Barrister Roles: Counsel

John Nolan

John accepts briefs in all areas of law. He practices predominantly in commercial law, with a focus on insolvency, bankruptcy, corporations, banking and equity. John also has significant experience in Federal and State criminal law, and disputes relating to taxation, property and construction.

Prior to coming to the bar in 2024, John was employed as a Senior Associate in Ashurst’s tier-one Restructuring, Insolvency and Special Situations Group, as a Senior Associate at
Colin Biggers & Paisley in its Restructuring & Insolvency group, and as a Federal Prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

John was admitted to practice as a solicitor in New South Wales and the High Court in 2017. He has experience as solicitor advocate in contested applications in all jurisdictions in NSW and in the Federal Court of Australia. Whilst employed as a Federal Prosecutor, John regularly appeared as solicitor advocate for the Director in bail applications in the Local
Court of NSW and Supreme Court of NSW, in Commonwealth lists in Sydney and regional NSW, and in sentences in the Local and District Courts of NSW.

A small selection of cases (as solicitor)

  • Mooi Holdings Pty Ltd v SFN Constructions Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 573
  • NR Addlestone Pty Ltd v Henry v Kogan [2021] NSWSC 1410
  • Re Madden (in his capacity as receiver of Direct Acceptance Corporation Ltd (In Liq) (2019) ACSR 245
  • Hayes (Liquidator) v 5G Developments Pty Ltd, in the matter of 5G Developments Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 15414

Shelley Scott

Admissions and Appointments

  • Admitted as a Barrister: 2018
  • Admitted as a Solicitor: 2007

Qualifications

  • BA/LLB (with Distinction)
  • Member of ARITA (Australian Restructuring Insolvency Turnaround Association)

Select Cases

As Junior Counsel (led):

  • Breach of directors’ duties; deceit, misleading and deceptive conduct: Kalaf & Ors v ICAP Australia Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 656, led by David Mackay
  • Trespass, damages, mesne profits: Sydney Local Health District v Macquarie International Health Clinic Pty Ltd [2020] NSWCA 274, trespass, damages for trespass, mesne profits, led by David Williams SC and Bora Kaplan (special leave pending)
  • Creditors’ scheme of arrangement: In the matter of Ovato Print Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 1683; 150 ACSR 32, led by Ian Jackman SC
  • Termination of contract: Macquarie International Health ClinicPty Ltd v Sydney Local Health District [2020] NSWCA 161; 103 NSWLR443 led by Ian Jackman SC and J Williams
  • Restitution, breach of contract: O’Donnell v Goway Travel Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 682, led by Lachlan Gyles SC and Adrian Maroya
  • Inquiry into the conduct of a liquidator, Commissioner of Taxation v Iannuzzi [2018] FCA 1053, led by David McLure SC and Thomas Prince.
  • 444GA application, Federal Court of Australia: In the matter of Sphere Healthcare, led by David Sulan
  • Redomiciliation scheme of arrangement: Champion Iron Limited, in the matter of Champion Iron Limited [2020] FCA 81 led by Michael Izzo SC
  • Members’ scheme of arrangement: URB Investments Limited, in the matter of URB Investments Limited (No 2)[2019] FCA 2160 led by Ross Foreman SC
  • Redomiciliation scheme of arrangement: Sundance Energy Australia Limited, in the matter of Sundance Energy Australia Limited [2019] FCA 1944 led by Michael Izzo SC
  • Members’ scheme of arrangement: Xenith IP Group Limited, in the matter of Xenith IP Group Limited [2019] FCA 173, led by Tiffany Wong SC
  • Members’ scheme of arrangement, Folkestone Limited, in the matter of Folkestone Limited (No 2) [2018] FCA 1593, led by Michael Izzo SC

As Junior Counsel (unled):

  • Inquest into the death of Ian Fackender
  • Application for freezing orders (instructed by the Australian Taxation Office)
  • Inquest into the death of Makushla Nikolaevsky:https://coroners.nsw.gov.au/coroners-court/download.html/documents/findings/2020/NIKOLAEVSKY_FINDINGS.pdf
  • Application to transfer proceedings interstate: Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Ltd v Aqua Star Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 1373
  • Setting aside statutory demand: In the matter of Hengji Development Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1515
  • Leave to file an amended defence: Apollo Kitchens (NSW) Pty Limited v Goway Travel Pty Limited [2019] NSWSC 1913
  • Breach of contract, ostensible authority,restitution: 
  • Indemnity costs application, Morris v McConaghy Australia Pty Ltd (No 5)[2018] FCA 1582
  • Breach of retail lease, Zambrero Property Pty Limited v H&L Invest Pty Limited [2019] (unreported), Local Court of New South Wales hearing: retail leases
  • Security for costs, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Mao and Sun Pty Limited v Shaoyong Guo
  • District Court Proceedings: appeared on various interlocutory applications, including applications for security for costs and procedural motions.
  • Corporations List matters: appeared in various Corporations List matters including applications for winding up and statutory demand proceedings
  • Local Court proceedings: appeared in various Local Court hearings, including in relation to the Australian Consumer Law.

As a solicitor:

  • Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption: Secondment to Solicitor Assisting the Commission team.
  • Inquiry into the conduct of a liquidator: Commissioner of Taxation v Iannuzzi[2018] FCA 1053
  • Acted for Deloitte in their capacity as provisional liquidators appointed to various entities within the Plutus Group of companies which are at the centre of allegations concerning a significant fraud on the ATO.
  • Acted for GlaxoSmithKline Australia in connection with an ACCC and New Zealand Commerce Commission investigation.
  • Acted for GlaxoSmithKline Australia in its misleading and deceptive conduct claim concerning Nurofen: GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd v Reckitt Benckiser (Australia) Pty Limited (No 2) [2018] FCA
  • Acted for SingTel Optus in NSW Supreme Court breach of fiduciary duty and misleading and deceptive conduct proceedings against former senior employees: SingTel Optus v Almad [2013] NSWSC1098 and on appeal Hasler v SingTelOptus Pty Ltd; Curtis v SingTel Optus Pty Ltd; SingTel Optus Pty Ltd v Almad Pty Ltd (2014) 87 NSWLR 609.
  • Acted for a publicly listed mining company in misleading and deceptive conduct proceedings under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
  • Acted for ANZ (and receivers appointed by ANZ) in recovery proceedings and public examinations concerning a property developer.
  • Acted for Vitaco Holdings Limited in connection with a members’ scheme of arrangement.
  • Acted for Challenger Managed Investments in connection with the ASIC investigation into Storm Financial.
  • Acted for SingTel Optus in public examination of the directors of Sumo Distribution and StoragePty Ltd (in Liquidation)
  • Acted for Axiom Molecular Pty Ltd the respondents to proceedings brought seeking damages and account of profits for breach of fiduciary duties: Global Medical Solutions AustraliaPty Ltd v Axiom MolecularPty Ltd [2012] NSWSC 1517.
  • Acted for Challenger Managed Investments Limited and the Colonial First State Investments (the trustees) of two frozen managed investment funds in judicial advice proceedings concerning unsolicited attempts by a company to purchase the units of several investors for a fraction of fair market value: See Challenger Howard Mortgage Fund [2011] NSWSC 213 and Colonial First State Investments Ltd as Responsible Entity for ColonialFirst State Mortgage Income Fund, Re [2011] NSWSC 484.
  • Acted for the voluntary administrators of the Westbus Group of companies in protracted proceedings by minority shareholders alleging oppression and breaches of directors’ duties.
  • Acted for adopted son in proceedings concerning mental capacity to grant a power of attorney and statutory will: Scott v Scott [2012] NSWSC 1541

Bede Haines

EXPERIENCE

Bede accepts briefs in all areas of law, and has particular expertise in property law, contract law, commercial law and equity. He brings to the Bar almost 20 years’ experience as a solicitor, including as a litigation partner in a national commercial firm, having acted for and advised large corporates, all levels of government, institutional land owners and mortgagees.

As a solicitor, he has appeared as advocate in contested matters in the Supreme Court, the Land & Environment Court, the District Court, the Local Court and NCAT. This includes acting for Transport for NSW in Boensch v Transport for NSW and Registrar General of New South Wales [2023] NSWLEC 82.

In 2004, Bede was Tipstaff to the Hon Murray Tobias AM RFD KC on the NSW Court of Appeal.

QUALIFICATIONS and ACADEMICS

Bede holds 2 degrees, B.B.A. (Syd) and LL.B. (NSW). During his studies, he received the Julius Stone Prize for Legal Theory, the Dean’s Certificate for Academic Achievement (UNSW) and was placed on the Deans’ List for Excellence in Academic Performance (Syd).

PUBLICATIONS

Bede is on the editorial panel of the Australian Property Law Bulletin, publishing several articles a year. He has been published in the Australian Law Journal and the Australian Journal of Legal Philosophy.

Georgia Adams

Georgia is developing a thriving advocacy and advisory practice across tax, trust, equity and commercial disputes of all kinds. She has significant experience in both tax fraud and civil fraud matters, and company disputes.

Georgia is instructed as sole counsel and as part of a team, and regularly appears in the Federal Court of Australia, Supreme Court, District Court and Local Court.

Prior to being called to the Bar, Georgia was a solicitor at a mid-sized law firm in the Sydney CBD, where her focus was on commercial and tax advisory matters, complex commercial disputes and professional negligence claims. Georgia has also worked as an Institutional Banking & Markets Associate at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, where she advised large corporate, institutional and government clients.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney
  • Chartered Tax Adviser and member of The Tax Institute

Jerry Li

Jerry accepts briefs in all areas of law. He primarily practises in commercial law including insurance, construction and taxation. He has acted for builders, developers, strata corporations and councils in a variety of matters in relation to defects claims and development applications.

He also teaches torts at the University of Technology Sydney.

Prior to joining the bar, Jerry worked as a solicitor at Minter Ellison in the Disputes, Competition and Insurance Practice Group. Jerry had also worked at Moray & Agnew in their government insurance team.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) (University of Sydney) (2015-2017)
  • Bachelor of Laws (University of Sydney) (2015-2019)
  • Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (University of New South Wales) (2020)

Tim Poisel

Prior to being called to the Bar, Tim had over 10 years’ experience as a solicitor in private practice at mid and top tier law firms.

Tim primarily specialises in Environment & Planning, however practices in various other areas of law. He has appeared in the NSW Court of Appeal, NSW Supreme Court, NSW Land and Environment Court, NSW Local Courts and NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (University of Sydney)
  • Master of Laws (University of Sydney)

Edwina Keynes

Edwina Keynes has a broad commercial practice with particular expertise in equity, property, corporate insolvency, and banking-related matters.

Edwina is regularly briefed to appear in the New South Wales and South Australian superior courts. Her appearance work includes contractual and equity disputes, property and land matters, liquidations and complex winding up proceedings, construction, and banking and finance related proceedings.

Prior to the Bar, Edwina practiced as a solicitor in commercial litigation in the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian jurisdictions, working at Kemp Strang (2015 – 2018) and Madsen Rowley (2013 – 2015). She regularly appeared and advised in general commercial, insolvency and corporate matters.

Edwina Keynes was associate to the Honourable Justice Anderson of the Supreme Court of South Australia (2013 – 2014).

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLBHons) and Bachelor of International Studies (University of Adelaide, 2005 – 2012)
  • Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College of Law, Melbourne, 2012)

David Allen

David has a general commercial practice and is briefed on a wide range of disputes involving contractual, equitable and statutory remedies.

He has particular expertise in relation to finance transactions and financial regulation. At the Bar, he has appeared as junior counsel for APRA on several applications. While a solicitor, he completed placements at Morgan Stanley and ANZ.

David trained at Allens (2011-2014) and later practised in London at Allen & Overy LLP (2015-2017). He returned to Australia and before being called to the Bar was a senior associate at Ashurst (2018-2020).

Qualifications

  • Master of Economics, Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons I), Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons I) (University of Sydney)

Presentations and Publications

“Recent Banking and Finance Cases – Mortgagee Sales (Almona v Parklea Corporation), Debtors under the National Credit Code, Matrimonial Resulting Trusts”, City of Sydney Law Society (2022)

“Recent Banking and Finance Cases – The Arrium decision and Latest Cases on Unfair Contract Terms”, Ross Parsons Centre, University of Sydney (2021)

Co-author of LexisNexis’s Practical Guidance Personal Property Securities

Dr Robert Austin AM

After graduating in law and completing articles of clerkship, Robert Austin was admitted to practice in 1969. He worked in a corporate and commercial legal practice before becoming a Lecturer in Law at the University of Sydney in 1971. His full- time academic career’s duration was 20 years,
which combined some part-time practice at the NSW bar. He was appointed Professor of Equity and Company Law in 1986 and became Head of the Department of Law.

In 1990, he accepted a partnership with Minter Ellison Solicitors, while continuing to teach part-time at the University of Sydney as Challis Lecturer in Corporate Law. His specialties were in corporate law, trusts and equity, mergers and acquisitions and financial services, on which he has published numerous papers and articles. Large matters included acting for ASX in the establishment of the CHESS settlement system and for the AMP Society in its demutualisation.

He served as a member of the Board of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for a short time upon its establishment in 1998. Later in that year, he was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, sitting in the Equity Division and sharing responsibility for the Corporations List with Justice GFK Santow. His judgments included a series of decisions in proceedings brought by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission against some of the directors of One-Tel, a failed telecommunications company.

After retiring from the bench in 2010, he resumed legal practice and returned to the NSW Bar in 2016.

Qualifications

Dr Austin holds the degrees B.A., LL.B., LL.M. (Syd), D. Phil. (Oxon). The degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) was conferred “in recognition of (Dr Austin’s) extensive contribution to the practice of corporate and commercial law in Australia as well as his exemplary service to the academic sphere and the teaching of law”, at a University of Sydney graduation ceremony, 11 December 2019. He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022.

Selected Publications

  1. Ford, Austin and Ramsay’s Principles of Corporations Law (LexisNexis, 17th edition, 2018, and looseleaf)
  2. Austin and Black’s Annotated Corporations Act (LexisNexis, looseleaf)
  3. Austin, Ford and Ramsay’s Company Directors: Principles of Law and Corporate Governance (LexisNexis, 2005)

Vincci Chan

Vincci Chan was called to the bar in 2020 and has a broad commercial practice covering contractual disputes, corporations law and equity.

Prior to her bar admission, she gained extensive experience as a dispute resolution lawyer at various Australian law firms, including as a Senior Associate at Freehills. A significant proportion of the matters on which she has worked have involved clients in the resources (mining, oil, and gas) and banking (including insolvency) sectors.

Vincci has been admitted as an attorney-at-law in Texas, and she has worked abroad gaining further exposure to the resources industry, and skills in contract drafting and negotiations.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (University of Western Australia)

Lucinda Cooper-Hackman

Lucinda Cooper-Hackman specialises in commercial law and equity, building and construction law, insurance law and estate administration. Known for her strong communication and interpersonal skills, clients often comment on her approachability, as well as her empathetic approach to preparing a matter and running proceedings.

Lucinda was called to the Bar in 2020, after previously being the Tipstaff to the Honourable Justice Slattery AM RAN in the Equity Division of the Supreme Court of NSW. This gave her first-hand insights into the Court’s workings on commercial matters, including contractual claims, restraints of trade applications, family provision claims, real property claims and applications for judicial advice.

Lucinda has also worked as a solicitor and associate at leading commercial and insurance law firms, managing professional indemnity matters, ranging from professional negligence to class actions. She was admitted to practice in 2015.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of Adelaide)
  • Master of Laws (LLM, University of Sydney).

Outside of the law, Lucinda loves nothing more than a true crime podcast, her book club (mainly for the cheese platter) and pilates.

Lee Corbett

Lee Corbett was admitted to practice in 2011. Prior to admission, he worked as a senior policy advisor to the Hon. John Hatzistergos MLC, NSW Attorney-General. After admission, Lee worked a solicitor at Norton Rose Fulbright, and then as tipstaff to the Hon. Paul Brereton AM RFD. Lee then read at University Chambers with Michael Dawson, and he has remained a member of the floor.

Lee specialises in building and construction disputes, and has an in-depth knowledge of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act, the Home Building Act, and the Design and Building Practitioners Act. Lee regularly advises commercial clients in relation to their contractual rights, payment disputes, delay and disruption claims, and defective work claims.

Lee regularly appears in disputes in the Technology & Construction List and the Commercial List of the NSW Supreme Court. In addition to this area of practice, Lee regularly appears in commercial disputes in the Equity Division of the NSW Supreme Court involving contractual and equitable claims, and real property.

Qualifications

  • BEc (Soc. Sci.) (Hons 1) (University of Sydney, 2003)
  • PhD (in Sociology, with a thesis on the role of Native Title in Indigenous citizenship in Australia) (University of NSW, 2007)
  • Dip. Law – (Legal Profession Admission Board, 2011)

Michael Dawson

Michael Dawson was admitted to practice in 1986.

  • 1986 – 1990 – Tress Cocks & Maddox (solicitor and senior associate)
  • 1990 -1992 – Baker & McKenzie (senior associate)
  • 1992 – 1998 – Walsh & Blair (partner)
  • 1998 – 2002 – TressCox (partner)

Qualifications

  • 1985 – Bachelor of Commerce – University of NSW (UNSW)
  • 1985 – Bachelor of Laws – UNSW
  • 1986 – College of Law
  • 1986 – Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW to practice as a solicitor
  • 1995 – Master of Laws (commercial law) – University of Technology
  • 1995 – Accredited Specialist Commercial Litigation (insolvency & restructuring)
  • 1995 – Accredited Mediator (LEADR)
  • 2002 – Admitted to the NSW Bar
  • 2014 – Graduate Certificate in Business Administration – (AGSM, UNSW)
  • 2019 – Nationally Accredited Mediator – Australian Disputes Centre

Select Cases

A list of recent cases can be viewed here.

Geoff Farland

Before coming to the Bar, Geoff had over 30 years’ experience as a solicitor in private practice.  At the Bar he continues his passion for helping people and solving problems.

Utilising both a strategic and commercial lens, garnered over many years assisting public and private clients alike, Geoff brings to any problem extensive and practical knowledge in all aspects of commercial law, including property, land use, leasing and development, valuation and compensation, among others.

For more than 12 years, Geoff led a team providing retail leasing advice and legal portfolio management for a global institutional client with a NSW portfolio exceeding 20 regional and sub-regional centres.

Website

Farland.com.au

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of Sydney)
  • Geoff is also trained as a mediator, using the LEADR model

Michael Forgacs

Michael Forgacs was admitted to practice in 2014 and called to the Bar in 2017.  Prior to joining the Bar, Michael practiced as a solicitor in the Dispute Resolution group at King & Wood Mallesons. He also worked as a tipstaff at the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Michael’s practice as a solicitor was primarily in complex commercial litigation, regulatory disputes and administrative law matters.

Michael is briefed in a wide range of commercial matters, including consumer law, corporations, equity and property law.  He also accepts briefs in administrative law, including migration law. His experience includes advisory work and appearances in the High Court of Australia, Federal Court, NSW Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in tribunals. Michael aims always to provide advice through a strategic and commercial lens.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons I) (University of Sydney)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons I) (University of Sydney).

Aidan Gandar

Aidan Gandar was admitted as a solicitor in 2014 and called to the Bar in 2018.

Before coming to the Bar, Aidan worked as the Commercial List Researcher for Justice Hammershlag at the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 2013 and then as a solicitor for Lander & Rogers Lawyers in Insurance Law & Litigation.  As a solicitor, Aidan gained experience in a wide range of commercial disputes in the District, Supreme and Federal Courts and also acted in commissions, inquiries and tribunals.

Qualifications and Awards

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc, University of NSW)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB )
  • Juris Doctor (JD, University of Sydney)

Aidan received the Ludlows Award for the Highest Mark in the June 2017 Bar examination.

Leo Gor

Leo practices across a broad range of commercial areas of law. He is regularly briefed, led and unled, across a number of superior court jurisdictions. Leo’s capital markets and economics grounding enables him to quickly understand the commercial pressure points at the heart of each dispute. His broad experience means that he understands the need for a timely, focused, commercial, and proactive approach.

Leo was admitted to practice in NSW in 2003. Prior to coming to the Bar, Leo practiced as a commercial litigation solicitor at:

  • Baker & McKenzie, Sydney (January 2003 – March 2005)
  • Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, London (November 1998 – December 2002)
  • Freshfields, Moscow (April 1995 – September 1998)
  • Freehill Hollingdale & Page, Melbourne (March 1992 – February 1995)

Qualifications and Awards

  • Bachelor of Economics (B.Ec, Monash University, 1989), provisional Honours in Tax
  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Hons, Monash University, 1991), First Class Honours
  • Joint Brian Benjamin Prize winner in Equity and Trusts (1988)

Leo is fluent in Russian.

Michael Keene

Michael practiced as a solicitor for almost ten years prior to being called to the Bar in 2018.

Prior to, and since being admitted to, the Bar, Michael’s practice has centred around real property, commercial and building and construction litigation. Michael also specialises in the Australian Consumer Law (with a particular focus on Misleading and Deceptive conduct) and Building and Construction Security of Payment disputes.

Michael often acts for banks, listed companies, small to medium enterprises, developers, head contractors and subcontractors. Michael commonly appears (in both substantive and interlocutory matters) in the Supreme Court (including the appellate jurisdiction), while also having experience in various jurisdictions including the High, Federal, District and Local Courts – as well as the NCAT.

Michael has keen passion for teaching and lectures at the University of Sydney in Real Property Law. Michael’s style is practical, with a vision to teach students the essence of real property in a way that will be relevant to the student’s professional career. Michael is also currently contributing to an established legal text (contract law) and hopes that the same will be released in the not too distant future…

Qualifications

  • Michael holds the degrees B.B.A., LL.B., LL.M (Syd).

Clare Langford

Clare accepts briefs in most areas of law, with a particular interest in public and commercial law. She holds degrees in law and international studies from the University of Sydney and a Master of Public and International Law from the University of Melbourne.

Clare was admitted to practice as a solicitor in 2014 and joined the Bar in 2021. Before coming to the Bar, she was a senior solicitor in the Constitutional and Administrative Law group of the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office.

She also worked as an associate in the Global Disputes group of the international law firm Jones Day, and as the Researcher to the Equity Division of the Supreme Court of New South Wales under Justice Patricia Bergin.

From 2014 to 2017, Clare was an assistant general editor with the Australian Law Journal and its Personalia editor.

Qualifications

  • Master of Public and International Law (University of Melbourne, 2020 – 2022)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons I), (University of Sydney, 2008 – 2013)
  • Bachelor of International Studies (French studies) (University of Sydney, 2008 – 2013)

Select Publications

Chapter 5 of Fisher and Lightwood’s Law of Mortgages (3rd Australian Edition, 2013) on the subject of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth).

“The prerogative writs and the origins of English administrative law” (2014) Australian Law Journal.

Patrick Lin

Before joining University Chambers in 2021, Patrick completed his LLM at Columbia Law School in New York. Prior to Columbia, Patrick worked as a solicitor at Armstrong Legal, where he primarily handled estate litigation matters in the Supreme Court.

Since coming to the Bar, Patrick has appeared, led and unled, in various courts and tribunals, including the Local Court, NCAT, Federal Circuit Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal.

Patrick accepts briefs in all areas of the law.

Qualifications and Awards

  • Bachelor of Arts (Williams College, Massachusetts, USA, 2013)
  • Juris Doctor (Sydney University, Sydney, Australia, 2017)
  • Master of Laws (Columbia University, New York, USA, 2020)
    • Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar (honours equivalent)
    • Parker School Certificate for Achievement in International and Comparative Law

Publications

Internet Jurisdiction: Using Content Delivery Networks to Ascertain Intention, Virginia Journal of Law and Technology, Vol. 24, No. 3, Fall 2020.

The Portal to Intermediary Liability: Merging Secondary Liability with Private International Law and Equity, Wake Forest Journal of Business and Intellectual Property, Vol. 20, No. 3, Summer 2020.

Brendan May

Brendan accepts briefs in all areas of law, with a practice focused principally on commercial and equity matters. He has particular expertise in commercial and company law, equity, property, class actions, and insolvency. He appears in trials and appeals in courts and tribunals throughout Australia, and regularly advises on complex commercial disputes involving multiple areas of law.

Prior to being called to the Bar, Brendan practiced as a solicitor in a team focused on commercial litigation at Piper Alderman in Sydney.

Qualifications and Awards

  • Juris Doctor (University of Sydney) – awarded the Postgraduate prize in Jurisprudence.

James M McEnaney

James McEnaney was admitted to practice in 2011.

Between 2014 – 2015, he specialised in workers compensation, work injury damages and Section 151Z recovery at Kaden Boriss. He was previously a solicitor at Turks (2012 -14) and White Barnes (2010 -12). (White Barnes merged with Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in 2013.)

James was made senior associate at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers (2015 – 2020), practicing in workers compensation and work injury damages, CTP claims, public liability and medical negligence cases.

James joined University Chambers in 2021.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of Technology, 2005 – 2011),
  • Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) (University of Technology Sydney, 2005 – 2011)

Daniel Meyerowitz-Katz

Daniel Meyerowitz-Katz specialises in corporate and commercial disputes, class actions, and human rights litigation.

After his admission to practice (2014), Daniel was a senior associate at a specialist litigation firm in Sydney. Before becoming a lawyer, Daniel worked in media and public policy.

Daniel combines a mathematician’s accuracy, logic, and attention to detail, with a journalistic quest to uncover truth – making a compelling case that is easy to follow.

Daniel accepts briefs in all areas of law.

Qualifications and Awards

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc, Financial Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, 2009)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons 1, University of Technology, 2013)
  • Finalist in the dispute resolution category of the Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 awards (2015 and 2016), and in the pro bono category (2017).

His personal website is here.

Jonathan Nathan

Admitted as solicitor in 2007 and as a Barrister in 2016,

Jonathan has more than 15 years’ experience as a litigation lawyer with a focus on building and construction, commercial litigation, corporations & insolvency and property.

Before becoming a Barrister, Jonathan was a solicitor for 9 years at firms including Mills Oakley, Addisons and Aitken Lawyers (now Russell Kennedy).

Jonathan also worked as Corporations & Insolvency Law Editor for CCH Wolters Kluwer.

As a Barrister, Jonathan has appeared in the NSW Court of Appeal, Federal Court of Australia, Supreme Court of NSW, District Court of NSW and in NCAT both led by Senior Counsel and unled. For a list of selected cases Jonathan has been involved in click here.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) (University of Technology, Sydney, 2001 – 2006)
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc, Information Technology) (University of Technology, Sydney, 2001 – 2006)

Publications

  1. Personal Liability for Defects for Directors, Supervisors, Project Managers and Developers under the DBP Act (Lexisnexis, June 21 2022) (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, June 6 2022)
  2. The Grim Life of Tenants – living in the Willmott Forest (Law Society Journal and CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Oct 21 2014)
  3. The Danger in Terminating Building Contracts for Delay (Lexisnexis, July 7 2021) (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, June 8 2021)
  4. Expert Evidence rules to apply to applications for security for costs? (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Nov 2 2015)
  5. Court sheds light on proving claims for unliquidated damages in bankruptcy (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Oct 6 2015)
  6. A time to swear and not to swear (affidavits verifying statutory demand) (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Oct 6 2015)
  7. Applications to set aside Statutory Demands – file early or be wary (even if it’s not your fault) (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Sep 23 2015)
  8. Solicitors failing to properly advise on Statutory Demands (CCH, Wolters Kluwer, Mar 11 2006)

Daniel Neggo

Daniel Neggo was admitted to practice in 1999.

Prior to joining University Chambers, Daniel was at Blackstone Chambers from 2009 to 2017, and then 153 Phillip Barristers (Sydney).

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of NSW),
  • Master of Laws (LLM, UNSW)

Publications

Injunctions: Law and Practice (with Jacobs and McCarthy), Thomson LawBook Co, 2003 (looseleaf).

Ralphed Notley

Prior to coming to the Bar, Ralphed was a solicitor at Atanaskovic Hartnell from April 2008 to December 2009. During this time Ralphed primarily acted for four former directors of James Hardie Industries in civil penalty proceedings commenced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC v MacDonald (No 11) [2009] NSWSC 287 and ASIC v MacDonald (No 12) [2009] NSWSC 714).

Prior to Atanaskovic Hartnell, Ralphed was a solicitor at Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Deacons) in the Commercial Dispute Resolution Group from January 2006 to April 2008 and in the Corporate and Commercial Group from February 2005 to December 2005.

Since coming to the Bar, Ralphed has appeared in the Local, District and Supreme Courts of New South Wales, as well as the Federal Circuit Court, the Federal Court, the New South Wales Land and Environment Court, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Ralphed has also appeared for Members of Parliament in public inquiries being conducted by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Ralphed has been recognised in the 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers in Australia in the area of Insurance Law.

Please note that Ralphed has been appointed a part-time Senior Member of the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal for the period 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 and has been assigned to the Consumer and Commercial Division. As a result, he can no longer accept briefs to appear in that Division.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Commerce (University of Newcastle)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class I) (University of Newcastle)
  • Master of Laws (Corporate & Commercial Law) (University of New South Wales)

Professional experience

  • Solicitor, Atanaskovic Hartnell, April 2008 to December 2009
  • Solicitor, Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Deacons), February 2005 to April 2008

Membership

  • Australian Insurance Law Association
  • Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance
  • Australian Professional Indemnity Group
  • NSW Claims Discussion Group
  • Society of Construction Law Australia

 

David O’Connor

David was admitted to practice law in 2005 and was called to the bar in 2008. Prior to joining University Chambers David was a director of Blackstone Chambers.

David appears in all Courts and tribunals in NSW.

David regularly appears in complicated commercial matters leading other counsel predominantly in the Supreme Court of NSW. He also has significant experience in appellant work before the NSW Court of Appeal. He regularly appears in various Courts and tribunals outside NSW.

David’s has particular expertise in disputes concerning, equity, general commercial litigation, building and construction, insolvency (personal and corporate), real property, strata, commercial leases, intellectual property, restraint of trade and corporation’s law.

David also appears in the Family Court and has expertise in disputes involving equitable relief (the setting aside of binding financial agreements), trusts, and insolvency.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA, University of Sydney)
  • Master of Law and Legal Practice (M.L.L.P University of Technology Sydney)

Andrew Ogborne

Andrew has over 30 years’ experience in Equity, commercial, real property and insolvency law. Andrew started his legal career in 1988 as a solicitor with Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst) gaining experience in the firm’s litigation department in cases involving intellectual property, medical negligence, banking and high-profile commercial disputes, including representing Alan Bond before the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal.

Since being called to the bar in 1993, Andrew has appeared in a wide range of jurisdictions – from criminal matters in the Local Court to commercial appeals to the High Court – with a current practice based on appearing as leading or sole counsel in final hearings (including appeals) in the NSW Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court and the Federal Court of Australia. Andrew combines his extensive knowledge of commercial, real property and insolvency law with a strategic approach to litigation to work for the best commercial outcome for the client.

Andrew graduated from the University of Sydney (LLB in 1987; BA in 1986), was a resident of St Paul’s College and a school captain of Knox Grammar School. Andrew composes music and plays a number of instruments, and received music scholarships to Knox Grammar School and St Paul’s College. He was awarded a Blue in American football by Sydney University and has coached the Sydney University, New South Wales and Australian national American football teams.

Qualifications and awards

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA, University of Sydney, 1986)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of Sydney, 1987)

Richard Raffell

Richard has a broad commercial and taxation practice. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of The Tax Institute.

Richard is regularly briefed in federal and state taxation matters for both taxpayers and the revenue authorities. He also regularly appears in commercial and equity matters, in particular with respect to commercial contracts, corporations, trusts, insolvency, real property and partnerships.

Prior to being called to the Bar, Richard gained extensive experience in the Tax & Legal group at PwC, where his particular focus was on income tax in relation to companies, trusts and partnerships.

Qualifications

  • Master of Laws (LLM, University of Sydney, 2023)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons, University of NSW, 2011)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom, University of Sydney, 2006)
  • Chartered Accountant (CA, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, 2007)

Jacob Rodgers

Specialising in complex commercial litigation, Jacob has acted for Australian banks, insolvency practitioners, listed companies, large sports organisations, proprietary corporations and individuals.

Prior to joining the Bar and University Chambers, Jacob was an experienced senior associate in commercial litigation, most recently at Kardos Scanlan. Throughout his career Jacob has had carriage of matters in all the principal courts in NSW, as well as the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia. Jacob has even conducted a mediation in New York in relation to a high-profile cross border sports matter. Prior coming to the Bar, Jacob was an experienced solicitor advocate, having appeared in numerous matters in motions and also at final hearings in most Courts in NSW and the Federal Court.

Jacob was a lawyer (2013 – 2015) and senior associate at Kemp Strang (2015 – 2018). Prior to that, Jacob was a lawyer at Harris Freidman Lawyers (2012 – 2013).

Jacob was admitted to practice in 2012. Prior to his admission as a solicitor, Jacob worked as an Executive Producer at radio station 2UE for five years while completing his studies.

Qualifications

  • Master of Laws (LLM – University of Sydney, 2014 – 2016)
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons) and Bachelor of Media (Macquarie University, 2007 – 2012)
  • ARITA (Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association) Advanced 2016

Anthony Rogers

Prior to coming to the Bar in 1988 (the year of his admission to practice), Anthony was involved in industrial relations as a trade union industrial advocate.

Anthony’s practice as a barrister commenced in industrial work but now covers most fields.

Anthony mostly appears in the Supreme Court of NSW but also in the District Court, the Local Court and various tribunals in NSW.

Member of Thomas More Society, 2000 – present.

Peter Russell

Admitted Solicitor QLD 1990

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, University of Queensland)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA, University of Queensland)
  • Master of Laws (LLM, University of London)

Hugh W Somerville

Hugh Somerville practices principally in the areas of equity, commercial law and insolvency.

He is regularly briefed by liquidators, trustees, financiers, large companies and company directors. Hugh is often retained in matters involving novel points of law or equity and matters requiring focussed cross-examination.

Hugh appears frequently in the Supreme Court and the Federal Court (including appeals) in complex litigation. He was admitted to practice in 2009.

Hugh has a strong interest in sports law, having pursued his own sporting endeavours before being called to the Bar. Hugh appears as an advocate for athletes and elite sporting associations and has been briefed in numerous disciplinary matters on behalf of the Australian Wallabies, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Fiji Rugby and Randwick Rugby Club. Hugh is a board member of a charity which assists Australian veterans with mental health. Hugh has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide leading insolvency & restructuring counsel New South Wales 2023.

Peter Walsh

Peter Walsh has over 30 years’ experience as a commercial and property law barrister.  He accepts briefs in a wide range of jurisdictions and areas.  He enjoys matters which raise novel and interesting points of law and equity and has appeared in numerous reported decisions.

Peter was admitted to practice in 1981, joining Kemp Strang. He became senior associate, working in commercial, insolvency and property matters before coming to the Bar.

Qualifications

  • Master of Laws (LLM) – Trade Practices and Public Company Finance (University of Sydney, 1985)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA, 1980) / Bachelor of Laws (University of NSW, 1981)

Publications

Peter has presented papers on property and commercial law for the College of Law, the Law Society of New South Wales and the University of New South Wales.  His hobbies include reading, films and long distance running.