Tom practises broadly and accepts briefs in all areas, with a particular emphasis on criminal law and media law, and a keen interest in common law and public law.
Before coming to the Bar, Tom was an Associate to the Honourable Justice Incerti of the Supreme Court of Victoria. In that time, Tom assisted her Honour with a series of landmark bail rulings (including Re PJ, Re Terei and Re McLaughlin) and several significant decisions under the Serious Offenders Act. Prior to admission, Tom worked closely with a criminal barrister and at a boutique media law firm. In an earlier life, Tom was an actor (bartender) in LA.
Tom holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the Aaron Levine Prize for Criminal Law, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne (with a focus on media and IP law). Tom also holds a Bachelor of Arts (English, Australian Indigenous Studies) from the University of Melbourne and a certificate in winemaking from UC Davis.
Tom is reading with Amelia Beech and his senior mentor is Chris Winneke KC.
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Harley practises in all areas of commercial, employment and regulatory law.
Prior to coming to the bar, Harley had a career spanning over 15 years in Australia and Hong Kong. He held senior positions across both private practice and in the government, including as a senior lawyer at the Fair Work Ombudsman and as a partner of global law firm, Mishcon de Reya.
During his career, Harley has specialised in commercial litigation and arbitration, and particularly in the fields of contract, insolvency, employment, professional negligence and civil penalty proceedings. He has been involved in and led some of the largest and most complex financial cases in Australia and Hong Kong, particularly in the context of corporate fraud with significant cross-border elements, involving the intersection between Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and offshore jurisdictions.
Harley holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours, as well as a Masters in Law (BCL) from the University of Oxford, graduating with Distinction (highest honours).
Harley is admitted as a solicitor in the High Court of Hong Kong and was conferred Higher Rights of Audience to practise as a Solicitor Advocate in civil matters in Hong Kong, where he developed experience in advocacy. He was also an Associate to the Honourable Justice Layton in the Supreme Court of South Australia.
Harley is reading with Georgie Coleman and his senior mentor is Kathleen Foley SC.
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Jack practises in commercial, regulatory and public law.
Prior to coming to the bar, Jack practised as a solicitor in commercial disputes at Minter Ellison and Hall & Wilcox (where he was a Senior Associate). Jack has also worked as a management consultant at KPMG.
As a solicitor, Jack acted for high net worth individuals and companies of all sizes in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the County Court of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Although his experience spans across many areas of commercial, regulatory and public law, he has particular expertise acting for clients in contractual, partnership and shareholder disputes.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.
Jack is reading with Dean Luxton and his senior mentor is Nicholas De Young KC.
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Sasha has a broad practice in commercial law, public law and common law.
Before coming to the Bar, Sasha was a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution & Litigation team at Maddocks. While at Maddocks, Sasha acted for both public and private sector clients in a broad range of matters, including complex commercial litigation, intellectual property disputes, defamation matters, independent inquiries, taxation litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings.
Sasha holds a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne.
Sasha is reading with Melissa Marcus and her senior mentor is Renée Enbom KC.
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Hannah has a broad commercial law practice.
Hannah accepts briefs in a variety of areas including complex contractual and financial disputes, insolvency, class actions, regulatory investigations, equity and trusts, Australian consumer law and Corporations Act matters. This broad commercial practice also extends to property and constructions matters, partnerships and franchising disputes.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Hannah worked as a Senior Associate at Gadens where she had an extensive commercial practice advising and acting for clients in a range of matters, including:
During her time as a solicitor Hannah has appeared in various proceedings including in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court of Australia, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Hannah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and Law from the University of Wollongong.
Hannah is reading with Ben Gibson and her senior mentor is Hamish Austin KC.
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Margie practises mainly in public and commercial law.
Before coming to the Bar, Margie was Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General for Victoria and an associate to the Hon Justice Gordon AC at the High Court of Australia.
Margie also practised as a solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, working across the public law and environment and planning teams.
Margie graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne, where she was awarded the Supreme Court Prize.
Margie is reading with Mark Hosking. Her senior mentor is Chris Carr SC.
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Killian practices in all areas of common law, with a particular focus on personal injury (including industrial accidents, public liability, transport accidents, institutional abuse and medical negligence) and insurance.
He has special interests in health and medical law, defamation and professional indemnity.
Before coming to the Bar, Killian was a Senior Associate in Lander & Rogers’ general insurance team in Sydney, practising in both New South Wales and Victoria. He acted on behalf of private and government insurers in respect of common law damages claims in the public liability and property damage streams, including advising on indemnity issues. Killian was also a Senior Associate at Russell Kennedy where he acted on behalf of the Victorian WorkCover Authority in defence of statutory benefits, serious injury, and common law damages claims.
Killian holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Australian National University. He is currently undertaking a Masters of Public Policy at the University of Sydney.
Killian is reading with Tom Storey and his senior mentor is Matthew Hooper SC.
Jeremy practices in common law (with a particular interest in professional negligence and workplace incidents), administrative law, professional regulation, coronial inquests, inquiries, insurance, and judicial review. Jeremy also has an interest in regulatory prosecutions.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Jeremy had 15 years’ experience as a solicitor in private practice acting for defendants; and as a government lawyer for a national regulator.
As a solicitor in private practice Jeremy acted for defendants in a wide range of matters, including: common law negligence proceedings (professional negligence and workplace incidents); anti-discrimination complaints and associated proceedings; regulatory investigations and prosecutions by the Department of Health (Medicines and Poisons Regulation); investigations and prosecutions under occupational health and safety legislation; professional disciplinary investigations by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the National Boards (and various State vet boards); coronial investigations and inquests; and associated appellate work. Jeremy also advised a major insurer with respect to claims made under professional indemnity insurance policies, including with respect to indemnity, liability and quantum. Jeremy finished his time in private practice as a Senior Associate at a mid-tier firm.
Most recently Jeremy was a Senior Legal Advisor at Ahpra where he advised Ahpra, the Boards, and investigators; and managed tribunal proceedings (referrals and merits review), and associated appellate work.
Prior to being admitted, Jeremy was Associate to His Honour Judge Barnett and subsequently His Honour Judge Misso in the County Court of Victoria.
Jeremy is reading with Raph Ajzensztat. His senior mentor is Ben Ihle KC.
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Ross practises primarily in commercial law with an emphasis on corporations law, competition and consumer law, contractual disputes, class actions, equity and trusts, investigations and inquiries, intellectual property and public law.
Before coming to the Bar, Ross served as the Associate to the Honourable Justice Anderson at the Federal Court of Australia.
Ross also practised as a lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, in its commercial disputes and intellectual property teams where he acted in a range of complex commercial disputes and investigations.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from Monash University. Ross was also a student tutor in trusts law at Monash University.
He is reading with Jesse Rudd and his senior mentor is James Peters AM KC.
*Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation
Hamish practises in commercial law at both trial and appellate levels. Examples of cases (including links to judgments on Austlii, where available) are listed below.
Commercial
Pallak Pty Ltd v Stoneypint Pty Ltd [2025] VCC 1594 The question in this case was whether a legally enforceable agreement concerning the purchase of land had been entered into with related issues.
Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 632 Costs ruling where Plaintiffs' wholly unsuccessful and multiple Defendant insurers separately represented.
Transit Pty Ltd & Anor v Arch Underwriting at Lloyd's (Australia) Pty Ltd & Ors [2024] VSC 485 Indemnity dispute for business interruption costs arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. With David Collins KC instructed by Clyde & Co
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.
Dessmann, in the matter of Dessmann [2023] FCA 1019 Appeared as amicus curiae on an application for an order that the applicant not be a disqualified person under s 126J(1)(b) of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).
Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No 1 [2022] VSCA 105 Statutory interpretation of s 134 of the Building Act 1993 concerning the limitation period to apply to projects with multiple occupancy permits and related issues as to joinder of parties. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Thomson Geer.
Lendlease Engineering Pty Ltd v Owners Corporation No. 1 [2021] VSC 471 Costs ruling where issues decided in favour of both appellant and respondents. Instructed by Thomson Geer.
Auslong Development Management Pty Ltd v Morey [2021] VSC 250 Application for leave to appeal, and appeal, from a decision of the VCAT concerning the operation of Part IV of the Property Law Act 1958 (Vic).
Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited v Billinghurst [2017] FCAFC 201 Superannuation – decision of Superannuation Complaints Tribunal setting aside decision of Trustee and remitting it for reconsideration, where Trustee adopted a valuation based on calculations of Plan Actuary who had advised the employer. Whether the Trustee’s decision was fair and reasonable in the circumstances. Led by Jonathan Brett QC instructed by Greenfields Lawyers.
Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609 Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.
FSS Trustee Corporation v Eastaugh & Anor [2016] VSC 636 (Commercial Court, McDonald J); construction of a superannuation trust deed and whether payments made to members of a defined benefit scheme constituted salary (led by David Robertson QC, instructed by Greenfields Lawyers).
Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).
Nguyen v Phan (No 2) [2015] VSC 634(Commercial Court, Elliott J): a shareholder dispute involving allegations of breaches of fiduciary duties and accessorial liability with a counterclaim alleging breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC with Kate Burgess as junior counsel, instructed by Baker & McKenzie)
Minh Nguyen & Ors v Tu Phan & Ors [2015 VSC 32]: interlocutory ruling during trial concerning application to amend pleadings.
Kilkenny Walsh Pty Ltd v Strasburger Enterprises (Properties) Pty Ltd [2014] VSC 117: breach of contract arising from the purchase of land formerly used as a service station (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Best Hooper).
Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors [2012] VSC 156: beneficial ownership of shares in companies and unit trusts and oppression (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Wain & Ors v Drapac & Ors (No. 2) [2013] VSC 381: separate question on entities to be taken into account for order of purchase of shares and units (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Drapac & Ors v Wain & Ors [2013] VSCA 19: application for stay of judgment pending appeal (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Isakow Lawyers).
Exxon Mobil Superannuation Plan Pty Ltd v Esso Australia Pty Ltd [2010] VSC 357: rectification of trust deed (led by Jennifer Batrouney SC and Stephen McLeish, instructed by Minter Ellison).
Berndale Securities Ltd v How Trading Pty Ltd[2010] VSC 216: default by client of contract with options trading clearing house; limitations on liability of client to indemnity broker (led by Paul Anastassiou QC, instructed by Blake Dawson).
Ipex v Melbourne Water Corporation [2009] VSC 383: misleading and deceptive conduct and information technology outsourcing agreement (led by Ian Waller QC and Alan Sandbach, instructed by AJH Lawyers).
Gunns Ltd v Marr [2008] VSC 464: interlocutory ruling on redaction of documents for confidentiality and irrelevance (with Ian Waller QC instructed by Clayton Utz).
Biota Scientific Management v Glaxo Group Ltd (Supreme Court of Victoria Sep 2006 – July 2008): breach of contract and best endeavours clause led by John Karkar QC and Michael Wheelahan QC, instructed by Deacons).
Yarra Capital Group v Sklash [2006] VSCA 109: whether default clause a penalty (led by Nemeer Mukhtar QC, instructed by Clayton Utz).
Masha Nominees v Mobil Oil Australia[2006] VSC 15: breach of contract arising from purchase of land formerly used as a petrol station (led by Ian Waller, instructed by Ashley West & Co).
Re Simonds Group Limited [2016] VSC 609: Application by a minority shareholder to delay implementation of a Scheme of Arrangement to avoid loss and potential oppressive conduct. Led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Madgwicks Lawyers.
Insurance
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2024] VSC 139 Whether an insured had suffered loss “resulting from a claim” or had established the amount claimed under a policy of liability insurance was a reasonable settlement. With Hannah Douglas instructed by Hall & Wilcox.
Sayers Property Holdings Pty Ltd v AIG Australia Ltd [2022] VSC 377 Waiver of client legal privilege in the context of a claim against an insurer for indemnity following the settlement of a proceeding. With Ella Zauner, instructed by HWL Ebsworth.
Entyce Food Ingredients Pty Ltd v CGU Insurance Limited [2020] VSC 757 Construction of general and products liability insurance policy and commercial contracts in the context of a recall and withdrawal and loss of frozen berry products due to contamination of food products with Hepatitus A. Led by Michael Thompson QC, instructed by William Abbott and Associates.
Bergman v CGU Insurance Ltd [2016] VSC 81 (Commercial Court, Hargrave J); insurance, non-disclosure and misrepresentation; whether policy responded (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Cornwall Stodart).
Banksia Securities Limited v Patrick Godfrey & Ors (Commercial Court,Supreme Court of Victoria, ongoing): Collapse of Banksia Securities Limited and associated losses to the company and debenture-holders. Acting for an insurer of a professional advisor party (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by Hall & Wilcox).
Leading Synthetics Pty Ltd v Adroit Insurance Group [2011] VSC 467: estoppel and credit risk insurance (led by Chris Caleo QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill Lawyers).
Mainstream Aquaculture v Calliden Insurance Ltd [2011] VSC 286: construction of commercial insurance contract (led by Chris Blanden QC instructed by GTR Lawyers).
Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 353: action in contract and negligence arising out of a train derailment (led by Chris Blanden QC, instructed by McCabe Terrill).
Twentieth Super Pace Nominees v Australian Rail Track Corporation [2006] VSC 500: Decision on damages where split trial.
Environmental and Public Law
VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater's Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2021] VSC 869 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Led by Philip Solomon QC, and with Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 569 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Kinglake Friends of the Forest Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 788 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Hannah Douglas, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Environment East Gippsland Inc v VicForests [2021] VSC 406 Application for interlocutory injunctions restraining forestry operations in certain parts of Victorian State forest. Leading Rebecca Howe, instructed by Johnson Winter Slattery
Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2021] HCATrans 215 Application for special leave to appeal a judgment of the Full Federal Court. Led by Bret Walker SC and Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
VicForests v Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc [2021] FCAFC 66; 285 FCR 70 Appeal concerning the correct interpretation of s 38(1) of the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth). Led by Ian Waller and with Rebecca Howe, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum Inc v VicForests [2018] FCA 178 Statutory interpretation of regulatory scheme established under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) are related legislation. Led by Ian Waller QC, and with Katrina Chow, instructed by Baker McKenzie.
MyEnvironment v VicForests [2013] VSCA 356; (2013) 198 LGERA 396, 206 ALR 624, [2014] ALMD 2380: statutory construction where competing purposes, and lawfulness of proposed logging in Toolangi (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).
MyEnvironment v VicForests [2012] VSC 91: question of whether proposed logging in Toolangi lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, with Nasos Kaskani as junior, instructed by Baker & McKenzie).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2010] VSC 335; (2010) 30 VR 1; [2012] ALMD 3348: question of whether proposed logging in East Gippsland lawful (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests [2009] VSC 386: interlocutory injunction and standing of environmental group (led by Ian Waller QC instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).
Environment East Gippsland v VicForests (No. 2) [2009] VSC 421: interlocutory injunction, whether security in addition to undertaking should be provided in public interest litigation (led by Ian Waller QC, instructed by HWL Ebsworth Lawyers).
Other
Catch the Fire Ministries v Islamic Council of Victoria [2006] VSCA 284; (2006) 15 VR 207, 235 ALR 750, 206 FLR 56.: religious vilification (led by Brind Woinarski QC and Debbie Mortimer SC, instructed by Allens Arthur Robinson).
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Patrick maintains a broad civil litigation practice (with both trial and interlocutory experience – led and unled), focussing on:
Patrick has completed a Masters of Commercial Law at the University of Melbourne, with a focus on consumer law, insurance law, institutional liability law and sports law.
Patrick also holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Patrick was an Associate Lawyer at T J Mulvany & Co, with predominant areas being Commercial Litigation and Common Law Litigation (namely Institutional Liability matters).
Patrick read with Jack Tracey KC.
Recent cases include:
Commercial Law
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI&PB Property Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 782 (led by A T Strahan KC);
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI&PB Property Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 790 (led by A T Strahan KC)
Coonwarra Pty Ltd v CornoNero Pty Ltd [2023] VSC 781 (led by A T Strahan KC);
Coonwarra Pty Ltd v CornoNero Pty Ltd [2024] VSC 789 (led by A T Strahan KC)
GJB Building Pty Ltd v AI and PB Property Pty Ltd (Ruling No 3) [2022] VSC 62 (led by A T Strahan KC in proceeding – appearance unled)
(acting as Junior Counsel for Defendant in 49 day Supreme Court trial, defending various allegations including misleading and deceptive conduct, breach of director’s duties, breach of fiduciary duty, Barnes v Addy claims, contract claims, remedies, costs)
Plunkett v Portier Pacific Pty Ltd (Civil Claims) [2024] VCAT 205 (unled in matter generally, led by A T Strahan KC in s 77 application) (acting for various Uber entities Respondent in defending allegations of misleading and deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct regarding UberEats app; and s 77 application to transfer proceedings from VCAT to Supreme Court of Victoria)
Storage Depot Pty Ltd v Brooklyn Logistics Park Pty Ltd (Building and Property) [2022] VCAT 210 (unled) (valuation determination - s37 RLA)
Sports Law
Charlie Cameron v AFL (AFL Appeals Board; led by L Hannon KC; acting as Junior Counsel for the AFL)
Thornell v Cerberus Golf Club Inc (Human Rights) [2024] VCAT 20 (unled) (acting pro bono for female golfer alleging sex discrimination for not being allowed to play in the ‘men’s only’ golf competitions)
Michael Randall v Australian Football League and Sport Integrity Australia CEO [2023] NST NST-E22-334478 (unled) (acting for the AFL in regard to anti-doping suspension appeal)
Heath Thorpe v Gymnastics Australia [2023] NST NST-E23-173421 (unled) (acting for Applicant in selection dispute – drawing submissions and advice)
From 22 May 2020, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Janey has a broad practice and accepts briefs in civil law, criminal law and public law.
Before coming to the Bar, Janey was a solicitor at the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office where she gained extensive litigation experience in the County Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
Prior to the VGSO, Janey was an Associate to His Honour Judge McInerney of the County Court.
Earlier, Janey worked in regulatory and product compliance at MECCA Brands.
Janey studied at the University of Melbourne and holds a Juris Doctor, as well as a Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) with first class honours.
Janey is reading with Amanda Burnnard and her senior mentor is Ben Ihle KC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Tim is an experienced commercial barrister and appears in a wide range of commercial disputes and professional disciplinary matters. He has extensive experience
in working on cases as part of a team made up of solicitors and other counsel. He is an experienced trial advocate.
In recent years, Tim has obtained significant experience in different areas including corporations, professional disciplinary and professional negligence matters. For example, he has:
Tim has appeared in a wide variety of jurisdictions, including the State Court of Appeal and Supreme Court Trial division, in relation to insurance disputes, equity proceedings, contempt proceedings and insolvency matters.
Tim's CV, including a selection of cases in which he has been involved, may be viewed via the CV link above.
From 1 July 2008 liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Jeremy acts in commercial disputes, mainly for clients involved with the construction industry.
He is also a nationally accredited mediator and accepts mediator engagements in all areas of commercial disputes.
Commercial disputes
Jeremy's commercial disputes experience encompasses contracts, insurance (Including coverage disputes), professional indemnity/negligence, property and equity.
He is regularly briefed on behalf of insurers, especially to defend claims against insured professionals (such as architects, engineers, building surveyors, fire engineers, project managers and superintendents), or to prosecute subrogated recovery actions.
Construction disputes
Jeremy's construction experience includes disputes arising during project delivery (including bank guarantee injunctions, security of payment, protection works), and end-of-project litigation or arbitration (including claims for money and time). Recent project settings have spanned LNG pipelines, a power station, freeways, solar and wind farms, specialised pavements (ports, distribution centre, racing car track), and commercial and residential developments (including flammable cladding cases).
Jeremy has been ranked in Doyles Guide (peer reviewed) as a Leading Construction & Infrastructure Barrister (Australia) in 2017 - 2018 and 2020 - 2025 and in the Victorian market in 2015 - 2025.
From 01 Jul 2008, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Ben was admitted to practice in 2011 and called to the Bar in 2019. Prior to being called to the Bar, he practised as a solicitor in the Insurance and Corporate Risk Group at MinterEllison.
Ben has extensive experience in common law, administrative law, inquests, disciplinary and professional negligence proceedings. He has acted for state government entities, private companies, hospitals, doctors, manufacturers, as well as individuals.
Ben read with Robert Harper. His senior mentor was Jack Rush QC.
Matters in which Ben has been briefed include (non-exhaustively):
Ben is a member of the Common Law Bar Association.
From 25 October 2019, Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Senior Associate at Phillips Fox (Commercial Litigation). Associate to Chief Justice Mason, High Court of Australia.
From 10th April 2014, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
The Hon G (Tony) Pagone AM KC has extensive expertise across a range of legal disciplines, including commercial, taxation, administrative, constitutional, public and human rights law, as well as equity, wills, and estates law. His commercial practice encompassed high-value and complex disputes in revenue, banking and finance, insolvency, corporations law, and regulatory matters.
Tony is also an experienced mediator and arbitrator, with extensive involvement in the resolution of commercial and taxation disputes, both in Australia and internationally. His judicial background, combined with his specialist expertise in complex commercial and taxation matters, allows him to bring exceptional insight and authority to alternative dispute resolution. He is a member of Lincoln’s Inn in London and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration.
Admitted to legal practice in Victoria in 1980, Tony signed the Roll of Counsel in 1985 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel for Victoria in 1996. He served as a trial judge on the Supreme Court of Victoria from 2006, where he also became the judge in charge of the Commercial Court. In 2013, Tony was appointed to the Federal Court of Australia, where he was the judge in charge of the taxation national practice area. His published decisions span a wide array of legal fields, including finance, commerce, deceased estates, and migration, along with arbitral decisions and practice.
Tony retired from the Federal Court of Australia in 2018 and has since returned to private practice. He continues to be frequently briefed on significant legal issues and disputes for leading corporations and government bodies. Between 2002 and 2004, he served as Special Counsel to the Australian Taxation Office. He was also the chair of the Royal Commission into Aged Care (2019–2021) and conducted a review for Melbourne Water into a major flood event on the Maribyrnong River.
Tony holds a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University (1979), a Master of Laws from Cambridge University (1983), and a Doctor of Laws (LLD) from the University of Melbourne (2014), awarded for his research and published work on anti-tax-avoidance provisions.
He maintains strong international professional and academic connections. Tony is a Professorial Fellow at Melbourne Law School, where he lectures in postgraduate programs. He was also President of the International Association of Judges, a former board member of the International Association of Tax Judges, and Chair of the Business Law Section of the Law Council of Australia.
Raph practises in torts, professional liability, class actions, judicial review, insurance and coronial law. He has significant experience in matters involving complex claims against legal practitioners, health practitioners, hospitals, product manufacturers and statutory authorities. He is regularly briefed in coronial inquests and in matters involving challenges to determinations by coroners under the Coroners Act 2008. He has experience in matters involving the Sheriff of Victoria. He has appeared in litigation involving the parens patriae jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Victoria. He has significant experience appearing in court both led and unled.
Recent matters in which he has been briefed include the following:
Various tort claims including false imprisonment, assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and nuisance.
From 24 Oct 2013, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.