35 years’ experience in helping resolve disputes
About me
I have over 35 years of experience in dispute resolution as a partner of major law firms (Herbert Smith Freehills and McCullough Robertson).
I am now working on my own - focused on helping businesses and individuals to resolve their disputes by providing independent mediation services and by consulting to in-house counsel and boards to offer fresh perspectives and (if wanted) strategic oversight of their disputes. I am still registered as a practicing solicitor, as well as a nationally accredited mediator through the Resolution Institute.
I started my career handling workers’ compensation, CTP, and public liability claims, then gained experience in commercial litigation, professional negligence, and insurance coverage disputes. I have broad commercial experience with a particular expertise in helping resolve major ISR and liability insurance claims. I have been the strategic advisor in negotiations for the settlement of hundreds of commercial, insurance, and property disputes and have been recognised by the industry, clients and peers in Best Lawyers, Doyles Guide, Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. You can find additional details of my career experience by clicking below.
I'm based in Brisbane, but very happy to travel interstate and to regional areas to assist clients in achieving their desired results.
Mediation Services
I accept appointments as a mediator and facilitator from parties who would like an independent broker to act as a go-between in their negotiations to help them resolve their dispute.
The areas in which I have experience include:
- Insurance disputes
- Commercial disputes
- Property and construction disputes
- Workplace disputes
- Personal injuries claims
- Expert conclaves (to facilitate preparation of joint reports)
Consulting and Legal Services
Dispute resolution strategy
There are several ways that I might be able to help you decide on the way forward with your dispute.
Some of the ways clients (or their advisors) get value from engaging me are:
- Reviewing the status of a claim or dispute to give you a fresh perspective on the merits of your position and the strategies to break any impasse and take it forward to resolution. Sometimes, a second opinion on the progress of litigation (even if you have engaged an external law firm) can help highlight the key issues or alternatives and can ensure the focus is on getting value for money in progressing the resolution. I will tell you your strengths and weaknesses, and suggest a strategy for resolution.
- Representation in or coaching for settlement negotiations (either up-front in the discussions as part of your negotiating team or behind the scenes, providing insight and recommendations).