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.
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.
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
Administrative and Public Law
Commercial Litigation
Charles was unled, except where specified.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Tragically passed away during the night of Sep 30th 2024
Summary
James Barber KC practises commercial litigation, mainly in cases involving equity & trusts, sale of land, leases, restitution, corporations & securities, insolvency and banking & finance. Before his call to the Bar he practised as a commercial litigation solicitor for eight years in Melbourne and London and spent some months seconded to the litigation department of a major bank. He has an LLM from University College, London.
James is the author of Voumard – The Sale of Land (published by Thomson Reuters), having been co-author with the late Nimal Wikramanayake KC from 2018 until Nimal’s demise in 2023. He is also the Chair of the Victorian Bar Ethics Committee.
Experience:
Significant or interesting matters include:
China Insurance Group Finance Company Ltd v Kingston (No 3) [2023] VSC 6 (led by Penny Neskovcin KC); loan agreement, foreign law, estoppel, unconscionable conduct;
Northgate Park Pty Ltd v Floyd [2022] VSC 783 (represented minor beneficiaries): lost trust deed;
Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd (in liquidation) v Lao [2022] FCA 458 (represented 4th, 5th & 6th defendants the claims against whom were resolved after 10 days of trial): unreasonable director-related transaction, directors’ duties, fiduciary duties, knowing assistance and knowing receipt;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd S CI 2017 03211 (led by Allan Myers QC, leading Joseph Carney, represented plaintiffs whose claims were resolved after 8 days of trial): removal of trustees, breach of trust;
Troiano v Voci [2021] VSC 851: breach of contract, fiduciary duties, knowing receipt;
Australian Fast Foods Pty Ltd v Kameel Pty Ltd [2021] VCAT 921: retail lease, appointment of valuer;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 633 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC, leading Joseph Carney): amendment of pleadings;
Chan v Valmorbida Custodians Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 590 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC, leading Joseph Carney): beneficiary’s application to inspect trust documents;
Teen Entertainment Enterprise Network Pty Ltd v A&H Natoli Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 388: appeal from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT);
Carbone v Melton City Council (2020) 60 VR 539; [2020] VSCA 117: statutory interest;
Chan v Chan [2020] VSCA 40: Summary recovery of possession of land;
Troiano v Voci (2019) 61 VR 511: security for costs;
Hampshire Automotive Pty Ltd v Centre Com Pty Ltd (2019) 60 VR 579; [2019] VSCA 77 (led by Ian Upjohn QC): easements by prescription, doctrine of lost modern grant, whether dominant tenement landlord’s consent is required for tenant’s enforcement of easement;
Red Pepper Property Group Pty Ltd v S 3 Sth Melb Pty Ltd [2019] VSC 41: appeal from VCAT, retail leases, construction, alleged landlord’s repudiation;
Chan v Valmorbida [2018] VSC 336 (led by Carolyn Sparke QC): construction and rectification of Will;
Guildford International Group Pty Ltd v Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 600; Guildford International Group Pty Ltd v Aviation 3030 Pty Ltd (No 2) [2018] FCA 1486: security for costs;
CellOS Software Pty Ltd v Huber (2018) 132 ACSR 468 (led by Daniel Crennan QC): diversion of business opportunity, capital raising and secondary market, application by a company to recover profits made in trading in its own shares;
ASIC v Hochtief AG (2016) 117 ACSR 589 (led by Neil Young QC): insider trading;
Rees v Rees [2016] VSC 452; [2016] VSC 579: deed of settlement set aside for mistake, indemnity costs;
Versus (Aus) Pty Ltd v ANH Nominees Pty Ltd [2015] VSC 515: appeal from VCAT, retail leases, landlord’s statutory obligation to repair during renewed term, repudiation;
Vasco Investment Managers Ltd v Morgan Stanley Australia Ltd (2014) 108 IPR 52; [2014] VSC 455 (led by Sam Horgan QC): confidential information, restitution, quantum meruit, success fee;
CNM Investments Pty Ltd v Greek Orthodox Community of Victoria & Melbourne [2013] VCAT 1969: application to restrain counsel from continuing to act;
Westpac Banking Corporation v The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) (No 3) (2012) 44 WAR 1; 270 FLR 1; 89 ACSR 1; [2012] WASCA 157 (led by Neil Young QC): directors’ duties, breach of fiduciary duties, duty to exercise powers for a proper purpose, relief under the rule in Barnes v Addy, dispositions with intent to defraud creditors, equitable relief, compound interest;
RDN Developments Pty Ltd v Shtrambrandt [2011] VSC 130: compensation for lodgement of caveat without reasonable cause;
Re D W Marketing Pty Ltd (in liq) [2009] VSC 663: liquidator’s examination enjoined for abuse of process;
The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) v Westpac Banking Corp (No 10) (2009) 39 WAR 930; (2009) 71 ACSR 300 (led by Michael Corboy QC): equitable relief, compound interest;
In 2009 (with Byrne J and Philip Solomon, now Philip Solomon KC), drafting a new practice note for the Commercial Court of the Supreme Court of Victoria;
The Bell Group Ltd (in liq) v Westpac Banking Corp (No 9) (2008) 39 WAR 1; (2008) 225 FLR 1 (2008) 70 ACSR 1 (led by Ross Robson QC and Jim Peters QC): relief under the rule in Barnes v Addy, dispositions with intent to defraud creditors;
Allstate Exploration NL v QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd (2007) 14 ANZ Ins Cas 61-743; [2007] VSC 380; [2008] VSCA 148 (led by Neil Young QC): construction of insurance contract;
Beaconsfield Gold NL v Allstate Prospecting Pty Ltd [2006] VSC 320 (led by Allan Myers QC and Peter Collinson QC): joint venture agreement, right of pre-emption;
Tarongo Land Pty Ltd v Lyons [2005] VSC 491 (led by Peter Vickery QC): construction of option agreement;
Alinta DEGP Pty Ltd v Wellington Shire Council (2005) 141 LGERA 187; [2005] VSC 307 (led by Jim Delany QC): rating;
Creasy's Grain Enterprises Ltd v Clarke and Barwood Lawyers Colac Pty Ltd [2004] VSC 77 (led by Nemeer Mukhtar QC): priority dispute between first and second mortgagees;
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd v Malaysian-Kuwaiti Investment Co [2003] VSC 495; [2004] VSC 351 (led by Nimal Wikramanayake QC): priority dispute between purchaser and mortgagee, rule in Hopkinson v Rolt; costs;
Crowe v Stevedoring Employees Retirement Fund Pty Ltd [2003] VSC 316: superannuation fund member's right to documents and information from trustee;
Logue v Hansen Technologies Ltd (2003) 125 FCR 590 (led by Robin Brett QC): security for costs;
Andrew Shelton & Co Pty Ltd v Alpha Healthcare Pty Ltd [2002] 5 VR 577 (led by Peter Vickery QC): restitution, free acceptance.
Representing, on many occasions throughout the period of the cases above, persons required to attend for examination under s 19 of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001.
Victorian Bar Committee memberships
Professional Qualifications:
Academic Qualifications:
Previous Employment:
November 1998 to February 2001:
Senior Associate/Solicitor Commercial Litigation Department
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors
101 Collins Street Melbourne
(Appointed Senior Associate 1 July 1999)
(including 5 months seconded to the litigation department of a major bank)
September 1996 to October 1998:
Solicitor
Litigation Department
Freshfields, Solicitors
65 Fleet Street, London
September 1995 to August 1996:
Full-time student
LLM programme
University College, London
April 1992 to August 1995:
Solicitor
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors (now Ashurst Australia)
March 1991 to March 1992:
Articled Clerk
Blake Dawson Waldron, Solicitors (now Ashurst Australia)
Before being called to the Bar, major matters as a solicitor included:
From 10th August 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Adam has a general commercial practice which includes:
Adam also has specialist knowledge in aviation law. He has appeared in personal injury and broader liability disputes for claimants and insureds, and in coronial inquests concerning aviation accidents. As a solicitor, he worked in London on major aviation disasters for large international carriers and insurers.
Prior to being called to the Bar, Adam was also Associate to Justice Middleton at the Federal Court and Justice D Beach at the Supreme Court.
Adam graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science in 2006. He read with Chris Winneke KC and the Hon. Justice Stephen O'Meara was his Senior Mentor.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Before coming to the Bar, Paul practised in the Local Government and Planning Section with Maddock Lonie & Chisholm where he gained advocacy experience prosecuting summary crime and also appearing at VCAT.
Paul has a broad practice and appears in all jurisdictions. He has extensive experience in town planning and land valuation/acquisition matters
From 06 Feb 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Lachlan practices in revenue and commercial law. He specialises in taxation, complex commercial matters and the foreign investment regime.
He frequently acts for the Commonwealth as well as private clients.
Lachlan has appeared in a wide range of disputes in the High Court, Full Federal Court, Federal Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as the Banking Royal Commission and the Police Informants Royal Commission. He also appears in international commercial arbitrations.
He advises on commercial and corporations law matters, including equity and trust law, contract, oppression, ASIC regulatory disputes and foreign investment (FIRB) matters.
He advises on direct and indirect tax disputes, and focuses on transfer pricing, the general anti-avoidance regime, tax treaty disputes and other international tax matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Lachlan was in the Commonwealth Treasury Portfolio, covering taxation, foreign investment (FIRB) and corporations law. He was involved with the development of important Commonwealth legislative reforms, including the development of the Multinational Anti-avoidance Law and Diverted Profits Tax to counter avoidance schemes.
Prior to that he was a solicitor at an international firm advising on large commercial and taxation disputes in Australia.
He graduated with a Masters with Distinction from the University of Oxford, and Bachelors in Laws and Engineering from the University of Melbourne.
He is an executive board director of the Law Council of Australia and has been a member of the Victorian Bar Council.
He is Chair of the National Trusts of Australia, Deputy Chair of the National Trust of Victoria, and a Director of Ys Housing, three not-for-profit community organisations.
He is a Senior Fellow of the Melbourne Law School of the University of Melbourne, teaching corporations and taxation subjects in the Masters of Law and Juris Doctorate programs, including the Tax Avoidance masters subject taught jointly with former justices Hon Tony Pagone AM KC and Hon Jennifer Davies KC. He also takes the tax subject in the Bar Readers' course.
Lachlan is a member of Lincoln's Inn, London.
He is presently undertaking a dissertation at the University of Oxford law faculty.
Lachlan read with Eugene Wheelahan QC and Allan Myers AC QC.
Recently published cases in which Lachlan has appeared:
Commercial and equity/trust matters
Cant v Mad Brothers Earthmoving Pty Ltd [2020] VSCA 198; (2020) 63 VR 222
Parker v Auswild; Bergmuller v Auswild [2022] VSCA 8; (2022) 403 ALR 111
Keybridge Capital Limited v WAM Active Limited [2023] FCA 339
Watkins v Tatana [2023] FCA 248
Bignaches Pty Ltd v Access Strata Management Pty Ltd & Ors [2022] VSC 639
Timeless Sunrise Pty Ltd v BigJ Enterprises (No 3) [2022] VSC 499
Timeless Sunrise Pty Ltd v BigJ Enterprises (No 7) [2022] VSC 549
Ian Morris v Victorian Farmers Feration [2022] VSC 407
Rita Troiano v Ross Voci & Ors [2021] VSC 851
Porter & Anor v Mulcahy & Co Accounting Services Pty Ltd & Ors [2021] VSC 572
JAB Nominees (Aust) Pty Ltd v Auswild [2021] VSC 275; (2021) 152 ACSR 618
JAB Nominees (Aust) Pty Ltd v Auswild & Ors [2020] VSC 731
Porter v Mulcahy & Co Accounting Services Pty Ltd [2020] VSC 430
Ran Bi v Yingde Investments Pty Ltd [2019] VSC 324
Troiano v Voci [2019] VSC 859
In the matter of Erfanian Developments Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 342
Carlig v M H Heath & M P Jones (t/as Allmand Jones & Partners) [2019] VCC 1175
Bolton and Australian Securities and Investments Commission [2021] AATA 5293
Taxation and regulatory matters
Commissioner of Taxation v Sharpcan Pty Ltd [2019] HCA 36; (2019) 269 CLR 370
Watson v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] HCASL 224
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] FCAFC 197; (2021) 114 ATR 1
Victoria Power Networks Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] FCAFC 169; (2020) 281 FCR 318
Watson v Commissioner of Taxation [2020] FCAFC 92; (2020) 277 FCR 253
Hart v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCAFC 179; (2020) 272 FCR 612
Commissioner of Taxation v Balasubramaniyan [2022] FCA 374
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation [2021] FCA 108; (2021) 112 ATR 752
Clough Limited v Commissioner of Taxation (No 2) [2021] FCA 267
Watson as trustee for the Murrindindi Bushfire Class Action Settlement Fund v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCA 228; (2019) 109 ATR 794
Paule v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCA 394
Ammouche v Chief Commissioner of Police [2018] FCA 1703; (2018) 266 FCR 430
From 03 May 2018, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Joanne's expertise and interest is in environmental and planning law. She appears regularly before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria and the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Joanne has accepted briefs to represent and provide advice to the Minister for Planning, State Government departments, statutory authorities, developers & proponents, responsible & planning authorities and third party objectors. Joanne’s approach benefits from the extensive and broad experience she gained working as Legal Counsel in Local Government and as a Senior Associate specialising in commercial litigation in private practice.
In addition to her expertise in town planning, Joanne specialises in matters relating to contaminated land, wind farms, landfills, water (including review of decisions for groundwater licences and prosecutions under the Water Act), climate change, quarries, hazardous waste and noise & odour emissions
.
Joanne is the legal editor of Victorian Planning Reports and a co-author of VCAT Decisions in Planning News.
She is a member of the Victorian Bar’s Climate Change and Environmental Law Panel, the Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association and the Law Institute of Victoria’s Planning and Local Government Committee.
From 12th Feb 2009, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Since coming to the bar in 2010, Jane has practiced in the local government, planning and environment field. She frequently appears and advises in matters before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria and various ministerial panels. She also advises and appears in planning, building, local government and administrative law matters in the Magistrates Court and Supreme Court.
Jane acts for developers (including listed companies and smaller companies), statutory authorities such as local government, Victrack and the Environment Protection Authority, third party objectors and submitters to VCAT and panels.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, Jane was a statutory town planner for approximately 10 years working in both the private and public sector. As a statutory planner in local government she gained extensive experience in the planning permit and amendment processes and in the private sector she frequently drafted statements of evidence for expert planners and urban designers. In her position as Planning Appeals Advocate/ Coordinator, she regularly appeared before the Planning List at VCAT on behalf of the Responsible Authority.
Before coming to the bar Jane was a solicitor at Maddocks Lawyers in the Planning and Environment Group, where she regularly appeared at VCAT in relation to merits appeals, declaration applications, enforcement orders and contempt proceedings. She also had carriage and instructed in matters on appeal from VCAT to the Supreme Court and provided advice in planning and local government matters, and drafted and reviewed Section 173 agreements.
In 2006-7 Jane was articled to Mallesons Stephen Jaques where, amongst other things, she successfully assisted a major retail client through the permit and planning scheme amendment process.
Jane is a Board member (Treasurer) of the Victorian Planning and Environment Law Association.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Maree has a busy trial and appellate practice, specialising in common law and public and administrative law disputes. She primarily accepts briefs in Victorian and Tasmanian matters.
Maree completed a Master of Law degree at the University of Cambridge, on a scholarship from the Cambridge Trusts. She also has a First Class Honours undergraduate degree in law from the University of Tasmania.
Previously, Maree was an Associate to the Honourable Justice Neave of the Victorian Court of Appeal, and a Senior Associate in the Litigation practice group at Allens. She is a reporter for the Victorian Reports and a member of the Dever’s List Committee and the ABA Ethics Committee.
A summary of Maree’s recent experience follows:
Administrative and public law
Between 2021 and 2023, Maree was Counsel Assisting the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings (led by E Bennett SC). She has significant Royal Commission experience, having represented clients in the Banking, Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions.
She regularly appears in judicial review proceedings in the Supreme Courts of Victoria and Tasmania. Recent cases include:
In addition to the above appearance work, Maree is regularly briefed to provide advice to government departments and statutory authorities. Maree is also available for inquiry and investigation work.
Personal injuries and tort
Maree currently acts personal injuries and property damage claims in the Supreme Courts of Victoria and Tasmania.
She has particular experience in historical child sexual abuse and appellate cases, including:
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Sebastian practises in public, administrative and common law.
He acts both for and against government agencies and departments, local government and other statutory bodies in areas including licensing and regulation (with administrative and offence provisions), coronial inquiries and police torts.
He has appeared as Counsel assisting and interested parties in the Coroner's Court and before specialist Tribunals including the Building Appeals Board and the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board.
He has experience in Education Law and the operation of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act having conducted numerous investigations for schools and education providers overseen by the Commission for Children and Young People.
He is regularly briefed in disciplinary matters both on behalf of regulatory bodies and respondents and has extensive experience particularly in health practitioner Immediate Action proceedings and referral matters under the National Law. He has appeared in NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) and the Tasmanian Veterinary Board.
Sebastian has appeared in judicial review matters in the Supreme Court and was recently junior Counsel to Dr. S.B. McNicol QC in the matter of Southgate Management Pty Ltd v Nitschke [2018] VSC 236 before Priest AJ regarding the validity of charges issued under the Food Act 1984.
Sebastian was Counsel Assisting the Coroner in the inquests into the deaths of Stephen Niit (death in custody) and the deaths of Maureen Braddy and Allan Whyte (cold case disappearance) and Sargun Ragi & Avijit Singh (domestic violence homicide / suicide matter).
The RSPCA also frequently brief Sebastian in relation to offences committed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
He has appeared and has done work for a number of statutory authorities and agencies including PrimeSafe, Melbourne Water, the City of Melbourne and Workcover.
He was briefed to advise the Department of Premier and Cabinet in regard to the Legislative Council Select Committee on Gaming Licensing.
Sebastian also has experience in conducting common law proceedings.
In 2016 he became a member of the Appeals Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and in 2018 was invited to join the Professional Standards Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Sebastian also sits on the Board of Directors of MiCare an aged care and migration services provider and is President of his local junior football club.
Sebastian is a current member of the Victorian Bar's Student Engagement Committee.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Phil practises in commercial and public law.
In public law, Phil has appeared in both judicial and merits review matters at all levels, including as a junior in the High Court of Australia. Phil has taught public law subjects at the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University.
Phil has particular expertise in professional regulation, environmental law and general administrative law cases (from licensing to patent matters). Phil has appeared for statutory bodies and professionals in numerous merits review and appeal proceedings in the regulation of accountants, lawyers and health practitioners, and is regularly briefed in merits review proceedings for both medical boards and health practitioners.
In commercial law, Phil has a broad practice including building and construction, sale of business and general contractual matters, in addition to insurance and banking cases.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Phil was a commercial and public litigation solicitor at Ashurst and Browne & Co in Melbourne, a Principal Legal Policy Officer in the Department of Justice in Victoria, and Associate to the Honourable Justice Habersberger in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Phil also practised in the United Kingdom with Richard Buxton Environmental and Public Law, with whom he instructed at the Supreme Court, and at the Compliance Committee for the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters at the United Nations in Geneva.
Phil is approachable and practical. His recent matters include:
Perrett-Abrahams v Psychology Board of Australia (Review and Regulation) [2017] VCAT 877
Rein v Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Human Rights) [2017] VCAT 452
Woolworths Limited v The Administrator of the Northern Territory & Ors Federal Court NTD7 of 2017 (for the Applicant challenging the legality of regulation under the Liquor Act (NT), with Alistair Wyville QC, resolved prior to hearing - regulation repealed and legislation amended)
Syme v Medical Board of Australia (Review and Regulation) [2016] VCAT 2150
Rein v Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Review and Regulation) [2016] VCAT1426
Environment Centre Northern Territory Inc v Minister for the Environment Federal Court NTD3 of 2016 (for the Applicant under the AD(JR) Act regarding approval under the EPBC Act of the Port Melville marine supply base, with Peter Gray QC, resolved prior to hearing - decision quashed and remitted)
Medical Board of Australia v Kemp (Review and Regulation) [2016] VCAT 2039
Jagroop v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2016] FCAFC 48
Dauguet v Centrelink [2015] FCA 1212
Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc v Commissioner of Patents [2015] FCAFC 29
Miles v Commissioner of Patents [2014] HCATrans 293
Miles v Commissioner of Patents [2014] FCAFC 109
Muto v Secretary to the Department of Planning and Community Development (Review and Regulation) [2013] VCAT 1533
From 17 May 2013, liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Jennifer Cowen primarily practises in medical negligence and personal injuries litigation and health law. Jennifer has 20 years' legal experience managing a wide range of litigation including medical negligence, personal injuries, product liability, insurance and professional negligence claims, coronial inquests and disciplinary proceedings relating to health professionals. She also has expertise in advising on other aspects of health law such as issues of consent, freedom of information, health records and regulatory requirements. Jennifer regularly appears in the Supreme Court, County Court and Coroners' Court.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Jennifer was a Special Counsel in the Insurance and Corporate Risk Group of Minter Ellison, where she specialised in medical indemnity litigation and health law, acting on behalf of clients such as the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, public and private health care providers and insurers. Jennifer also acted for both insurers and insured parties in insurance disputes.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University as well as a Master of Health and Medical Law from the University of Melbourne. Jennifer read with Patricia Riddell (now Her Honour Judge Riddell of the County Court), with Ross Gillies QC as her senior mentor.
From 6th May 2016, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
The Honourable Kevin Bell AO KC FCIArb Accredited Mediator NMAS is a former senior jurist and advocate with extensive experience in the law, including commercial law, criminal law, common law, public law and human rights, including Indigenous rights. In 2024, he received the award of Officer of the Order of Australia for his 'distinguished service to the law and to the judiciary, and to human rights through education and reform.' He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law (Hons) from Monash University, a Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) from Charles Sturt University.
For fifteen years from 2005-2020, Professor Bell was a Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He sat in all divisions of the court. He played a pivotal role in the implementation and operation of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) within the Victorian legal system, among other things. In 2007, he chaired the committee overseeing the report that led to the introduction of the court's judicial mediation program. He was the President of the Victorian Administrative Appeals Tribunal for two years in 2008-2010 and over-hauled its mediation operations in this period. He was the President of the Forensic Leave Panel for five years in 2015-2020.
For two years from 2020-2022, Professor Bell was a professor in the area of International Human Rights Law in the Faculty of Law at Monash University and Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law in that Faculty. He used his extensive professional experience and strong reputation for excellence in judicial scholarship to promote and develop international human rights law and human rights research and education. He is now an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty.
For two and a half years from 2021-2023, Professor Bell was a Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. The Commission is a Royal Commission established with a wide mandate to examine the impact of colonisation on the First Peoples of Victoria and to make recommendations for realising their self-determination through Victoria's treaty-making process. Professor Bell especially contributed to the Commission's work in the areas of child protection, criminal justice and in Indigenous human and cultural rights.
For two years in 2022-2023 Professor Bell was Co-Chair of the Steering Committee to develop the National Mental Health Commission Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.
He is now an Arbitrator and Mediator on Dever's List at the Victorian Bar.
Coral practises in common law and commercial law.
Coral regularly appears in all Victorian courts (both led and unled) and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
In common law, Coral has advised and appeared in matters involving tort, personal injury, workers’ compensation, transport accidents, occupiers’ liability and defamation law.
In commercial law, Coral has advised and appeared in matters involving consumer law and contract claims.
Before coming to the Bar, Coral was Class Actions and Major Torts List Coordinator to the Honourable Justices J Forrest and John Dixon, Associate to the Honourable John T (Jack) Rush AO RFD KC and Executive Assistant to the Honourable Associate Justice Daly, at the Supreme Court of Victoria. She assisted in the hearing and conduct of complex civil and criminal cause and jury matters, urgent applications in the Practice Court and class actions (including supervision of settlements).
Coral read with Chris Young KC and her senior mentor is Stephen O'Meara KC (now the Honourable Justice O’Meara).
Recent matters
Since coming to the Bar, matters in which Coral has been briefed include:
Commercial law
Defamation
Common law
Commissions
Public and regulatory
Memberships and Associations
Reporter, Victorian Reports
Former Monitor, Class Actions, Victorian Commercial Bar Association
From 5 May 2017, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Angus practices in employment, industrial, commercial and public law.
His recent cases include:
Industrial
Discrimination
Equity and Trusts
Angus has particular experience in regulatory cases in the Federal Courts, and is the current author of LexisNexis’ Federal Civil Litigation Precedents: Industrial Law.
Before the bar, Angus was a senior associate in employment and industrial law at Maurice Blackburn and associate to the Honourable Justice Cavanough of the Supreme Court, Judge in Charge of the Judicial Review and Appeals List. As a solicitor, Angus ran litigation concerning industrial action, rules disputes, bargaining, general protections, unfair dismissal and discrimination for trade unions, union members, executives and other employees.
Angus read with Dean Guidolin SC. His senior mentor is Fiona Forsyth KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Paul is a barrister admitted to the Victorian and New York bars, who practices full-time as independent counsel at the Victorian Bar. A leading senior junior, he maintains a busy trial, appeals and judicial review practice primarily in the areas of personal injuries, insurance, and sports law.
Recognised by Doyles Guide as a leading Insurance & Personal Injury Law barrister in Victoria in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Paul regularly appears in Workcover, TAC and public liability jury trials, "Serious Injury" applications, s138 recoveries, sporting injury cases, and related appeals. He is one of the "go to" barristers for Medical Panel judicial reviews, having successfully argued many defining cases.
Paul has extensive experience in sports law, having regularly appeared in, and sat on, various sports tribunals over the years. He was a member of the Australian Olympic Committee nomination and selection appeals panel for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. In March 2020, he was appointed by the Minister for Sport as an inaugural member (part-time) to the National Sports Tribunal, and has been reappointed for a further 5-year term to 18 June 2028.
In addition to practice, Paul has worked extensively as an adjunct lecturer including at the Melbourne, Monash University, and the National University of Singapore law schools where he has taught courses in torts and sports law.
Paul is also the host of his own podcast series "Res Ipsa Loquitur", which delivers caselaw summaries of important and recent cases in the areas of torts, insurance and personal injuries decided in Australia and beyond. To subscribe and listen on Apple, Google, Spotify or iHeart, click the link here: https://omny.fm/shows/res-ipsa-loquitur
Background
Paul graduated with Commerce and Law (Honours) degrees from Monash University. He achieved high distinctions in several units including Torts, and completed a semester abroad in KL, Malaysia. He completed articles with a leading plaintiff firm, before working for a national insurance firm, defending common law actions, s138 recoveries, public liability claims, and superannuation TPD disputes. While practising, he completed a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. In 2013, he sat and passed the New York bar exam, and was admitted there in 2014. He then worked in the Workcover department of a Melbourne-based mid-size firm before being called to the Victorian Bar.
Cases
Some noteworthy cases in which Paul has appeared include the following:
Victorian Court of Appeal:
Supreme Court of Victoria:
County Court of Victoria:
Active matters
Some ongoing matters in which Paul is currently briefed include the following:
University Appointments
Publications
Presentations
From 01 May 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Susan is an experienced trial advocate who has over 30 years experience as a barrister and predominantly practices in Family and Criminal Law.
Susan has appeared in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and County Court with extensive experience in complex trials and appeals.
Family Law:
Susan practices in all areas of family law and de facto jurisdictions, including interim defended hearings, mediations and final hearings.
Susan is a member of the Family Law Bar Association, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently completing the AICD’s Company Directors course.
Criminal Law:
Susan also practices in Criminal Law, her trial work includes homicides, sexual offences, drug trials, frauds including art fraud, and other complex criminal trials.
Susan has examined and cross-examined a variety of experts including forensic pathologists, DNA experts, senior scientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, handwriting, ballistic, voice identification experts and engineers.
She has prepared written cases for and appeared in interlocutory, conviction and sentence appeals.
Previous experience:
During her 30 years at the bar, Susan has held a variety of positions including that of:
Publications:
Susan co-authored a book published by Thompson Reuters in July 2017, titled Criminal Appeals and Reviews in Victoria, along with Professor Chris Corns and Adrian Castle. The chapter on appellate advocacy, which was written by Susan, provides practical advice to legal practitioners on the preparation required to appear in the High Court and Court of Appeal, the appearance itself, and the importance of written submissions as the basis for the oral advocacy.
Cambridge:
In 2017, Susan presented at the 35th Economic Crime Symposium at Jesus College, Cambridge University on Art Fraud.
In 2018, Susan presented at the 36th Economic Crime Symposium at Jesus College, Cambridge University on ‘Human Trafficking’, ‘Taxing Crime’ (panel discussion) and ‘Divesting Criminals of ill-gotten gains in a world without financial Borders’.
Electronic briefs:
Susan is trained in the use of electronic briefs.
Membership: