About

Provided by Gilbert + Tobin

Gilbert + Tobin is the firm of choice when the stakes are high. 

Gilbert + Tobin’s Disputes + Investigations practice is comprised of 14 partners and over 90 supporting fee earners based across its offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

We specialise in assisting clients to navigate complex and significant contentious issues. Many of the cases we conduct involve multiple parties and novel legal or factual issues. Our case strategy begins with identifying our clients’ commercial and regulatory objectives and ensuring the focus throughout is on the protection of their interests. We understand that litigation should always be a last resort but, where necessary, must be handled strategically and commercially, with regard to protecting their reputation.

We have extensive experience advising on sensitive investigations and inquiries - from internal issues to regulatory investigations to Commissions of Inquiry - we understand the need for clarity of thought, discretion, insight and professionalism. We know that the way in which investigations are handled can be the best protection against bigger issues.

    Chambers Review

    Provided by Chambers
    Dispute Resolution - Australia
    2
    Band 2
    What the team is known for

    Gilbert + Tobin maintains a well-resourced, independent practice, acting for an extensive domestic and international clientele, including leading players in the banking, resources and telecommunications industries. It is active on class actions and other multiparty litigation, regulatory investigations and other official inquiries, including the growing number of royal commissions, where it is noted for advising both government bodies and the organisations being examined. The team is regularly visible on restructuring and insolvency-related mandates and those involving alleged breaches of directors' duties. It is noted for strategic insight and rapid, proactive issue assessment, often enhanced by the labour-saving use of technology. Notable clients include the Nuix, Macquarie Bank Group and SkyCity.

    Work Highlights

    Provided by Gilbert + Tobin
    • Gilbert + Tobin was engaged to act for Westpac in relation to class action proceedings which arose from proceedings commenced by AUSTRAC against it in the Federal Court.

    Strengths

    Provided by Chambers

    Notable Practitioners

    Provided by Chambers
    2
    Colleen Platford
    2
    Band 2

    Colleen Platford is based in Sydney, where her complex commercial litigation practice is largely focused on disputes concerning insolvency or trade practices.

    "She is responsive, sophisticated and gives very clear advice."

    "Colleen is good at the technical legal aspects but also the overall strategy."

    2
    Richard Harris
    Head of Dispute Resolution
    2
    Band 2

    Richard Harris heads the practice from the Sydney office and is personally best known for his representation of leading financial services providers, acting across an impressively broad range of class action, official inquiry and regulatory litigation mandates.

    "Richard is strategic, can handle any stakeholder regardless of the circumstances and is great for executive board briefings."

    "He is a very much trusted adviser, provides frank advice and will provide a view even if full information is not available."

    4
    Crispian Lynch
    4
    Band 4

    Crispian Lynch stands out for his expertise in the class action and regulatory spheres and is particularly active on behalf of clients from the financial services sector. He is based in Sydney.

    "Crispian is an outstanding litigator, who is always across the detail, strategic and insightful."

    4
    Janet Whiting
    4
    Band 4

    Janet Whiting is a highly regarded commercial litigator in the Melbourne disputes space, advising extensively on high-stakes litigation, regulatory issues and matters of major reputational significance to the clients concerned, representing both high-profile companies and individual executives.

    "She has done a very good job with large-scale litigation."

    Ranked Lawyers at
    Gilbert + Tobin

    Provided by Chambers
    Filter by
    Band

    Australia

    Dispute Resolution

    2
    Colleen Platford
    2
    Band 2
    2
    Richard Harris
    Head of Dispute Resolution
    2
    Band 2
    4
    Crispian Lynch
    4
    Band 4
    4
    Janet Whiting
    4
    Band 4

    Members

    Provided by Gilbert + Tobin

    Andrew Floro

    Antonia Garling

    Christiana McCudden

    Daniel MacPherson

    Dianne Banks

    Kate Harrison

    Matt Mackenzie

    Patrick Tydde

    Philippa Hofbrucker

    Richard Harris

    Head of Department

    Tim O'Leary

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    Provided by Gilbert + Tobin

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