Summary
I have recently commenced practice as a Barrister in Brisbane, as the most recent chapter in a varied career in the law, the armed forces, and public administration.
I practice at Level 27 Chambers in Brisbane, a leading commercial set of barristers' chambers that combines experience and expertise across a wide range of practice areas with a professional and open approach to client service. My focus is on commercial law, administrative law and coronial inquests.
Previously, as Counsel Assisting the Coroner, I spend my days bringing an analytical mind to situations as varied as plane crashes and drug overdoses, with the intention of bringing closure to families; of attaching significance to the fact that one of our community members is gone; and of looking for ways to protect the community by preventing further tragedy into the future.
As an educator, I work in a law school rapidly developing a name for our skill in providing online education to people whose socio-economic circumstances meant they never dreamed they might have a chance of studying law.
As a military officer, I was able to use my knowledge of the law to help ensure that we, as an Air Force, could protect our community and its interests, and do so in a way that was consistent with justice.
Even before that, I found myself in an institution - our national Parliament - dedicated to the concept of democracy, and the concept that laws should be made for the benefit of the community. As Director, Research I occupied a nonpartisan position providing support and service to Senators from all political parties and political backgrounds.
Practice Areas
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Disputing decisions of an administrative body or organisation
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Disputing decision of Government Agency
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Forming contracts
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Breach of contract
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Consumer contracts
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Unfair contract terms
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Misleading and deceptive conducts
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Advocacy
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Family court
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Apply for a divorce
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Child custody, contact and visitation
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Parenting orders
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Domestic violence
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Experience
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Central Queensland University
Lecturer in Law
February, 2013 - Present
Teaching undergraduate subjects in Contract Law, Evidence Law and Advanced Statutory Interpretation
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Royal Australian Air Force
Legal Officer/Administrative Officer
June, 2007 - Present
Postings in Air Force Headquarters (dealing with administrative sanctions against members whose performance had been unsatisfactory), Ground Training Wing (dealing with a range of general legal issues including Military Discipline Law) and Headquarters, Combat Support Group (providing general legal advice to Commanders on a range of issues, specializing in administrative law).
From December 2008 until May 2009 I served on Operation Resolute in a command role, as second-in-command of a Transit Security Element, supporting the operational activities of the Royal Australian Navy's Patrol Boat Group.
I continue to serve as a Reserve officer.
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Level 27 Chambers
Barrister at law
June, 2015 - Present
Courtroom advocacy and written advices in various areas of law. I have maintained a focus on coronial law, but have also provided advice and representation in administrative law, commercial law, and family/domestic violence proceedings.
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Office of the State Coroner
Counsel Assisting
November, 2013 - May, 2015
Courtroom advocacy and forensic research to assist the Coroner to determine the cause and circumstances of death of deceased persons, along with lessons/recommendations which may be learned from their death.
Education
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University of New England
Master of Laws with Honours (by research)
2011 - 2012
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Australian National University
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
2011 - 2011
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University of New England
Bachelor of Laws with Honours
2004 - 2010
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University of Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy
1996 - 2002
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Australian National University
Master of Management
1999 - 2001
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Monash University
Bachelor of Arts with Honours
1992 - 1995
Location
Level 27, 239 George St Brisbane Qld 4000
Virtual Practice
Practising Certificate
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Queensland, Australia
1 year held
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New South Wales, Australia
4 years held
Languages
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English
Proficient