Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Dispute Resolution: The Bar - Australia
What the Team is Known For
Dever's List is headquartered in Melbourne's Owen Dixon Chambers and is the oldest of the Victorian Bar's lists, with a history extending back some 160 years and a large stable of barristers, offering expertise across a broad spectrum of practice areas. Among them are to be found some of Australia's leading appellate advocates as well as eminent practitioners in the employment, insolvency, intellectual property, native title and taxation spheres. Several, including a number of retired judges, are also experienced arbitrators and mediators. One client commented that they have the "ability to handle complex matters effectively and efficiently". Another source praised their depth, stating this: "An excellent selection of senior barristers." John Dever is the chief barristers' clerk and is frequently identified by name as one of the list's key assets.
Notable practitioners
David Shavin KC enjoys both a national and a regional reputation for his work in the IP space. He is best known for his work on patent cases, but is also an experienced handler of trade mark issues, and he offers particularly focused expertise on pharmaceutical matters and questions of what materials can legitimately be regarded as patentable.
He is popular and competent.
An excellent barrister and very well-regarded by clients.
He is extremely well regarded, particularly in the insolvency space.
He is highly commercial and an outstanding advocate.
Chris is fantastic in the insurance commercial litigation space.
He is very smooth and unflappable, and deserves his reputation.
He is well-regarded by clients because of his expertise and sound, practical advice.
Kathleen has an uncanny ability to cut through the fog.
She is an incredibly smart, forensic cross-examiner.
Robert Craig KC maintains a highly versatile practice, taking in, among other things, significant contractual and consumer law cases, high-profile securities class actions and tough regulatory disputes involving alleged instances of professional negligence or breaches of directors' duties, plus regular instruction on construction matters.
Rob Craig is an excellent silk. He has the rare combination of being personable, empathetic and having an understanding of the client's needs.