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
Contact the clerk for any enquiries
Available as a mediator and arbitrator
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.
David has a broad Commercial practice involving both Trial and Appellate work. David's practice involves him appearing and advising in many aspects of the law. He provides a methodical and personal approach in assisting clients in reducing the impact of litigation by managing the matter in a positive and practical way.
From 16/07/2009, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Jack has a broad practice, focussing on industrial and employment law (including discrimination) matters, administrative law matters, commercial law matters and common law matters.
Jack is an experienced trial and appellate advocate who appears in courts and tribunals in Victoria and nationally. He also appears as an advocate before military tribunals on behalf of members of the Australian Defence Force, and for parties in connection with Royal Commissions and inquiries.
Jack has particular expertise in all matters involving the interpretation and application of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and other industrial and anti-discrimination legislation; and applications for judicial review under the Fair Work Act. He has acted for private individuals and corporations (including ASX listed corporations), the Commonwealth and the State of Victoria, other States and their agencies, regulators and other government bodies.
Jack has appeared for clients across a broad range of industries including health and aged care, education, manufacturing, construction, transport and logistics, and banking and finance.
Before coming to the Bar in 2007, Jack served as an associate to Callaway JA of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He read with Stephen O’Meara (now O’Meara J). Jack has mentored four readers: Emma Harold, Patrick Tiernan, Niko Kordos and Ben Holding.
Jack is a former member of the Victorian Bar Council and has served on other Committees of the Bar. He is also a member of the Industrial, Commercial, Common Law and Military Bar Associations.
Examples of cases in which Jack has appeared can be found below.
For further information about his availability, fee rates and other information, please contact his clerk on 9225 7999 or by email to dever@vicbar.com.au.
Cases in which Jack has appeared
(Jack’s client is in bold text)
Ambulance Victoria v Richardson [2024] FWCFB 366 (appeal)
Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union v Helloworld Travel Limited, Viva Holidays II Limited [2021] FWC 6535 (arbitration)
Australian Workers' Union v Chemring Australia Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 750 (interlocutory application)
Briggs v AWH Pty Ltd [2013] FWCFB 3316; (2013) 231 IR 159 (appeal)
Buckeridge v Littlepay Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 1036 (trial)
Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia v Siemens Ltd [2016] FWC 2041 (arbitration)
Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union v Geocon Constructors (ACT) Pty Ltd [2020] FWCFB 5208 (appeal)
Curatolo v Skye Children's Co-Operative Ltd [2015] FCA 14 (trial)
Dixon v United Workers Union [2023] FCA 1526 (interlocutory application)
Dr Shaodi You v Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation t/a CSIRO [2020] FWC 2752 (interlocutory application)
Ermel v DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd (No 2) [2015] FCA 17; (2015) 67 AILR 102-332 (trial)
Ezy Accounting 123 Pty Ltd v Fair Work Ombudsman [2018] FCAFC 134; (2018) 282 IR 86; (2018) 360 ALR 236 (with Jenny Firkin, now KC; appeal)
Fair Work Ombudsman v Skilled Offshore (Australia) Pty Ltd (No 2) [2015] FCA 1509 (interlocutory application)
Freedom Finance Accounting Pty Ltd v Goldstein [2017] VSC 179 (interlocutory application)
Hansen v Mt Martha Community Learning Centre Inc [2015] FCA 1099; (2015) 254 IR 1 (trial)
Jetstar Services Pty Ltd v L Ishak [2013] FWCFB 7030; (2013) 236 IR 274 (appeal)
Jirina Born v Mercy Hospitals Victoria Ltd [2017] FWC 1131 (arbitration)
Johnson v CUB Pty Ltd (2021) 287 FCR 520; (2021) 313 IR 44; [2021] FCAFC 219 (judicial review)
Lacson v Australian Postal Corporation (2019) 268 FCR 314; (2019) 284 IR 449; [2019] FCA 51
(trial)
Laverton Cold Storage Pty Ltd v National Union of Workers [2018] VSC 503 (interlocutory application)
Lyndoch Living Inc T/A Lyndoch Warrnambool v S Bolden [2014] FWCFB 5969 (appeal)
Maric v Ericsson Australia Pty Ltd [2020] FCA 452; (2020) 293 IR 442 (trial)
MCLT v Director-General of Security [2018] AATA 1359 (merits review)
Miller v DPV Health Ltd [2019] FWCFB 6890 (appeal)
Monash Health v Singh [2023] FCAFC 166; (2023) 327 IR 196 (appeal)
Nuttall v Hatch Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 339 (trial)
Pipe Hunter Pty Ltd T/A Pipe Hunter v Mr Daniel Mahony and Mr Anthony Russell [2013] FWCFB 4852 (appeal)
Printing Industry Association of Australia v Jurkin [2018] FCA 1001 (appeal)
Qube Ports Pty Limited v Mr Rudy Burkhardt [2022] FWCFB 65 (appeal)
Roberts-Smith v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited (No 28) [2022] FCA 115 (interlocutory application)
Roberts-Smith v Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd & Ors (No 40) [2022] FCA 1614 (interlocutory application)
Roohizadegan v TechnologyOne Ltd (No 2) [2020] FCA 1407; (2020) 301 IR 1 (trial)
Serpanos v Commonwealth of Australia [2022] FCA 1226 (trial)
TechnologyOne v Roohizadegan (2021) 309 IR 262; [2021] FCAFC 137 (led by Bret Walker SC, with Rowan Minson; appeal)
Thomas v University of Melbourne (No 4) [2019] FCA 1798 (interlocutory application)
TIOBE Pty Ltd T/A TIOBE v Chen [2018] FWCFB 5726; (2018) 282 IR 1 (appeal)
Transport Workers’ Union of Australia v Linfox Armaguard Pty Ltd T/A Armaguard [2023] FWC 204 (arbitration)
United Firefighters' Union of Australia v Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board [2017] FWCFB 2500; (2017) 266 IR 242 (appeal)
Von Schoeler v Allen Taylor and Company Ltd (t/as Boral Timber) (2020) 273 FCR 189; (2020) 376 ALR 110; [2020] FCAFC 13 (appeal)
Liability 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:
Matthew Hooper SC practices in common law, principally in personal injury cases of all kinds, professional negligence claims, and insurance indemnity disputes. He has a special interest in appeals and complex cases, such as those involving interpretation of workers compensation legislation and the Wrongs Act, the construction of insurance contracts, and choice of law questions (including in cross-border cases).
Matthew predominantly appears in the Supreme Court, including the Court of Appeal, as well as the County Court. He has appeared several times in the High Court of Australia. His recent cases include:
From 03 May 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Kalia has a broad practice that includes commercial law, public law and criminal law.
Kalia was an Associate to Justice Gleeson of the High Court of Australia and Justice Elliott of the Supreme Court of Victoria before coming to the Bar. Previously, Kalia was a solicitor in commercial litigation at Allens.
Kalia holds a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford, for which she was awarded a full scholarship. She graduated second in her cohort from the Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne.
Some recent matters in which Kalia has been briefed are as follows.
Commercial
Public Law
Kalia has also been briefed to advise, both led and unled, in numerous commercial, public and criminal law matters, including by ASIC, the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and corporate clients.
Kalia read with Kateena O’Gorman SC. Her senior mentor is Philip Solomon KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Rose has a broad practice with a focus on common law, class actions, coronial inquests and public law.
Matters in which Rose has a particular interest include:
A selection of the matters in which Rose has recently acted include:
McNickle v Huntsman Chemical Company (Roundup Class Action) (led by Andrew Clements KC, Melanie Szydzik SC and Rebecca Howe, for the Applicant and the class) — Federal Court class action involving negligence and safety defect claims against Monsanto parties in relation to alleged carcinogenicity of Roundup products.
Rooke v AFL (AFL Concussion Class Action) (led by Philip Crutchfield KC, Ben Ihle KC and Matthew Hooper, for the AFL) — Supreme Court class action involving negligence claims against the AFL in relation to concussion injuries.
Alcoa of Australia Ltd & Ors v AusNet Transmission Net & Powercor (led by Bernie Quinn KC and Melanie Szydzik SC, for the Alcoa parties) — Supreme Court negligence claim for economic loss in relation to power outage at the Portland aluminium smelter.
Chief Commissioner of Police v Paterson [2023] VSC 172 (led by Melanie Szydzik SC, for the Appellant) — application for leave to appeal and appeal of VCAT decision to make a firearm prohibition order.
Riddle v State of Victoria; Trickey v State of Victoria; Beyer v State of Victoria (led by Robert Heath KC and Roslyn Kaye KC, for the State of Victoria) — multiple Supreme Court proceedings involving claims of negligence and occupier’s liability relating to alleged organochlorine pesticide soil contamination.
Dani Laidley v State of Victoria (led by Sam Hay KC, for the State of Victoria) — Supreme Court proceedings involving claims in negligence, misfeasance in public office and breach of confidence against Victoria Police.
Inquest into the death of Nick Panagiotopoulos (led by Roslyn Kaye KC, for 000VIC) — high profile inquest relating to death in context of COVID-19 000 call delays.
Greensill v Piper Alderman & Ors (led by Peter Cawthorn KC at trial, for law firm defendant) — professional negligence claim against solicitor and multiple law firms relating to alleged failure to advise in relation to a malicious prosecution claim against complainants following criminal conviction being overturned on appeal.
Various, multi-party County Court proceedings involving claims of negligence and occupier’s liability seeking damages for death and injuries in relation to a residential balcony collapse (led by Roslyn Kaye KC, for the landlord of the property).
Various coronial inquests involving deaths in care and custody (acting as Counsel Assisting the Coroner and for various State parties and medical institutions (both led and unled)).
Rose also provides advice (both led and unled) including in relation to public interest immunity, tortious liability, the exercise of public powers and statutory interpretation.
Before coming to the Bar, Rose was a Principal Solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, where she had carriage of high profile and sensitive proceedings on behalf of government clients. Before this, Rose worked in the Trials Chamber of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and Center for Death Penalty Litigation in North Carolina.
Rose read with Ben Ihle KC and her senior mentor is Rachel Doyle SC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Naomi Hodgson has a broad civil litigation practice with a particular focus on professional duties and obligations under relevant regulatory and legislative frameworks.
Naomi regularly acts for health practitioners and hospitals across several jurisdictions. She also acts in matters regarding companies’ and directors’ compliance with their obligations in both State and Commonwealth jurisdictions.
She has appeared in coronial inquests on behalf of interested parties including doctors, hospitals, Ambulance Victoria, the Chief Commissioner of Police and the State of Victoria. She is also regularly briefed to appear as counsel assisting the Coroner.
Naomi has appeared in a number of administrative law appeals including on behalf of the Coroners Court of Victoria in appeals to the Supreme Court. She also appears in administrative law merits review in VCAT and the AAT.
Naomi has regularly appeared on behalf of the Attorney General of Victoria and the Secretary of the Department of Justice in the County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal in public law matters.
Previous Experience
Naomi was previously a Senior Associate in the Commercial Disputes Group at Minter Ellison where she completed her articles. During her time at Minter Ellison her main areas of practice were general commercial litigation, financial services, directors' duties, market misconduct and regulatory compliance. In 2007, Naomi spent 6 months on secondment to ASIC where she worked in the Compliance and Enforcement groups.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Naomi spent one year at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office as a Senior Solicitor in the Litigation Branch. During her time at the VGSO, she worked on a wide variety of administrative and public law matters.
Naomi is a Member of the Melbourne IVF Human Research Ethics Committee and is a Council Member of the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI).
"From 20th May 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation."
Annette accepts briefs in a broad range of commercial matters.
Before coming to the Bar, Annette was a partner in the litigation team of a leading national law firm where she gained experience in banking and finance, commercial and consumer law, insolvency, regulatory law and securities.
Annette read with Sam Rosewarne KC and her senior mentor is Hamish Austin KC.
Annette served as a member of the Victorian Bar New Barristers' Committee in 2023 and she is presently a member of the Victorian Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.
Some matters in which Annette has been briefed since coming to the Bar include:
From 22 Oct 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Chong has a broad practice with a focus on commercial, public and common law.
Before coming to the Bar, Chong was a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution team of King & Wood Mallesons. He has acted for clients in a range of disputes including in the areas of contract, insolvency, property, corporate and competition law. He also has experience as in-house counsel having been seconded to Telstra and Aristocrat Technologies.
Chong has served as an Associate to the Honourable Justice Dodds-Streeton of the Federal Court of Australia.
He holds undergraduate degrees in Commerce (Corporate Finance) and Law from the University of Adelaide, and a Master of Law from the University of Cambridge.
Chong is reading with Paul Liondas and his senior mentor is Philip Solomon QC.
From 22 Oct 2021, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.