Our approach
We represent clients in complex commercial and insolvency disputes, from multi-party and cross-border proceedings to contractual claims.
We have acted in high-profile domestic and multinational matters. Every matter is approached with intensity and thoroughness, with a tailored strategy set early in the proceeding. That gives clients a clear view of the risks, costs and likely outcomes before the key decisions are made.
Selected matters
Metal Manufactures Pty Limited v Morton [2023] HCA 1
Successful liquidator in the High Court of Australia.
Baskerville v Baskerville & Ors [2021] QSC 292
Successfully opposed a liquidator’s extension of time application.
Tinkler v Melluish (Trustee) [2017] FCA 52
Set aside a bankruptcy trustee’s decision.
Disputes we handle
Insolvency litigation, including unfair preference, voidable transaction and insolvent trading claims
Public examinations under the Corporations Act and Bankruptcy Act
Statutory demands and winding-up applications
Recovery of misappropriated assets, including employee fraud
Shareholder and corporate disputes
Contractual and commercial disputes
Cross-border proceedings
Guides
Common situations we advise on
Statutory demands
Setting aside a creditor’s statutory demand, or serving one, within the 21-day timetable.
Read the guide →
Unfair preference claims
Responding to a liquidator’s demand to repay payments received before liquidation.
Read the guide →
Commercial disputes
Contract, payment and misleading conduct disputes, in and out of court.
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Shareholder disputes
Oppression claims, buy-outs, derivative actions and just and equitable winding up.
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Breach of fiduciary duties
Bringing and defending claims against directors, partners and advisers, and the remedies.
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Insolvent trading
Directors’ personal liability under s 588G, the defences, and responding to a liquidator’s claim.
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Debt recovery
From letter of demand to judgment and enforcement in the Queensland courts.
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Winding-up applications
Defending an application against your company, or winding up a debtor company.
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Liquidator claims
Public examinations, voidable transactions and director loan account demands.
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Enforcing foreign judgments in Australia
Registering and enforcing overseas judgments and arbitral awards against Australian assets.
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Freezing orders and asset recovery
Urgent orders to stop assets being moved, and tracing and recovering them.
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Overseas creditors and Australian debtors
Recovering debts from Australian companies and individuals when you are based overseas.
Read the guide →
Frequently asked questions
Questions we are often asked
I’ve received a creditor’s statutory demand. What now?
Act immediately: you have 21 days to pay or to apply to court to set it aside, and the deadline cannot be extended. A demand may be set aside for a genuine dispute about the debt, an offsetting claim, or a defect that would cause substantial injustice.
What is a public examination?
A court-ordered examination, usually sought by a liquidator or trustee, where officers and others are questioned on oath about a company’s affairs. It is often used to locate assets and decide whether to sue.
Can we recover money taken by a dishonest employee?
Often, yes. Options include urgent freezing orders to stop assets moving, tracing claims to follow the money, and proceedings for compensation. Speed matters.
How much will litigation cost, and how long will it take?
It depends on the dispute. We set a strategy early and give you a written costs estimate at the outset, updated if things change, so you can weigh likely cost against likely outcome.
These answers are general information, not legal advice.
The earlier we talk, the more options you have.
Email us at [email protected], send us an enquiry online or call +61 7 3229 9800. Every enquiry is treated in confidence.