I have a particular interest in workers compensation, public and product liability claims, financial services litigation, and class actions. In developing my practice in this area, I have managed personal injury claims dealing with product liability, workers compensation, WorkCover, toxic torts, asbestos litigation and medical negligence.

Career Highlights

• A major workers compensation insurer and regulator – served as a client service partner on the insurer’s personal injury claims panel since 2005, managing a team of approximately 20 lawyers and handling a substantial portfolio of claims
  
• Government and media clients – advised on matters concerning media law, including providing prepublication advice and representation in defamation and contempt litigation
  
• Various insurers and self-insured organisations – assisted with insurance and risk litigation
• Various sporting bodies – acted in disciplinary matters on behalf of these organisations
  
• State and Commonwealth governments – advised in relation to risk management and litigation issues
  

Education
BA, LLB

• National Product Liability Association, Vice President since 1999-2003, President 2004-2005, Vice-President 2010-2011
• Melbourne Press Club, Committee Member since 1999, Treasurer since 2003
• Law Council of Australia Media & Communications Committee, Member since 1992
• Risk Management Institution of Australasia

• When is a settlement not the end of a historical sexual abuse claim?
  

  Recent decisions in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia have considered the applicable legislative regime and the ability of plaintiffs to set aside previous settlements of their historical sexual abuse claims and proceed with further claims for damages.

   

• Reviewing image rights agreements in australian sports
  

  In Australia, a sportsperson does not have a right of property in their publicity or personality rights . Therefore, in order to protect any goodwill in their reputation, a sportsperson will generally enter into an agreement granting a non-exclusive licence to a trustee to use and exploit their image.

• Safe harbour for image rights assessments of professional sportspersons has been withdrawn
  A recent decision by the ATO has a significant impact on all sportspersons, sporting clubs and governing bodies.
  
• How journalists can reduce defamation risk
  

  A recent decision illustrates some of the steps that journalists can take to improve their prospects of being protected by qualified privilege.