Specialising in commercial litigation and insolvency, Sam has advised on some of Australia’s largest corporate collapses including Network Ten, Arrium, Allco Finance Group, Primebroker Securities and Octaviar.
He has proven expertise in disputes involving directors’ duties, property rights, professional negligence, franchising, trade practices, securities lending, white collar crime, partnership rights, class actions and insolvency.
Sam’s thoroughness, responsiveness and skill has earned the trust of globally-recognised and major national brands such as Dulux, CBS , Laing O’Rourke, Endeavor Co and Wesfarmers; and established financial institutions such as National Australia Bank.
Key deals
CBS
Acted for CBS in its acquisition of Network Ten, including in NSW Supreme Court litigation brought by the under-bidders seeking to challenge the sale.
Allco
Acting for the Allco receivers in their NSW Supreme Court litigation to unwind a A$90 million loan transaction. The Australian Financial Review described the Court’s decision as “an important judgment that reinforces the heavy responsibilities of directors under the Corporations Act”.
Network Ten
Acted for Network Ten in NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal litigation against Nine Network, Channel Seven and their joint venture vehicle TX Australia.
Vannin
Acted for international litigation funder, Vannin, in its NSW Supreme Court claim about the amount of a funding premium payable to Vannin by the liquidators of Octaviar under a litigation funding agreement.
National Australia Bank
Acting for NAB in NSW Supreme Court litigation involving allegations of breach of mandate, including a successful appeal by the bank on its application for security for costs.
International Management Group of America (IMG)
Acted for IMG in defence of NSW Supreme Court claim commenced by the Rugby League International Federation in connection with media rights to the 2018 Rugby League World Cup.
Wesfarmers
Acted for Target in defence of a NSW Supreme Court dispute arising out of the assignment of a trade mark.
IMF Bentham
Acting for class members in various funded Federal Court class actions against property developers seeking recovery of GST paid by class members to the developers upon their acquisition of residential apartments in the Australian Capital Territory.