Stephen Moloney, led by Allan Myers AC KC) (settled)

    Jieyun International Investments Pty Ltd v Toorak Development Group Pty Ltd [2022] VSC 387, for Jieyun (led by Paul Hayes KC)

    Teico Investments Pty Ltd v WA Blue Gum Limited, for Teico (led by Peter Cawthorn KC) (settled)

    Davis v Department of Health [2022] VCAT 718, for the Honourable David Davis (unled)

    Scheme of arrangement for Security Matters Limited. Hearings included (No 3) [2023] FCA 140, for Security Matters (led by Carl Moller SC, with Monique Hardinge)

    Nottingham v Australian Financial Complaints Authority [2023] FCA 58, for Australian Super (unled)

    Tratter v Aware Super [2023] FCA 491, and on appeal Tratter v Aware Super [2023] FCAFC 36, for Aware Super (unled)

    Merkon Constructions Pty Ltd v Residence Company Pty Ltd & another, for Merkon (led by Michael Galvin KC) (ongoing)

    In the Cargill Australia matter, in addition to appearing at trial and on appeal Owen was also closely involved with numerous interlocutory matters including:

    • (No 1) [2017] VSC 126 – Waiver of privilege, independence of lawyer, fraud exception
    • (No 2) [2017] VSC 283 – Anti-suit injunction restraining compulsory discovery procedure in the USA
    • (No 3) [2017] VSC 650 – Waiver of privilege, apportionment of costs
    • (No 4) [2017] VSC 797 – Discovery (evidence in support and correspondence only)
    • (No 5) [2017] VSC 798 – Application to undertake compulsory discovery procedure in the USA (evidence in support and written submissions only)
    • (No 10) [2018] VSC 439 – Amendment of pleading during trial
    • (No 11) [2018] VSC 453 – Waiver of privilege by reviving memory
    • (No 12) [2018] VSC 454 – Order of evidence at trial
    • (No 18) [2018] VSC 772 – Amendment of pleading during trial
    • (No 19) [2018] VSC 798 – Notices to produce
    • (No 22) [2019] VSC 351 – Amendment of pleading during trial
    • (No 24) [2019] VSC 438 – Application by plaintiff to adduce further evidence
    • (No 25) [2020] VSC 172 – Application by defendants to adduce further evidence
    • (No 26) [2021] VSC 242 – Application by non-party seeking extension of confidentiality orders
    • (No 27) [2021] VSC 321 – Modification of confidentiality regime between parties

    Plus hearings as to final orders and appeal rulings in the Cargill Australia matter:

    • (No 30) [2022] VSC 80 – Interest on judgment
    • (No 31) [2022] VSC 164 – Declaratory relief, nominal damage, costs
    • (No 32) [2022] VSC 299 – Costs, including whether on gross costs basis, and on indemnity basis
    • [2023] VSCA 157 – Substantive appeal
    • [2023] VSCA 301 – Costs appeal, indemnity costs following offer of compromise
    • [2023] VSCA 304 – Costs appeal, indemnity costs for other conduct

    Prior to coming to the bar, Owen was a solicitor with Herbert Smith Freehills where he acted for companies across banking, investment, mining, electricity, and retail. Owen is experienced in advising companies who are defending complex claims brought in contract, negligence, or breach of statutory obligations. Owen also worked on a number of class actions, acting for large listed companies in shareholder claims, as well as for the electricity distributor in the Victorian bushfires claims.

    In 2013, Owen joined the Office of Crown Counsel in the Victorian Government where he advised the Attorney-General and the Department of Justice on policy implementation, policy development, human rights compatibility, and other general legal matters.

    Owen’s academic achievements include first-class honours in law from Monash University, where he won the subject prize for Restrictive Trade Practices.

    Owen read with Stephen Parmenter KC, and his senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.


    From 30 Oct 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Nicholson Claire

    Claire specialises in taxation and commercial law.

    Taxation expertise

    Claire provides advice and appears in matters relating to all aspects of federal and state taxes. Claire has a Master of Science in Taxation from Oxford University, a Master of Tax from the University of Melbourne, and is a Chartered Tax Advisor.

    Commercial expertise

    Claire provides advice and appears in a broad range of commercial disputes including class actions, contract, corporations, insolvency, insurance, property, trusts and equity, trade practices and competition.


    From 1st May 2014, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Camilla Middleton

    Camilla practises in commercial, public and common law.

    Prior to coming to the Bar, Camilla was an associate to the Hon Justice Gageler AC at the High Court of Australia and the Hon Justice Wheelahan at the Federal Court of Australia.

    Camilla practised as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills. She was also an Assistant Legal Counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague where she worked on international commercial and investment arbitrations, as well as arbitrations arising under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    Camilla holds undergraduate degrees in Music and Laws (Hons I) from the Australian National University and a Master of Laws (Hons I) from the University of Melbourne. She is a sessional academic at the Australian National University.

    Camilla read with Matthew Hooper KC. Her senior mentors are Claire Harris SC and Penny Neskovcin KC, as their Honours then were.


    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • VANESSA BATEUP
  • Oldfield David

    Prior to coming to the bar, David was a Senior Legal Manager at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). During this time, he defended claims for Common Law damages, serious injury applications, and applications for review at the VCAT

    .

    Before becoming a solicitor at the TAC, David was Senior Associate within the State Government group at DLA Phillips Fox. During this time, David instructed in a broad range of practice areas, with a particular focus on administrative appeals, coronial inquests and Occupational Health and Safety prosecutions.

  • ANNABIE LAVERY
  • MEGAN SECKER
  • CHRIS BEACH
  • Wheelahan Patrick

    Patrick is recognised for his versatility and his practice covers a wide range of areas including employment and industrial law (particularly in the construction industry, electricity and retail industry), personal injury and insurance, occupational disciplinary related matters, sporting law, and urgent claims for injunctive relief.

    Patrick has appeared in the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia, the Fair Work Commission and other jurisdictions, including before the Australian Olympic Committee and Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.

    Professional Legal Experience

    • Associate to Justice Ryan, Federal Court of Australia 1996.
    • Solicitor (and Snr Associate) for four and half years specialising in industrial and employment law litigation.
    • Read with Justice Michael McDonald.
    • Appointed silk in 2020.
    • Appeared in numerous industrial and employment law matters, sporting matters and insurance matters re personal injury.
      • interlocutory relief to enforce or defend restraint of trade contracts (e.g on behalf of Elders Rural Services Australia, Transfield Worley Power Services, DP World, Orica Australia, Recruitment firms etc and advice work) - Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court of Australia
      • interlocutory relief to restrain unlawful industrial action and industrial disputation generally (e.g on behalf of CUB Pty Ltd, Grocon Constructions, Bovis Lend Lease, Metropolitain Fire Brigade; Sugar Australia, Coles Supermarkets Australia etc) - Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court of Australia
      • various complex employment litigation (contractual, enterprise agreement construction eg Commonwealth Bank of Australia, University of Melbourne, Target Australia, Boeing Aerostructures Australia)
      • Regulatory assistance – Multiplex Australasia Pty Ltd, Multiplex Constructions.
      • unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment cases
      • extensive work for Victorian Government departments and statutory authorities including the Dept. of Parliamentary Services, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police
      • proceedings generally under the Fair Work Act
      • general civil work – contractual disputes - Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court of Australia
      • Licensing and Disciplinary Tribunals - Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board, Veterinarian Board, Australian Olympic Committee.
      • Personal injury and insurance – Worksafe, TAC, self-insured.

    • Sample of matters include:
      • Equatorial Launch Australia Pty Ltd ats Scott (termination of employment; complex contractual claims)
      • Vialano v Steadfast (restraint of trade)
      • Chemist Warehouse ats SDA – complex Award construction claim
      • Walkley v Australian Retail Projects (Personal injury litigation)
      • Lustig Nee Davidson v TAC (Personal injury litigation)
      • Victorian Workcover Authority v Carey (Personal injury litigation)
      • SKM Industries Pty Ltd v Melchiorre (Personal injury litigation - insurance)
      • Espinosa v VWA & Ors (Personal injury litigation)
      • Downer EDI Rail Pty Ltd (industrial action)
      • RTL Mining Earthworks – (industrial action Loy Yang Power Station)
      • JDLF International Pty Ltd (t/a Compass Institute of Education) (restraint of trade)
      • Quinn v Descon Group Australia Pty Ltd (construction industry, termination)
      • Ambulance Victoria ats Hazelwood (discipline; contractual; enterprise agreement)
      • Suad Trtrovac v Total Mix and Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd (personal injury, insurance, construction industry)
      • Nahid Moghadam v TAC (Personal injury litigation)
      • Smethurst v TAC (Personal injury litigation)
      • Complex Advice – re mandatory vaccinations
      • Target Australia Pty Ltd ats SDA (enterprise agreement construction)
      • Strategy1 HR v Jansz and Franklin (restraint of trade)
      • Ryan Plapp v Tac (Personal injury litigation)
      • Scott Russell v Osborne & Son (Personal injury litigation)
      • Ambulance Victoria ats APESMA (enterprise agreement)
      • Victorian Ambulance Union v Health Select (industrial action)
      • Ambulance Victoria ats Harrap (employment)
      • Airwallex Pty Ltd ats Terssari (employment, contractual)
      • Bovogen Biologicals Pty Ltd ats O’Dea (restraint of trade, employment, contractual)
      • Illion Australia ats Dlima (employment; contractual)
      • University of Melbourne ats Salerno (employment)
      • Boeing Aerostructures Australia Pty Ltd ats Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (employment, industrial)
      • Green Vic Pty Ltd ats Yates & Green (construction industry, employment)
      • Wesbeam Pty Ltd ats Trego & Anor (construction industry, employment)
      • DP World Brisbane ats CFMEU (industrial action)
      • Victoria Police (disciplinary, employment)
      • Hays Specialist Recruitment (Australia) (restraint of trade)
      • John Crane Australia Pty Ltd v Clayton (construction industry, employment)
      • Only About Children ats Rezkalla (restraint of trade, employment)
      • Toyota Motor Corporation ats Abarra & Tainsh (employment, termination)
      • Casual Penalty Rates Case (retailers, complex submissions to Fair Work Commission)
      • CSL Limited ats Papaioannou (employment)
      • Carter Jold Harvey Woodproducts Australiaa ats CPSU & Ors (construction industry, employment)
      • Palombino v Ciro Tiling Pty Ltd (construction industry, employment)
      • BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd ats Anjali (employment)
      • Fletcher Insulation Pty Ltd ats Alievski (construction industry, employment)
      • RMIT v National Tertiary Education Union (enterprise agreement, employment)
      • Transport Workers Union v Australia Postal Corporation (employment, industrial)
      • 4 yearly review of modern awards - Penalty Rates Decision - [2017] FWCFB 1001 - represented the retail associations - a substantial matter worked on through 2015/16 - outcome was as claimed by the retail associations i.e. a reduction in Sunday penalty rates.
      • Carlton & United Breweries ats ETU & AMWU - substantial industrial dispute involving outsoucing/contracting of labour [2016].
      • Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v Grocon Constructors (Victoria) Pty Ltd and Ors [2015] - High Court Of Australia - Application for special leave by the CFMEU
      • Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union v Grocon Constructors (Victoria) Pty Ltd & Ors; Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v Boral Resources (Vic) Pty Ltd & Ors (No 2) [2014] VSCA 298 (21 November 2014)
      • Grocon & Ors v Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union & Ors [2013] VSC 275 Contempt of Court - breach of restraining orders made by the Court
      • AMWU v. Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd [2012] VID323 of 2012 Injunction application by AMWU for reinstatement of 12 Union delegates and Health & Safety Representatives made redundant by Toyota April 2012. Ancillary proceedings re 350 redundancies in FWA.
      • Cicciarelli v Qantas Airways Ltd [2012] FCA 56 Dismissal of employees after strike action at Melbourne Airport. Employees claimed part of the reason for dismissal was because they were union delegates. Qantas successful.
      • Cameron v Asciano Services Pty Ltd [2011] VSC 36 Employment contractual dispute - repudiation
      • Acted for Racing Victoria Limited Stewards and also for various trainers, bookmaker and jockeys including Tony Vasil, Mark Riley, Darren Weir, Robert Smerdon, Jarrod McLean, Nikita Beriman, Philp Cakebread, Leon Corstens etc
      • Telstra Corporation Ltd - application to FWA to terminate Telstra's enterprise awards [2011] Union parties made concurrent application for a modern award.
      • Jetstar Group Ltd ats Australian Federation of Air Pilots - claims that Jetstar was in breach of its industrial instruments - Federal Court - [2011]
      • Southern Health ats Australian Nursing Federation - appeal against decision in private arbitration - jursidiction - application of a certified agreement - alleged breach of certified agreement [2011]
      • Qantas Airways Ltd - employee claims
      • Skilled Group - employee commission claims; contractual claims
      • Clive Peeters v. Causer & Ors - employee fraud in excess of $20Million; search orders and freezing orders Supreme Court of Victoria.
      • ANZ Banking Group / ING Administration Pty Ltd - [2010] Application to transition employees from INGA to ANZ Banking Group industrial instruments.
      • BAE Systems - [2010] - employee claims - defence contracts - proceedings subject to confidentiality orders.
      • J Boag & Son Brewing Pty Ltd (Boags) ats Button - dismissal and appeal of decision at first instance - FWA - [2010]
      • Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd v. CFMEU (No2) [2009] FCA 650 Contempt - contempt of court - penalties
      • CFMEU v. Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd [2008] FCA 1669 Contracts - settlement agreement about industrial dispute - Blue Glue dispute - construction of agreement
      • Sinapi v. Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2008] AIRC 405 Termination of employment
      • Refined Sugar Services Pty Ltd v. Australian Workers’ Union [2008] AIRCFB 1069 Appeals – amendment of orders and documents – powers of Commission – whether correction of errors permissible in the circumstances – Workplace Relations Act 1996 ss.91, 111(1)(d), (l) and (m), 120, 423, 469 and 496
      • (Sugar Austrlia) Refined Sugar Services Pty Ltd v. Australian Workers’ Union [2008] AIRC 1065s.496 - Application for order against industrial action
      • Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union v Ardmona Foods Ltd (2006) 155 IR 211 Industrial law — Industrial relations — Certified agreement — Breach
      • United Firefighters' Union of Australia v Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board [2006] FCAFC 84; (2006) 152 FCR 18 Industrial law — Trade unions — Penalties — Orders
      • Sperandio v Lynch t/as Doctors of Northcote (2006) 160 IR 360Employment — Termination of employment — Unlawful termination — Temporary absence from work
      • Country Fire Authority v United Firefighters' Union of Australia - PR970045 [2006] AIRC 181 (20 March 2006) Dispute - Modifications to Fire Stations and whether design determined by enterprise agreement
      • Arie Benezra v. Volante Systems Pty Ltd [2006] AIRC Termination of employment; jurisdiction; employed under award-derived conditions
      • Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union v SPC Ardmona - PR954942 [2005] AIRC 42 (18 January 2005) s.170LW dispute over the application of a certified agreement
      • John Mangiafico v Department of Human Services - PR963416 [2005] AIRC 854 (4 October 2005) Termination of employment; sexual harassment
      • Christopher Esam and Geoff Organ v SPC Ardmona Operations Ltd - PR957497 [2005] AIRC 338 (20 April 2005) Appeal - termination of employment - engagement for a specified period of time and/or for a specified task - jurisdiction - appeal filed out of time - intervention - extension of time granted
      • United Firefighters' Union of Australia v Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (2004) 136 IR 71 Industrial law — Enterprise agreements — Construction — Breach of agreement
      • P I'Anson and Department of Human Services PR949516 [2004] AIRC 694 Appeal – termination of employment
      • J Savage v Department of Education PR947727 [2004] AIRC 552 Termination of employment
      • Margaret Holmes & Ors v. Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs – PR949225 [2004] AIRCAlleged termination of various employees of the Refugee Review Tribunal
      • Romeo Spataro v PFD Food Services Pty Ltd - PR953928 [2004] AIRC 1224 (3 December 2004) Termination of employment
      • United Firefighters' Union of Australia v Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (2003) 123 IR 86 Industrial law — Industrial relations — Disciplinary charges — Interlocutory relief
      • Batzialas v Tony Davies Motors [2002] FMCA 243 (16 October 2002) Human Rights - Claim for discrimination under Racial Discrimination Act 1975 - whether termination of employment due to or caused by discrimination - application dismissed - costs.
      • Australian Education Union and others v. Department of Education, Employment and Training PR911197 [2001] AIRC (13 December 2001) Application for variation of a certified agreement
      • Jasen v Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE & Ors [2000] VCAT 659 (31 March 2000) Anti-Discrimination List - Application for order to restrain firm of Solicitors from continuing to act forthe 1st and 2nd Respondents- Tribunal's power to make order- principles to be applied; VCAT Act 1998 Ss 40-44, 80, 97, 98 and 123

    For further information about his availability, fee rates and other information, please contact one of his Clerks, John, Phillip or Michael Dever on 9225 7999 or by email to dever@vicbar.com.au.


    From 24 Jul 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.  

  • Ruby Heffernan

    Ruby accepts briefs in a range of areas encompassing common law, administrative law and criminal matters, with a focus on personal injury and judicial review matters.

    Prior to coming to the Bar, Ruby was Associate to the Honourable Justice Forbes of the Supreme Court of Victoria. She assisted her Honour in relation to matters regarding negligence, judicial review and appeals, urgent applications in the practice court and confiscations and proceeds of crime matters.

    Ruby practiced as a solicitor at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers where she gained experience litigating claims primarily in the TAC, WorkCover and Comcare schemes.

    Ruby is reading with Richard Stanley. Her senior mentor is Michelle Britbart KC.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Hayley Daniel

    Hayley has a broad practice in insurance, administrative and common law matters, with a specialty and significant experience in health and medical law.

    Before coming to the Bar, Hayley spent more than a decade working for and with insurers across a range of areas, including aviation, maritime, life and disability insurance, public liability and professional indemnity. She has an extensive and intimate knowledge as to the workings of insurers and the unique challenges insurance litigation entails.

    Most recently, Hayley was a Senior Associate at Australia’s largest medical defence organisation. She had carriage of a vast range of matters, acting on behalf of doctors and health practitioners across civil claims, regulatory investigations, coronial inquests and commercial disputes. Through this work, she developed a subspeciality in plastic & reconstructive surgery matters, bariatric claims and the regulation of cosmetic medicine.

    Since coming to the Bar, Hayley has maintained a busy injuries, insurance and administrative practice, appearing in all Victorian and Tasmanian Courts. She acts for both plaintiffs and defendants across the common law landscape, with a core practice in medical negligence and judicial reviews of Medical Panel determinations. She regularly provides advice as to indemnity, coverage and policy interpretation. Hayley is frequently briefed to advise on procedural issues and appear in interlocutory applications.

    Hayley holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Monash University.

    In addition to her background in insurance litigation, Hayley has a particular interest in sports law, healthcare regulation and bioethics.

    Hayley read with Ben Jellis SC and her Senior Mentor is Dr Michael Rush KC.

    Her recent cases include:

    • Briffa v Austin Health (damages trial by jury, (led by Paul Lamb)
    • Monash Health v Carina & Ors [2024] VSC 486 (led by Matthew Hooper SC)
    • Rosata v Citywide Service Solutions Pty Ltd & Anor [2024] HCASL 106 (led by Philip Solomon KC and Ben Jellis) (special leave refused);
    • Jury trial of Petrovski v ISS Security Pty Ltd & Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) Pty Limited (led by Roslyn Kaye KC);
    • Wilks v Psychology Board of Australia [2024] VSC 002 (led by Matthew Hooper);
    • Marsh v Medical Board of Australia (Review and Regulation) [2023] VCAT 1320 (led by Paul Hayes KC).


    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • James Esther

    Esther has been in practice since 2003, with broad expertise in State and Federal administrative law, health law, inquests, general VCAT / civil claims, and lower court proceedings, including crime, intervention orders and Victims of Crime, Working with Children reviews and sporting inquiries.

    Previously, Esther completed a commercial articles at Deacons (now Norton Rose) in 2002, was Judge's Associate at the County Court of Victoria (2003-2004), solicior with DHS Victoria (2004-2006); and was a Registered Nurse (1991-2011). She is sought after for her expertise in health matters.

    Briefs are welcome in all jurisdictions.

    From 01 Jul 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Pym Charles

    Charles accepts industrial relations, employment and commercial law briefs in all Australian jurisdictions. He also advises state and federal Members of Parliament.

    Prior to joining the Bar, Charles worked for the Commonwealth Attorney-General in Canberra and Perth.

    Charles holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Australia, and a Master of Laws from the Australian National University. He read with Lisa Hespe SC (now Justice Hespe of the Federal Court).

    Recently, Charles has advised or acted for:

    Industrial Relations

    • The respondent in Dalley v Deakin University, a claim brought under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic);
    • The respondent in Health Services Union v Mercy Hospitals Victoria (led by S Wood AM KC);
    • The respondent in Health Services Union v Mercy Hospitals Victoria (on appeal) (Led by S Wood AM KC)
    • A transport firm bringing a restraint of trade claim (led by R Sweet KC);
    • The respondent in Siddiqui v Mowbray Physiotherapy at first instance and on appeal to the Federal Court;
    • A law firm partnership, defending claims by a former partner (led by S Wood AM KC);
    • Various respondents to general protections/adverse action, coercion and underpayment claims in State and Federal Courts;
    • Applicants and respondents in unfair dismissal, unlawful termination, general protections, costs, and flexible work applications in the Fair Work Commission;
    • An applicant before the before the Victorian Police Registration and Services Board (under s146 of the Victoria Police Act 2013)
    • A Middle Eastern state-affiliated law firm, on comparative industrial relations law in the Australian jurisdiction; and
    • A national waste company transitioning to an enterprise bargaining agreement.

    Administrative and Public Law

    • The Tax Practitioners Board, in an application for a civil penalty against an unlicensed international tax agent (led by M Follett KC);
    • A former Commonwealth Minister, responding to the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme;
    • The Victorian Shadow Treasurer in Davis v Department of Transport, relating to disclosures around Melbourne’s Fishermans Bend project and the redevelopment of South Yarra Railway Station;
    • A security firm against Victoria Police, dismissing a disciplinary inquiry relating to the 2019 Love Machine nightclub shooting.

    Commercial Litigation

    • A group of taxi licence holders in the Andrianakis v Uber Group Proceeding (Class Action);
    • An arbitrator, a former Justice of the High Court, determining liability for a major resources claim;
    • A plaintiff liquidator in the Federal Court, securing the arrest of a former director of the liquidated entity; and
    • Parties to commercial disputes in courts and tribunals across several jurisdictions.

    Charles was unled, except where specified.


    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.



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