Commercial Disputes & Litigation
Commercial disputes, resolved decisively.
Results driven advocacy in high stakes commercial and professional disputes, in court or around the negotiating table.
When a commercial relationship breaks down, the cost of indecision is measured in money and leverage. We give clear, commercially focused advice tailored to what you need to achieve.
Our principals run complex, multi-party litigation in the Federal Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, and have taken matters to the High Court. Where speed matters, we move for urgent injunctions and protective orders. Where a negotiated outcome is better, we pursue it through alternative dispute resolution.
What we do
Complex multi-party litigation
Disputes involving multiple parties, jurisdictions or related proceedings.
Contract disputes
Breach, termination and recovery under commercial agreements.
Property disputes
Commercial and residential property disputes, including development and leasing.
Professional negligence
Claims involving advisers, financial planners and other professionals.
Insolvency and bankruptcy
Recovery, voidable transactions and director exposure.
Urgent injunctions
Freezing orders, search orders and other protective relief.
Class actions
Acting for claimants and defending directors in representative proceedings.
Appeals
Assessing, running and resisting appeals in the superior courts.
Selected matters
Disputes that set precedents.
Matters our principals have acted in, including in prior roles. Many of our clients value privacy, so most of our work is never reported.
- Steven Lewis
World first travel agents' class action
Recovery of commission on fuel surcharges from Qantas, British Airways and other international airlines.
- Steven Lewis
Democratic Republic of Congo
Obtained Federal Court recognition of international arbitration awards against the DRC.
- Steven Lewis
Westpoint collapse
Acted for retirees in a class action against financial planners.
- Mark O'Brien
The Super League dispute
Acted for Publishing and Broadcasting Limited and the Australian Rugby League against News Limited.
- Mark O'Brien
Airservices Australia
Federal Court proceedings over the regulation of Australian airspace.
- Mark O'Brien
Timor Sea oil and gas concessions
Civil RICO proceedings in the US District Court, acting jointly with US attorneys.
FAQs
Common questions.
General information only. Every matter turns on its facts, so speak with us about yours.
Can you get an urgent injunction?
Yes. Where assets may be moved, confidential information misused or a contract breached in a way money cannot fix, we can apply to court at short notice, including for freezing orders. Courts expect applicants to act promptly, so call us as soon as the risk emerges.
Do commercial disputes always end up in court?
No. Most resolve through negotiation or mediation. We prepare every matter as if it will go to trial, which is usually what produces a good settlement.
Do you run class actions?
Yes. Our principals have run class actions for claimants against international airlines and financial planners, and defended directors in shareholder class actions.
Confidential consultation
Speak with a principal today.
Everything you tell us is confidential. If a publication is imminent, call us directly so we can act before it runs.
- Urgent
- 02 9216 9827 · 24/7
- Overseas
- +61 2 9216 9827
- Office
- Level 10, 16-18 O'Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000