Angus has appeared in the High Court, Federal Court and state Supreme and County Courts. He regularly advises and appears in relation to complex commercial disputes. Angus is listed as one of Australia's leading class actions junior counsel in Doyles Guide.
Angus's published appearances include:
Angus previously served as Associate to the Hon Justice David J Ashley AM at the Victorian Court of Appeal. Angus also worked in commercial disputes at Allens Linklaters and in the USA at Kaggle Inc (a Google subsidiary) managing contracting, intellectual property, and business development. Angus holds honours and masters degrees in law from the University of Melbourne.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Michael practices primarily in personal injury and insurance law.
His practice includes appearance and advice work in WorkCover, TAC, public liability, product liability, medical and professional negligence and asbestos matters. He regularly appears in damages trials, serious injury applications, de bene esse hearings and mediations.
From 27th October 2011, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
Andrew Clements QC is an experienced trial and appellate advocate practising mainly in the areas of personal injuries, product liability, torts generally, insurance and professional disciplinary tribunals.
From 03 May 2012, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Patrick practices broadly, with a focus on public law, regulatory matters, government private law liability, criminal law and inquiries. He has particular experience in corporate and other forms of financial misconduct, including white collar crime.
Before coming to the bar, Patrick was an associate to the Hon Justice Nettle AC in the High Court of Australia; a senior lawyer and manager of the Appeals Practice at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA); and an associate to Justice T Forrest in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor (with first-class honours) from the University of Melbourne. He read with Ruth Shann SC and his senior mentor is Rowena Orr QC (SG).
Some illustrative matters include:
Public law and regulatory matters:
Royal Commissions, inquests and other inquiries:
Criminal law:
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.
Tim Connard is a specialist in commercial mediation with over two decades’ experience. He began his mediation career at the Federal Court of Australia in 2001 and now practises exclusively as a mediator.
Tim's approach is practical, principled, and highly attuned to the commercial and personal dynamics of each dispute. He is valued for his ability to put people at ease and create a calm, constructive environment for negotiations and is known for his patience and persistence.
Accreditation and recognition
Tim has been recognised as a Leading Mediator in Victoria by Doyle’s Guide every year since the list began. He holds advanced accreditation with both AMDRAS and the Victorian Bar, and has completed advanced mediation training at the Harvard Negotiation Institute’s Program on Negotiation and Bond University’s Dispute Resolution Centre.
In 2024, he was appointed a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators.
Career background
Tim's career has spanned private practice, in-house counsel roles, and judicial-adjacent functions. His prior roles include: Sessional Member, VCAT (2016-2020); Registrar, Federal Court of Australia (2001-2007); Senior Legal Counsel, ANZ Banking Group (1998-2001); Barrister (1994-1998; as well as 2007-present); Solicitor, private practice (1990-1994)
As a Federal Court Registrar, Tim conducted mediations in the Court's major jurisdictions -trade practices matters, intellectual property and company litigation, insolvency cases, human rights, workplace, and general commercial disputes. While at the Court, he also co-developed and delivered mediation skills training for judges and lawyers in the South Pacific, while mentoring new mediators and exercising delegated judicial powers.
At ANZ, Tim played a senior role in the bank's dispute resolution team, handling high-value and sensitive litigation, including frauds and other non-lending losses.
Areas of mediation
Tim mediates a wide spectrum of disputes, including commercial & corporate, banking & finance, professional negligence, workplace & employment, human rights & public law.
Testimonials
I found your thorough understanding of the issues and your calm and measured testing of our client’s case most refreshing. (Law firm partner)
You played a critical part in getting both sides to agree on an outcome, I felt you did this in a very down-to-earth and approachable way. Thank you for the way you engaged with me. (Mediation client)
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.
Gemma-Jane specialises in claims arising from personal injuries including workplace & transport accidents, public liability, medical negligence, institutional abuse and coronial inquests. She acts for both plaintiff and defendant clients.
From 16 May 2013, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Retired 2023
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.
Experience
The Hon. Susan Crennan AC is available to be appointed to as a Mediator.
Please contact one of her Barrister’s Clerks for any further information.
Lachlan practices primarily in commercial litigation, with a particular focus on corporations law matters, professional negligence claims, trust and shareholder
disputes and corporate and individual insolvency. Lachlan also accepts briefs in employment, insurance and administrative law matters.
As a senior associate at Hall & Wilcox, Lachlan appeared extensively as a solicitor advocate in contested matters in all Victorian and Federal Courts. With over seven years'litigation experience, Lachlan has acted for clients in a broad range of complex disputes, including:
Lachlan holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Melbourne. He regularly conducts matters involving complex expert evidence and technical issues.
Lachlan is reading with Jeremy Slattery and his senior mentor is Stewart Maiden QC.
From 16 August 2019, 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, 2024 and 2025, Paul regularly appears in Workcover, TAC and public liability jury trials, "Serious Injury" applications, s138 ACA/s369 WIRCA recoveries, institutional abuse matters (including applications to set aside prior deeds), sporting injury cases, appeals and Medical Panel judicial reviews.
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:
University Appointments
Publications
Presentations
From 01 May 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Andrew practices in Criminal Law in all jurisdictions including the Court of Appeal, Supreme, County and Magistrates' Courts.
Andrew has a passionate interest and extensive experience in Jury Trials.
Andrew is accredited with the Victorian Bar's Indictable Crimes Certificate (ICC).
Andrew practises predominantly in plaintiff personal injury common law and statutory schemes. He has extensive experience across all Victorian courts and tribunals in asbestos and chemical exposure, public liability, medical negligence, workers compensation, transport accident and institutional abuse. He appears frequently in the Supreme and County Courts, with extensive trial experience both led and unled.
Andrew has been recognised by his peers as pre-eminent Insurance Law Counsel in the Doyle’s Guide for the last two years.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Andrew was Principal of the National Asbestos and Public Liability practices of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Andrew read with now Justice Jacinta Forbes QC, and his senior mentor was Michael Wilson QC.
Anna practices in criminal and quasi criminal matters (including white-collar crime, OH&S prosecutions, regulatory and disciplinary matters), and in common law. She has trial experience as both as junior counsel and as sole counsel.
Anna has also appeared in the Court of Appeal and has experience in preparing written cases.
Anna practices in the regulatory sphere and has appeared before VCAT, ASIC and the National Sports Tribunal. She has a particular interest in disciplinary proceedings involving healthcare workers.
Prior to coming to the bar, Anna completed a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) and a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Upon graduation, she worked as a solicitor advocate at the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia for two years, after which she performed the same role at Matthew White and Associates (in Melbourne) for 18 months.
Anna read with Chris Carr S.C., and Neill Murdoch S.C. is her senior mentor.
From 8 May 2020, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Tim specialises in corporate and commercial law, insolvency, trusts and workplace relations. He regularly advises and appears for clients in commercial disputes concerning oppressive conduct within company management, directors' duties, voidable and insolvent transactions, fiduciary obligations, restraints of trade, employment contracts and the statutory rights of employees and employers. Tim has worked closely with leading Senior Counsel in a variety of large-scale litigation in superior and appellate courts but is also just as comfortable appearing unled in all jurisdictions.
Tim has a Masters from the University of Melbourne, in which he focussed on insolvency, taxation, corporate governance and unjust enrichment. In 2009-2010 he was Associate to the Honourable Justice Jessup at the Federal Court of Australia.
He is a member of the Commercial Bar Association and the Industrial Bar Association.
From 16 May 2013, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Appearance and advice work in all areas of appellate work; constitutional and public law; commercial and equity; building and construction, energy and resources; company and insolvency; insurance; professional negligence; trade practices; royal commissions and inquests.
Appearance and advice in all aspects of appellate work; eg Foots v Southern Cross Mine Management Pty Ltd (2007) 234 CLR 52; Attorney-General v Lawrence [2014] QCA 220; Grocon Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd v Juniper Developer (No 2) Pty Ltd [2015] QCA 291; Monadelphous Engineering Pty Ltd v Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal Pty Ltd [2015] QCA 290; Witness JA v Scott [2015] QCA 285; BM Alliance Coal Operations Pty Ltd v BGC Contracting Pty Ltd [2013] QCA 394; McCarthy v St Paul International Insurance Co Ltd (2007) 157 FCR 402; (2007) FCAFC 28; Legune Land Pty Ltd v Northern Territory Land Corporation [2013] NTCA 7; Heavy Plant Leasing Pty Ltd v McConnell Dowell Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd [2013] QCA 386; Filmana Pty Ltd v Tynan [2013] QCA 256; Anderson & McIntosh [2013] Fam CAFC 200.
Appearing in a variety of constitutional cases eg. Kuczborski v Queensland (2014) 254 CLR 51; [2014] HCA 46; Pollentine v Bleijie (2014) 253 CLR 629; [2014] HCA 30; PT Bayan Resources TBK v BCBC Singapore Pte Ltd (2015) 325 ALR 168; [2015] HCA 36; CEPU & Ors v Queensland Rail & Anor (2015) 318 ALR 1; [2015] HCA 11. Advice work on a range of matters. Counsel for Cr Grosse in Grosse v Purvis (2003) Aust Torts Rep 81-706; [2003] QDC 151;
Appeared in many trials and appeals over the full range of commercial disputes involving all aspects of contract law, negligence, equitable relief and trade practices legislation, eg. AG (CQ) Pty Ltd A&T Promotions Pty Ltd [2011] 1 Qd R 306; [2011] QCA 83;Fig Tree Developments Ltd (formerly Village Life Ltd) v Australian Property Custodian Holdings Ltd [2009] FCA 390; AAShi Pty Ltd v Avbar Pty Ltd (No. 2) (2010) 186 FCR 148; [2010] FCA 427; Shannon v ANZ Banking Corporation [1994] 2 Qd R 560; 563; Fused Electrics Pty Ltd v Donald [1995] 2 Qd R 7; Darveniza v Darveniza [2014] QSC 37.
Involved in all aspects of major building and construction disputes in superior courts, eg. Patrick Stevedores Operations Pty Ltd v Aecom Australia Pty Ltd, extensive multiparty litigation about failed pavement at the Port of Brisbane with many international paving experts; Baulderstone Hornibrook Pty Ltd v Broen Australia Pty Ltd [2003] 2 Qd R 577; [2003] QSC 158; Leighton Contractors v Western Metals litigation, Suncorp v Conrad & Gargett litigation, experience in claims regarding production plants, eg. arbitration concerning a major metallurgical plant on behalf of the owner against the builder, an international engineering company.
Particular involvement in litigation regarding the Building Construction Industry Payments Act, e.g. Gambaro Pty Ltd as Trustee for Gambaro Holdigns Trust v Rohrig (QLD) Pty Ltd; Rohrig (QLD) Pty Ltd John [2015] QCA 288;Holland Pty Ltd v Coastal Dredging & Construction Pty Ltd [2012] 2 Qd R 435; [2012] QCA 150; Reed Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd v Martinek Holdings Pty Ltd [2011] 1 Qd R 28; [2009] QSC 345; Simcorp Developments & Constructions v Gold Coast Titans Property Pty Ltd (2010) 27 BCL 272; [2010] QSC 162.
Involved in a wide range of advice and litigation regarding resources projects, e.g.Australia Pacific LNG Pty Ltd v Golden [2013] QCA 366; Velvet Glove Holdings Pty Ltd v Mount Isa Mines Ltd(2012) 28 BCL 351; [2011] QCA 312; D’Aguilar Gold Ltd v Gympie Eldorado Mining Pty Ltd [2008] 1 Qd R 56; [2007] QCA 158
Appeared in many trials and appeals concerning professional negligence and breach of professional duty, eg. White Industries (Qld) Pty Ltd v Flower & Hart (1998) 156 ALR 169; [1998] FCA 806 on appeal (1999) 87 FCR 134; [1999] FCA 773; Hamcor Pty Ltd v State of Queensland [2015] QSC 170; Scottsdale Homes Pty Ltd v Gemkip Pty Ltd (2008) QSC 326; A & D Douglas Pty Ltd v Lawyers Private Mortgages Pty Ltd (2006) ANZ Ins Cas 61-709; [2006] FCA 520.
Wide experience in advising on and conducting cases involving the Corporations Act and allied legislation, eg. Petroleum Nominees Pty Ltd v Central Petroleum Ltd (2012) 90 ACSR 611; [2012] QSC 191; re: Wellington Capital Ltd; Premium Income Fund v Premium Income Fund Action Group (2011) 85 ACSR 51; [2011] FCA 781;the Crusader NL takeover litigation [1996] 1 Qd R 117, Mclean v Lake Como Venture Pty Ltd [2004] 2 Qd R 280; [2003] QCA 562.
Wide experience in all aspects of insolvency litigation, public examinations and removal of liquidator cases, eg. ASIC v Storm Financial Ltd (2009) 71 ACSR 81; [2009] FCA 269; Atlantic 3-Financal (Aust) Pty Ltd v Marler [2004] 1 Qd R 579; [2003] QCA 529; Moloney v Marler & Darvall (a firm) [2004] QCA 310;Re Club Superstores Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) (1993) 10 ACSR 730, 11 ACLC 751, Re Chevron Furnishers Pty Ltd (in liq) [1994] 2 Qd R 475, conducted the Witan/Zarro Group public examinations and litigation on behalf of the various liquidators.
Appeared for the Brisbane City Council at the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry, and advised various parties in relation to other royal commission, e.g. the Health Inquiry and the Shepardson Inquiry.
Appeared for AusSAR, of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, at major inquests throughout Australia, eg. the missing American divers, Tom and Eileen Lonergan (Cairns, Queensland), the Margaret J (Burnie, Tasmania), Whyalla Airlines (South Australia); the Malu Sara (Torres Strait Islands, Queensland). Also appeared for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in relation to the Transair aeroplane crash (Lockhart River, Queensland), the largest loss of life in a civilian aircraft in Australia since the 1960’s.
Extensive involvement in both litigation and advice work concerning contracts of insurance for both insureds and insurers, eg Kotku Bread Pty Ltd v Vero Insurance Ltd [2012] QSC 109; Power v Markel Capital Ltd (2007) 14 ANZ Ins Cas 61-742;[2007] QCA 284; QBE Insurance Ltd v Aulich (2003) 152 ACTR 1; [2003] ACTCA 16; Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club Ltd v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd (2004) 13 ANZ Ins Cas 61-599 [2003] QSC 413.
Extensive involvement in mediation of commercial disputes, including mediations involving extensive expert evidence and over extended periods.
Nick practises in commercial, administrative and common law.
Nick completed a JD at Melbourne University and in 2011 completed a BCL at the University of Oxford as a recipient of an Allan Myers Melbourne University Scholarship.
Before coming to the Bar, Nick was an associate to the Honourable Chief Justice Warren AC and to the Honourable Justice Osborn at the Supreme Court of Victoria. As an associate, Nick worked on a broad range of commercial, administrative law and common law matters, predominately in the Court of Appeal. Prior to this, Nick completed his graduate training at Herbert Smith Freehills and worked as a solicitor in the firm's dispute resolution group.
Nick read with Anthony Strahan QC and his senior mentor was Michael Wheelahan QC (now Justice Wheelahan).
From 30 Oct 2015, liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation.
Rachel practises in civil and administrative law.
She acts both for and against government agencies and departments in a wide range of administrative law areas including discrimination, privacy, Freedom of Information, victims of crime, licensing, and local government governance.
She has is regularly briefed in disciplinary matters on behalf of regulatory bodies including AHPRA and on behalf of witnesses and agencies in relation to subpoenas and public interest immunity claims.
Rachel also has extensive experience in international commercial arbitration and a growing practice in civil litigation in the County and Supreme Courts, including tort claims.
Rachel was a contributor to the Civil Procedure Act legislative guide.