PRACTICE
MY PRACTICE
My practice involves providing advice and appearing in courts and tribunals.
The types of matters I can advise on include specific legal questions (e.g. what is the effect of a clause in an agreement), particular issues (e.g. legal effect and tax treatment of particular transactions) and commercial matters which require legal input (e.g. what are the legal issues we need to think about, if we are planning on doing “x”). As part of this, I can assist with drafting agreements and legal documents.
I appear regularly in courts and tribunals, both led (i.e. appearing with a senior barrister) and unled (i.e. appearing by myself). I enjoy advocacy, the art of persuasion - looking at the facts and the law, balancing arguments, the strengths and weaknesses, and how best to present a client’s case. Appreciating the importance of knowing not just what to say, but how to say it.
CLIENTS AND INSTRUCTING SOLICITORS
Clients often brief me through an instructing solicitor, which is the traditional way in which barristers are briefed. However, I also accept briefs directly from clients.
Over the years, I have been briefed by large firms, the Australian Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and multinational entities, and have an appreciation of their expectations and requirements.
When time permits, I value the opportunity to assist with pro bono matters.
AREAS OF LAW
I have broad and deep experience, when it comes to tax matters, in an advisory and dispute context. What differentiates me from many barristers, is the breadth of my experience, which includes working in the in-house tax team of a global multinational (BHP), in a big four accounting firm (PwC) and top‑tier law firms (Clayton Utz and MinterEllison). Most recently, I completed a detailed analysis of Australia’s tax treaties, on an “article by article” basis, as part of the IBFD Global Tax Treaty Commentaries, with Professor Miranda Steward. This has given me deep insight into treaty policy and practice, both in Australia and more broadly. I regularly participate in tax policy consultation and development.
I am often briefed in relation to commercial and corporate matters, directors' duties, trusts and questions involving the application of equity.
That said, rarely are cases or issues confined to one area of law. Because of my experience, I am able to assist with a range of matters.