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  • Matson Rachel

    Rachel practices in common law, family law and general commercial law.

    Rachel has experience acting in a broad range of common law matters for both plaintiffs and defendants. She has a particular interest in personal injury and professional negligence claims.

    She appears in the Supreme, County and Magistrates’ Courts of Victoria in damages trials, statutory recovery proceedings, serious injury applications, interlocutory applications and Workcover/TAC statutory benefits applications. She appears led and unled.

    Rachel is also briefed to prepare advices, statements of claim, serious injury applications, Medical Panel referrals and interrogatories/answers to interrogatories.

    Rachel has a general commercial practice, including contract claims and property disputes.

    Rachel is also experienced in representing clients in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Divisions 1 and 2) in all aspects of family law litigation. She is regularly briefed to advise and appear (led and unled) in complex property and parenting matters. She is also regularly briefed for third parties in property proceedings.

    Before coming to the Bar, Rachel was the senior associate to the Honourable Justice Incerti at the Supreme Court of Victoria.

    Prior to working as an associate, Rachel worked as a solicitor in the family law and commercial litigation and insolvency teams at a national firm.

    Rachel read with Dugald McWilliams and her senior mentor is Ross Gillies QC.

    From 27 October 2017, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation

  • McCaffrey J. Paul

    Retired 2023

  • 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.

  • McComish James

    James practises mainly in commercial and public law. He has particular interests in equity and trusts, insurance, and in cross-border disputes.

    Before coming to the bar, James was an Associate at Allens, where he practised in commercial litigation with a focus on regulatory and insurance-related disputes.

    He graduated from the University of Melbourne with first class honours in law, history and art history, and from the University of Oxford with a doctorate in history.

    In 2007, he was Associate to Justice Gummow of the High Court of Australia. He is a past editor of the Melbourne University Law Review, and is a reporter for the Commonwealth Law Reports. He is the Honorary Correspondent for the Selden Society in Victoria.

    James teaches Trusts at the University of Melbourne. He formerly taught law at the University of Cambridge, where he was a fellow of Selwyn College.

    James read with Michael Rush KC. His senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.

    Cases:

    High Court of Australia

    • GLJ v The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore [2023] HCA 32 (for the appellant, led by P D Herzfeld)
    • Binsaris v Northern Territory (2020) 270 CLR 549 (for the appellants, led by B W Walker SC and K E Foley)
    • Hocking v Director-General of the National Archives of Australia (2020) 271 CLR 1 (for the respondent, led by S P Donaghue QC, C L Lenehan SC and D M Forrester)
    • Mann v Paterson Constructions Pty Ltd (2019) 267 CLR 560 (for the respondent, led by J P Moore QC and A J Laird)
    • Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia Pty Ltd v Commonwealth (2019) 268 CLR 524 (for the respondent, led by J P Moore QC)

    Victorian Court of Appeal

    • Melbourne Water Corporation v Vaughan Constructions Pty Ltd [2022] VSCA 241 (for the appellant, led by P H Solomon KC and R Andrew)
    • Lonergan v Sisters of St Joseph [2022] VSCA 208 (for the appellant, unled, with A Wharldall)
    • Butler v Kenny [2022] VSCA 102 (for the respondents, unled)
    • Willis v Crosland (No 2) [2021] VSCA 360 (for the appellant, led by P H Solomon QC)
    • Willis v Crosland (2021) 65 VR 1; [2021] VSCA 320 (for the appellant, led by P H Solomon QC)
    • Amcor v Barnes (No 2) [2021] VSCA 87 (for the first respondent, unled)
    • Amcor v Barnes [2021] VSCA 6 (for the first respondent, led by J P Moore QC)
    • Schmidt v AHRKalimpa Pty Ltd [2020] VSCA 193 (for the appellants, led by J P Moore QC and C R Northrop)
    • Noori v Topaz Fine Foods Pty Ltd [2018] VSCA 323 (for the respondent, led by J Ruskin QC)
    • McNab v Graham (No 2) [2018] VSCA 8 (for the respondents, led by M F Wheelahan QC)
    • McNab v Graham (2017) 53 VR 311; [2017] VSCA 352 (for the respondents, led by M F Wheelahan QC)
    • Royal Bank of Scotland PLC v Babcock & Brown DIF III Global Co-Investment Fund LP [2017] VSCA 138 (for the first appellant, led by M I Borsky QC)
    • Mitchell v Latrobe Regional Hospital (2016) 51 VR 581; [2016] VSCA 342 (for the plaintiff, led by M F Wheelahan QC)

    Full Federal Court

    • Mawhinney v Australian Securities and Investments Commission (No 2) [2022] FCAFC 205 (unled)
    • Mawhinney v Australian Securities and Investments Commission (2022) 405 ALR 292; [2022] FCAFC 159 (unled)
    • Campbell v Northern Territory of Australia (2022) 289 FCR 148 (for the appellant, unled)
    • TechnologyOne Ltd v Roohizadegan (2021) 309 IR 262; [2021] FCAFC 137 (for the appellants, led by S J Wood QC and B Jellis, with P J Jeffreys)

    Supreme Court of Victoria

    • The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Vic) v Attorney-General (Vic) (No 2) [2022] VSC 764 (for the plaintiff, unled)
    • The Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Vic) v Attorney-General (Vic) [2022] VSC 610 (for the plaintiff, unled)
    • Re HEST Australia Ltd (2021) 66 VR 338; [2021] VSC 809 (for the plaintiff, led by P H Solomon QC, with J R Wang)
    • Re Estate of Henry Brough Smith; Perpetual Trustee Company Ltd v Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Ltd (2020) 19 ASTLR 531; [2020] VSC 378 (for the first and second defendants, unled)
    • Re Coghlan; Merriman v Attorney-General (No 2) [2020] VSC 668 (for the plaintiff, unled)
    • Re Coghlan; Merriman v Attorney-General for the State of Victoria [2020] VSC 392 (for the plaintiff, unled)
    • Sheppard v Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Vic) [2020] VSC 12 (for the defendant, unled)
    • Chickabo Pty Ltd v Zphere Pty Ltd (No 2) [2019] VSC 580 (for the plaintiffs, led by J P Moore QC)
    • Re Wilson: Wilson v Dillon [2019] VSC 211 (for the plaintiff, unled)
    • Chickabo Pty Ltd v Zphere Pty Ltd (2019) 57 VR 406; [2019] VSC 73 (for the plaintiffs, led by J P Moore QC)
    • Re Milenkovich; State Trustees Ltd v Melbourne Health [2018] VSC 598 (for Melbourne Health, led by I J Hardingham QC)
    • Presbyterian Church of Victoria Trusts Corporation v Anstee (No 4) [2018] VSC 200 (for the sixth defendant, Board of Management of the Scots’ Church, unled)
    • Babcock & Brown DIF III Global Co-Investment Fund LP v Babcock & Brown International Pty Ltd (No 2) [2017] VSC 556 (for Royal Bank of Scotland, led by M I Borsky QC)
    • Presbyterian Church of Victoria Trusts Corporation v Anstee (No 2) [2017] VSC 102 (for the sixth defendant, Board of Management of the Scots’ Church, led by P H Solomon QC)
    • Re Ausinca Resources Limited [2017] VSC 129 (for the plaintiffs, unled)
    • Babcock & Brown DIF III Global Co-Investment Fund, LP v The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC [2016] VSC 769 (for the defendant / applicant, led by M I Borsky SC)

    Supreme Court of New South Wales

    • David v Kazal [2019] NSWSC 1763 (for the defendants, unled)
    • DIF III – Global Co-Investment Fund LP v Babcock & Brown International Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 527 (for Royal Bank of Scotland, led by P Zappia QC)

    Supreme Court of Western Australia

    • Cardaci v Cardaci [No 5] [2021] WASC 331 (for the plaintiff, led by M D Cuerden SC, G D Cobby SC, and L Pham)
    • Cardaci v Cardaci [No 2] [2019] WASC 274 (for the plaintiff, led by M D Cuerden SC)

    Federal Court of Australia

    • White (Trustee) v MWL Financial Group Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 2018 (for the applicants, led by J P Moore QC)

    Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

    • Vaughan Constructions Pty Ltd v Melbourne Water Corporation (Building and Property) [2022] VCAT 821 (for Melbourne Water, led by P H Solomon QC and R Andrew)
    • Vaughan Constructions Pty Ltd v Melbourne Water Corporation (Building and Property) [2022] VCAT 633 (for Melbourne Water, led by P H Solomon QC and R Andrew)

    From 6th May 2016, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • McDonald Ian

    Ian is a very experienced trial and appellate advocate. He practises predominantly in the areas of personal injury, insurance law, professional negligence and torts generally.

    In particular he has expertise in:

    • Medical Negligence;
    • Industrial Accidents;
    • Dust Diseases;
    • Institutional Sexual Abuse;
    • Transport Accidents;
    • Recovery Proceedings
    • Accident Compensation;
    • Product Liability;
    • Disciplinary Tribunals & Coronial Inquests.

    Ian regularly appears in the County Court and Supreme Court in jury trials and causes, and as required in the Court of Appeal.

    Ian has particular experience and interest in the following areas:

    1. Medical Negligence;
    2. Liability for criminal acts of third parties (Modbury Triangle scenarios);
    3. Complex claims involving sub-contractors and host employers.

    Ian is happy to provide written Advice in complex matters in a timely fashion.

    For 16 years (2005-2020) Ian was the editor of the leading publication on personal injuries in Victoria, "Accident Compensation Victoria" published by Lexis Nexus.

    Professional memberships:

    • Common Law Bar Association.
    • Compensation Law Bar Association (Victorian Bar)


    From 28 Aug 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • McLachlan Banjo

    Before coming to the Bar, Banjo was a Senior Associate at Allens Arthur Robinson and the Associate to the Honourable Justice Middleton of the Federal Court of Australia. He graduated from the University of Adelaide with degrees in Law (with Honours) and Science, and undertook a year of his law degree in French at the Universite de Poitiers in France.

    Banjo practises in commercial litigation. Significant matters include the following:

    Acting for Honda Australia in proceedings brought by former dealers.

    Glideware Pty Ltd v Hadad [2024] VSC 34.

    Acting for Aveo Group Limited in the Federal Court class action (Luke v Aveo Group Limited (No 3) [2023] FCA 166) .

    Acting for Aveo Group Limited in the Federal Court class action

    Diversa Pty Ltd v Taiping Trustees Ltd [2022] FCA 316 (with Vanessa Whittaker SC and Nicholas Mirzai)

    McCallum, in the matter of Re Holdco Pty Ltd (No 2) [2021] FCA 377

    Ford (Administrator), Re The PAS Group [2020] FCA 1873

    Mentha v Epic Energy South Australia Pty Ltd (No 2) [2018] FCA 925

    SMEC Holdings Pty Ltd v Commissioner of the AFP [2018] FCA 609

    Acting for Bank of Queensland in the Financial Services (Banking) Royal Commission.

    Aftermarket Network Australia Pty Ltd v Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s [2016] FCA 1402

    Mentha, in the matter of Arrium Limited (administrators appointed) [2016] FCA 1357

    State Street Australia Ltd v Retirement Villages Group Management Pty Ltd [2016] FCA 675

    Re Banksia Securities Ltd (in liq) (recs and mgrs apptd) [2016] NSWSC 357

    Re Donnelly and Ors (in their capacities as joint and several administrators of Carpenter International Pty Ltd (ACN 165 690 657) (admins apptd)) - (2016) 111 ACSR 477; [2016] VSC 118

    Lanka Graphite Limited (formerly Viculus Limited) [2015] FCA 798

    ASIC v Mariner Corporation Limited [2015] FCA 589

    Vaughan Super Pty Ltd v Becton Property Group Limited [2014] FCA 581 (successful application to strike out Federal Court claim in entirety, led by Peter Jopling AM QC)

    Banksia proceedings (acting for Banksia’s receivers in proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria, led by Philip Crutchfield QC and Jonathon Redwood)

    ASIC v Centro Directors (Civil Penalty Proceeding in the Federal Court, led by Alan Archibald QC and Philip Crutchfield QC)

    Centro Class Action (Federal Court, led by Philip Crutchfield QC for the former non-executive directors of Centro)

    Fairlight.au Pty Ltd v Peter Vogel Instruments Pty Ltd (trade mark and contract claim in Federal Court, led by Andrew Panna SC)

    Rod Investments (Vic) Pty Ltd v Adam Clark & Ors (Media World Shareholder Class Action in the Supreme Court, led by Bernie Quinn SC)

    Keller v LED Technologies Pty Ltd (No 2) (Full Federal Court, led by Peter Riordan SC)


    From 19/11/2009, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • McLeod Fiona

    Fiona practises in commercial law including regulatory matters, consumer protection and financial services, common law including historical abuse claims and class actions, and public law matters including Royal Commissions appearing in jury and judge-alone trials and appeals. She has prosecuted and defended criminal maters including Work Health Safety and Commonwealth crimes including slavery charges.

    She represented the Commonwealth in major cases including leading the legal team in the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, Queensland Floods Commission and the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sex Abuse and regularly appears for the Department of Defence and Home Affairs. She led the legal team representing the successful plaintiff in the Murrindindi bushfire class action and the plaintiffs in the Don Dale class action.

    Fiona is a leader of the national and international legal profession having led the Law Council of Australia, Australian Bar Association, Victorian Bar and Australian Women Lawyers. She is the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council and an officer of the Bar Issues Committee of the International Bar Association and a member of the Council of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association.

    She has been recognised as an outstanding advocate and leader of the profession and has chaired and contributed to numerous government Boards and Working Groups.

    She has been a champion for diversity and inclusion and has received numerous awards, including for her contribution to the advancement of women and human rights issues, in particular, human trafficking. She was appointed to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2014 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2020 Australia Day Honours for ‘distinguished service to the law, and to the legal profession, at the national and international level, and to women lawyers’ .

    Fiona graduated with Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Public & International Law from the University of Melbourne. She completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Company Directors Course in 2017.

    Fiona is actively engaged in supporting government and institutional transparency and integrity. She is the Chair of the Accountability Round Table and a former Chair of Transparency International Australia and the Open Government Forum.

    Recent cases include:

    ASIC v RI Advice, Civil penalty proceedings against RI Advice concerning cyber security risk management for financial services advisors and licensees

    Pabai & Anor v Commonwealth, Landmark climate change class action on behalf of Torres Strait Islanders

    PCB v Geelong College, Negligence claims, record damages awarded to survivor of child sex abuse

    John XXIII College v SMA, Appeal against negligence for directing students off campus and response to assault claims

    CDPP v Defence Workhealth and Safety charges concerning death of a solider in training exercise

    CDPP v Defence Successful defence at trial of WHS charges, now on appeal, concerning electrocution of soldiers in training exercises

    Disability Royal Commission Appearing for service provider Aruma Disability Services

    McDonald v Commonwealth Class action claims for historic unpaid wages in the Northern Territory

    Various plaintiffs v Commonwealth Claims by various employees working in offshore detention facilities on Manus Island

    R v Kannan Slavery and domestic servitude

    Sheridan v Australian Pacific Airports and Australian Federal Police Airport licensing, allegations of assault and false imprisonment

    fionamcleodsc.com

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

  • McNaught Sarah

    Sarah practices in a wide range of civil litigation including commercial and common law. She has a particular interest in contractual disputes and personal injury law including worker's compensation, TAC, public liability and medical negligence claims.

    Since signing the Bar Roll in April 2015, Sarah has appeared in stautory benefits claims, interlocutory proceedings, serious injury applications and damages trials. She has experience drafting pleadings, interrogatories, serious injury documents and advices.

    Prior to coming to the bar, Sarah was Associate to Justice Tracey AM RFD at the Federal Court of Australia. She completed her articles in Maurice Blackburn. As a solicitor, Sarah worked in a range of areas, including medical negligence, workcover and comcare.

    Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Japanese) and a Juris Doctor (with Honours). She read with James Nixon, and her Senior Mentor was Mary Anne Hartley QC.

    From 1st May 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • McWilliams Dugald

    Dugald practises in commercial, insurance and common law matters including professional negligence (including medical negligence), general insurance, product liability, industrial accidents, inquests and class actions.

    Dugald was admitted in New South Wales in 1997 and worked as a solicitor in Sydney, London and Melbourne before coming to the Bar.

    Publications

    Contributor to chapter on Negligence, The Laws of Australia, Thomson Law Book Co.

    Reporter – Victorian Reports

    From 7th August 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Meehan Denis

    Denis was a partner of Macpherson and Kelley Solicitors where he practiced in all aspects of Family Law, de facto matrimonial relationships and family violence cases as an Accredited Family Law Specialist. He has continued his focus on advising and representing clients in these areas since coming to the Bar in 2000. He has a special interest in conducting and appearing at mediations. 

    Denis is a nationally accredited Mediator and a qualified Family Law Arbitrator.

    Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

  • Menzies Paul

    Retired July 2023.

  • Mighell James

    Common Law and Insurance Litigation, Medical Negligence, Administrative Law, Trade Practices, Racing.

  • Minson Rowan

    Rowan has a broad practice in public, commercial, taxation and employment law.

    Before coming to the Bar, Rowan served as Counsel Assisting the Commonwealth Solicitor-General, Dr Stephen Donaghue QC, and as Associate to the Hon Justice Virginia Bell AC of the High Court of Australia. He also practised as a commercial solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons and as a senior solicitor in the constitutional and administrative law team at the NSW Crown Solicitor's Office.

    Rowan holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Melbourne, which he attended as a Commonwealth Scholar, and a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford, where he studied as an Allan Myers KC Scholar.

    Rowan is currently Assistant Honorary Secretary of the Victorian Bar and a Committee member of the Public Law Section of the Commercial Bar Association.

    Rowan has served as a Fellow of the Melbourne Law School, Editor of the Oxford University Commonwealth Law Journal and Associate Editor of the Melbourne University Law Review. He has published work in the Australian Journal of Labour Law and is a member of the Australian Association of Constitutional Law and the Australian Institute of Administrative Law. He is also a reporter for the Victorian Reports.

    Rowan read with Kathleen Foley SC and his senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.

    Cases in which Rowan has been briefed to appear include:

    Commercial / building and construction law

    • Biodiversity Sub TC Pty Ltd v Vaughan Constructions Pty Ltd (led by K Foley SC, for the first third party)
    • Aquasure Pty Ltd v Thiess Pty Ltd; Suez Water Pty Ltd v Siemens Ltd (led by P Solomon QC, for the Thiess Degremont joint venture interests)
    • 300Q Pty Ltd v Capouleas [2021] VBAB 171; [2022] VBAB 47 (unled, for the interested party)
    • Blue Cross Community Care Services Pty Ltd v Grogan [2020] VBAB 74; [2021] VBAB 19; [2021] VBAB 167 (led by C Horan QC, for the applicant)
    • DIHAB Pty Ltd v Station Ten Pty Ltd [2020] VBAB 38; [2020] VBAB 64; DIHAB Pty Ltd v Shaw [2020] VBAB 39; [2020] VBAB 69 (unled, for the respondent/first interested party)
    • Argyrou v Victorian Building Authority [2019] VSC 721 (led by J Pizer QC, for the plaintiff)
    • Oxanda Childcare Pty Ltd v MAAG Developments Pty Ltd, M118/2018, HCASL (led by J Gleeson SC and K Foley for the applicant)

    Constitutional law

    • Vella v Chief Commissioner of Police (NSW) (2019) 269 CLR 219; [2019] HCA 38 (led by K Walker QC, for the Victorian Attorney-General, intervening)
    • Minogue v Victoria (2019) 268 CLR 1; [2019] HCA 31 (led by C Horan QC and A Solomon-Bridge, for the plaintiff)
    • Commissioner of Taxation v Thomas (2018) 264 CLR 382; [2018] HCA 31 (led by S Donaghue QC and K Foley, for the Commonwealth Attorney-General, intervening)

    Administrative / general public law

    • Attorney-General v Temssah [2024] VSC 172; [2024] VSC 328 (led by G Coghlan KC, E Bennett KC and C Tran, with C O'Neil, for the Attorney-General)
    • DCL22 v Sage [2022] FCA 1310; [2022] FCAFC 196 (led by S Maharaj KC, for the respondents)
    • Heiner v Minister for Home Affairs [2021] FCA 212; [2021] FCA 1125; [2022] FCAFC 81 (unled, for the first respondent)
    • Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) v Brookman [2020] VSC 890R (led by N Robinson QC and A Yuile, for the Crown)
    • Medical Board of Australia v Leow [2019] VSC 532 (led by P Solomon QC and S Cash, for the respondent)
    • Thomas v The University of Melbourne [2019] VCAT 1043; [2019] VCAT 1723; [2020] VCAT 413 (unled, for the respondent)
    • Fauna and Flora Research Collective Inc v Secretary, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, VSC (led by P Gray QC and K Foley, for the Plaintiff)

    Common law

    • Keay v Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd [2024] HCASL 16 (led by S Gladman SC, for the Respondent)

    Tax / revenue law

    • Sladden and Commissioner of Taxation [2023] AATA 3815; [2024] FCAFC 122 (led by G Davies KC, for the Commissioner)
    • Beech v Commissioner of State Revenue [2023] VCAT 1363 (unled, for the Applicant)
    • Trustee for the Lubiana Family Trust and Commissioner of Taxation [2022] AATA 2626 (unled, for the Commissioner)
    • Comptroller-General of Customs v Zappia (2018) 265 CLR 416; [2018] HCA 54 (led by S Donaghue QC and D Thomas, for the appellant)

    Employment / discrimination law

    • Ferrigno v Qantas Airways Limited [2023] FCA 1044 (led by R Dalton KC for the respondent)
    • Qube Ports Pty Ltd v Burkhardt [2022] FWC 588; [2022] FWCFB 65 (led by J Tracey, for the appellant)
    • Johnson v CUB Pty Ltd [2021] FCAFC 219; [2022] HCASL 83 (led by F Parry QC and J Tracey, for the first respondent)
    • Roohizadegan v TechnologyOne Limited (2020) 301 IR 1; [2020] FCA 1729; [2020] FCA 1571; [2020] FCA 1734; (2021) 309 IR 262; [2021] FCAFC 137; [2021] HCASL 249 (led by B Walker AO SC and J Tracey, for the applicant)
    • Von Schoeler v Allen Taylor & Co Ltd (t/a Boral Timber) [2019] FCA 941; (2020) 273 FCR 189; [2020] FCAFC 13 (led by J Tracey, for the appellant)

      Migration law

      • DSN16 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2021] FCA 202 (unled, for the first respondent)
      • AGO17 v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs [2021] FCCA 278 (appeal dismissed) (unled, for the first respondent)
      • DOU16 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2019] FCCA 1367; (2019) 272 FCR 358; [2019] FCAFC 212 (unled, for the first respondent)
      • Ranouta v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs [2019] FCCA 2118; [2020] FCA 235 (unled, for the first respondent)
      • AFB17 v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2019] FCCA 478 (unled, for the first respondent)


      Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

    • Moloney Stephen

      Mr Moloney is a senior barrister in Melbourne and a member of the Victorian Bar who practises in corporate and commercial law, administrative and constitutional law, equity, professional discipline, professional negligence, common law, insurance, defamation, medical negligence and family law (appellate).

      He holds a trial and appellate practice and an advice practice.

      His specialisation in public law includes all aspects of the regulation of medical practitioners, particularly at a Commonwealth level.

      He acts for both all Health Professionals and their regulatory Boards in disciplinary proceedings (trial and appellate).

      He is experienced in Inquiries and Arbitration (both local and international) and he has chaired an Inquiry into the probity of scientific research under the NHMRC guidelines and appears in Inquiries, including as counsel assisting.

      He has appeared and been retained in a number of large-scale commercial cases over the last twenty years.

      He practises in the High Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal Court (trial and appellate). He is a Member of the Australian Bar Association, is admitted in New South Wales and Western Australia and is a member of the Bar in each of those States.

      He is the Chairperson of the Medicare Participation Review Committee of Australia, thrice appointed by the Federal Government. By this office he chairs a committee which makes determinations about whether certain health practitioners should retain the right to participate in the Medicare Scheme and whether their provider rights are to remain.

      He is the immediate Past-Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Administrative Law (Victorian Chapter), and The Medico Legal Society of Victoria, and is a member of the Administrative Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia. He currently chairs a large private secondary school of 1200 students.


      Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

    • Morrison Andrew

      Andrew has a commercial litigation practice, with a focus on construction and property law.

      He is regularly briefed in matters involving residential and commercial construction, logistics, technology and civil and engineering works. He has particular experience with the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic), both at the claim and judicial review stages.

      He also receives regular work in insurance, property, leasing, corporations and trusts disputes.


      From 03 May 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

    • Mukerjea Sandip

      Sandip appears and advises (both led and unled) in a range of common law, media, insurance and administrative law matters, including trials, inquests and appeals. In each of the past 10 years (2014-23) he was recognised by his peers in the AFR's annual 'Best Lawyers' list for his expertise in Defamation and Media Law. In 2022 and 2023 he was also listed in the area of Litigation and in 2023 in the area of Product Liability too. In 2016 and 2020-22 he was ranked by Doyle's Guide in the area of Technology, Media and Communications and in 2020 was also ranked in the area of professional indemnity insurance. In 2021, 2022 and 2024, he was recognised in the Asia-Pacific Legal 500 as one of Australia's leading media law junior counsel.

      He has extensive advocacy experience in defamation, breach of confidence, freedom of information and contempt of court matters, as well as in applications for non-publication orders in criminal and civil cases - where he is usually opposed to senior counsel. He has a sound knowledge of both civil and criminal procedure. In recent years he has advised and appeared in many of Victoria's most prominent media disputes, including acting for: News Corporation is its defence of defamation proceedings brought by Bruce Lehrmann; Bauer Media in defence of a defamation claim brought by actress, Rebel Wilson; Nationwide News in a defamation claim brought by musician, Daniel Johns; the ABC, The Age and the Daily Mail in defamation claims brought by Mick Gatto; Nine Network in various defamation claims including those brought by Prof Munjed Al Muderis and Queensland's Wagner family; Google, Twitter, Yahoo! and Microsoft in a series of defamation claims relating to search engines and social media; and over 30 media-respondents in a contempt of court prosecution brought by the DPP in relation to publicity which attended the jury verdict (since overturned on appeal) against Cardinal George Pell.

      Between January 2019 and November 2020, Sandip was one of the counsel assisting the Victorian Royal Commission into the Managament of Police Informants, where he was briefed to advise and appear on questions concerning suppression orders, public interest immunity and privilege claims. In that capacity he appeared on behalf of the Commission on numerous occasions in the High Court and Victorian Court of Appeal.

      Sandip also has specific expertise in relation to the Australian sports and racing industries, where he has advised or appeared for the Australian Football League and Racing Victoria Ltd in relation to commercial, regulatory and disciplinary matters. He is also an Independent Tribunal Chairperson for Tennis Australia. Notable cases include: acting for the Racing Stewards in the prosecution of jockey Danny Nikolic; acting for the AFL in the prosecution of Adelaide Football Club and others; acting for Mark 'Bomber' Thompson in the Essendon Football Club supplements prosecution; and acting for licensed horse trainers Danny O'Brien and Mark Kavanagh in the long running 'Cobalt' prosecutions.

      Sandip is a member of the Common Law Bar Association and the Commercial Bar Association. He also formerly edited the Defamation chapter of The Law Handbook and is a committee member for the Victorian Bar News.

      REPORTED APPEARANCES INCLUDE:

      Defamation / Media

      Hun v Aljazeera International (Malaysia) SDN BHD (No 2) [2023] FCA 1546 (6 December 2023) (Defamation - interlocutory costs order)

      Hun v Aljazeera International (Malaysia) SDN BHD [2023] FCA 1103 (15 September 2023) (Defamation - serious harm - led by Will Houghton KC)

      Bartlett v Roffey and Ors [2023] WASC 3 (16 August 2023) (Defamation - Cross-vesting - led by Matt Collins KS and with Holly Jager)

      Lehrmann v Network Ten Pty Limited (Limitation Extension) [2023] FCA 385 (28 April 2023) (Defamation - extension of limitation period - led by Renee Enbom KC)

      Gatto v Australian Broadcasting Corporation & Ors [2022] HCATrans 197 (11 November 2022) (Defamation - special leave application - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Gatto v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2022] VSCA 66 (13 April 2022) (Defamation - appeal - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Gatto v Australian Broadcasting Corporation & Ors [2021] VSC 83 (26 February 2021) (Defamation - trial - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Gatto v Australian Broadcasting Corporation & Ors (No 1) [2020] VSC 420 (10 July 2020) (Defamation - application for trial by jury - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Ajaka v Nine Network Pty Ltd (No 2) [2022] NSWSC 765 (9 June 2022) (Defamation - preliminary discovery - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd v Ajaka [2022] NSWCA 91 (9 June 2022) (Defamation - appeal - preliminary discovery - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Bastiaan v Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Limited (No 2) [2022] FCA 187 (16 February 2022) (Contempt - costs)

      Bastiaan v Nine Entertainment Co Holdings Limited [2022] FCA 60 (11 February 2022) (Contempt - injunction - led by Will Houghton KC)

      Lanzer v Australian Broadcasting Corporation [2021] FCA 1283 (21 October 2021) (Defamation - injunction - led by Matt Collins KC)

      The Queen v The Herald & Weekly Times Pty Ltd [2021] VSC 253 (4 June 2021) (Contempt of Court trial - led by Will Houghton KC and Matt Collins KC, with Morgan McLay)

      The Queen v The Herald & Weekly Times Pty Ltd & Ors (Ruling No 2) [2020] VSC 800 (4 December 2020) (Contempt of Court No Case Submission - led by Will Houghton KC and Matt Collins KC, with Morgan McLay)

      Wilson v Bauer Media Pty Ltd & Anor [2018] HCATrans 238 (16 November 2018) (Defamation special leave application to High Court - led by David Jackson KC)

      Bauer Media Pty Ltd v Wilson (No 2) [2018] VSCA 154 (14 June 2018) (Defamation Appeal - led by Michael Wheelahan QC)

      Wilson v Bauer Media [2017] VSC 521 (13 September 2017) (Defamation Trial - led by Georgina Schoff KC)

      Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd & Ors v Wagner & Ors [2020] QCA 221 (13 October 2020) (Defamation appeal - led by Sandy Dawson SC)

      Morris v St Vincent's Health Australia Ltd & Anor [2020] VSC 690 (21 October 2020) (Defamation - application to amend pleading - led by Will Houghton KC)

      Nikolic v Nationwide News Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 98 (9 April 2020) (Defamation / Injurious Falsehood - summary judgment application)

      Nikolic v Twitter & Ors [2020] VSC 101 (9 April 2020) (Defamation - summary judgment application)

      Khan v The Age Company Pty Ltd & Ors [2019] VSC 839 (6 December 2019) (Defamation - application to set aside judgment)

      Trkulja v Microsoft Corporation (Ruling No 2) [2019] VSC 310 (7 May 2019) (Defamation - application to amend pleading)

      Ewins v State of Victoria [2019] VSC 129 (7 March 2019) (Defamation - application to strike-out pleading)

      Dinh v Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 464 (15 August 2018) (Defamation - application for interlocutory injunction)

      Trkulja v Microsoft [2018] VSC 399 (23 July 2018) (Defamation - summary judgment application - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Moodie v Perna (Ruling No 1) [2018] VSC 158 (4 April 2018) (Defamation - release from Harman undertaking - led by Simon Wilson KC)

      Barrow v Bolt & Anor [2015] VSCA 107 (21 May 2015) (Defamation Appeal - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Barrow v Bolt & Anor [2014] VSC 599 (2 December 2014) (Defamation Trial - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Chief Commissioner of Police v The Herald & Weekly Times [2014] VSC 156 (10 April 2014) (Breach of Confidence - interlocutory injunction - led by David Gilbertson KC)

      Barrow v Bolt & Anor (Ruling No 3) [2014] VSC 16 (7 February 2014) (Defamation)

      Crisp v Fairfax Media Ltd & Ors [2012] VSC 615 (19 December 2012) (Defamation - application for interlocutory injunction - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Inquiries / Inquests / Administrative Law

      Chairperson of the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants v DPP [2020] VSCA 184 (8 July 2020) (Application to vary suppression orders - led by Penelope Neskovcin KC)

      AB (a pseudonym) v CD (a pseudonym); EF (a pseudonym) v CD (a pseudonym) [2019] HCA 6 (27 February 2019) (Suppression Order)

      AB v CD & EF [2019] VSCA 28 (21 February 2019) (Suppression Order - led by Penelope Neskovcin KC)

      Applebee v Monash CC (Review and Regulation) [2014] VCAT 257 (26 March 2014) (Statutory interpretation)

      Quinn v Greater Geelong CC (Review and Regulation) [2013] VCAT 286 (14 March 2013) (Dangerous dog declaration)

      Commercial / Trade Practices

      REA Group Limited v Fairfax Media Limited [2017] FCA 91 (13 February 2017) (Misleading and deceptive conduct - led by Tim McEvoy QC)

      TrinityP3 Pty Ltd v WIP Consulting Pty Ltd [2016] VSC 735 (2 December 2016) (Breach of contract, breach of confidence, restraint of trade)

      TPI Enterprises Ltd v Poppy Growers Tasmania Inc [2014] VSC 518 (24 October 2014) (Defamation, Misleading and Deceptive Conduct - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Norman South Pty Ltd & Anor v da Silva [2012] VSC 477 (18 October 2012) (Breach of Confidence Trial - led by Georgina Schoff KC)

      Dewhurst v Australian Taxation Office [2012] FWA 8288 (1 October 2012) (Enterprise agreement dispute)

      Common Law / Insurance

      Linard v Wellington Shire Council & Anor [2018] VCC 1205 (20 August 2018) (Private nuisance - trial)

      Deitrich v Pulse Pharmacy Northcote Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 307 (7 August 2014) (Medical Panel Judicial Review - led by Robin Gorton QC)

      Sports Law / Disciplinary

      Racing Victoria Limited v Riley [2016] VSCA 230 (21 September 2016); Riley v Racing Victoria Ltd [2015] VSC 527 (1 October 2015) (Disciplinary Appeal - led by Patrick Tehan KC)

      Fidge v Councillor Conduct Panel (Review and Regulation) [2014] VCAT 1477 (2 December 2014) (Disciplinary prosecution / Constitutional Law)

      Nikolic v Racing Victoria Limited (Occupational and Business Regulation) [2012] VCAT 1954 (21 December 2012) (Disciplinary prosecution - led by Philip Dunn KC)

      Freedom of Information

      Office of the Premier v Herald and Weekly Times [2013] VSCA 79 (12 April 2013) (Freedom of information Appeal - led by Matt Collins KC)

      Macdonnell v State Sport Centres Trust (Review and Regulation) [2018] VCAT 1616 (17 October 2018) (Freedom of Information)

      Suppression Orders

      Re WD (No 2) [2023] VSC 790 (22 December 2023) (Suppression Order / Declaration)

      Lum v Kay & Burton (Brighton) [2020] VMC 19 (27 August 2020) (Access to court documents)

      DPP v Pell (Review of Suppression Order) [2018] VCC 2125 (14 December 2018)

      DPP v Lawson & Ors (Ruling No. 2) [2012] VSC 469 (11 October 2012) (Suppression order)

      R v Benbrika & Ors (Ruling No 32) [2008] VSC 485 (26 August 2008) (Suppression order)

      R v Benbrika & Ors (Ruling No 13) [2007] VSC 543 (13 December 2007) (Suppression order)



      From 03 May 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

    • Murdoch Neill

      Neill specialises in Professional Indemnity Litigation (especially Medical Negligence), Insurance and Commercial Litigation, Common Law Personal Injuries and Torts other than Personal Injuries and Coronial Inquests.

      Articled and employed as a Solicitor with Phillips Fox from 1988 to 1992. Employed as a Solicitor with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert in London from 1992 to 1995.

      Neill came to the Bar in 1995.

      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.

    • Nixon James

      Articled to Messrs. Kenna Croxford where he was exposed to criminal and commercial litigation. Later as a Senior Associate with Clayton Utz he practised in corporate and commercial litigation including Securities Law, Takeovers, Corporate Crime, Insolvency and matters relating to the exercise of power by the Australian Securities Commission (serving a secondment with the ASC). For two years, James worked in stockbroking with a special interest in derivative markets.

      Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.

    • Noonan John

      Retired 2023



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