Dispute Resolution

What the team is known for

Comprehensive, deeply resourced offering with niche strengths in such areas as financial services regulation, construction and infrastructure disputes, corporate investigations, Royal Commissions and other official inquiries and public liability issues, and incorporating both experienced international arbitration expertise and a dedicated class action group. Also noted for its impressive regional presence and especially high capability for the handling of China-related issues, including the enforcement of contracts and awards. Increasingly sought after as an adviser to public sector clients and maintains a strong focus upon the prevention or out-of-court settlement of disputes wherever consonant with client objectives.

Strengths

"High quality at all levels" is a feature of this practice identified by a number of interviewees. One states: "Their bench of partners is second to none in providing first-rate strategic advice and in managing complex litigation in a sensible and pragmatic fashion." Another emphasises the "strength in depth" offered by the practice's cohort of "very bright associates."

A client who stresses the team's "depth of expertise and ability to draw on a wide range of partners" illustrates the point by adding: "They offered two specialist partners in the required fields, both of whom had the experience we were seeking."

Work highlights

Acted successfully for IOOF Investment Management and associated entities in Federal Court proceedings initiated by APRA on the alleged grounds of their having failed to act in the best interests of their superannuation members. The court not only dismissed APRA's case but also ordered it to pay IOOF's costs.

Notable practitioners

Alexander Morris is characterised by one source as "an exceptional, hands-on partner with particular expertise in class actions and financial services litigation." Another interviewee concurs and develops this picture further: "Technically gifted and a great strategist, Alex is able to cut through a morass of complex detail, identify the key issues that drive outcomes and provide clear and well-considered advice to the most senior of client stakeholders. He is a go-to partner for big-ticket, reputationally significant litigation."

Chris Fox has litigated matters on behalf of clients from, among others, the aged care, energy, financial services and retail sectors for more than three decades. He also offers particularly noteworthy experience in the Royal Commission sphere, where he has both represented clients and acted in support of commissioners.

Domenic Gatto commands increasing market respect as a "good, impressive operator," handling high-profile cases for prominent names from a wide variety of industries and business sectors. Characterised by one contributor as "a tough and perspicacious litigator whose feel for strategy is first class," he is similarly praised as "a strong strategic thinker" by a client who goes on to report: "The support and assistance he provided ensured that we were able to achieve positive outcomes in difficult circumstances."

Justin McDonnell practises across a broad range of Queensland business sectors, notably including infrastructure, resources and healthcare, and is also a pioneer of the state's class action scene. He enjoys acknowledgement as one of Brisbane's best and most experienced litigators.

Moira Saville draws praise from one source as "an exceptional partner with a very large class action practice in both financial services and mass tort claims." A client expands: "Her strengths include a deep technical expertise in litigation with valuable attention to detail; we can rely on Moira to manage litigation with a commercial focus, and no question about her ability." 

Roger Forbes is a respected litigator with more than three decades of experience. Particularly well known for his representation of financial services providers in both court and inquiry contexts, he also acts prominently on transport infrastructure-related mandates.

Tony Troiani is an established and experienced figure in the market. A litigator for over 30 years, he is acknowledged by market sources as "very capable" and "good to deal with."