By: Amanda Beattie, Dylan O’Keefe and Gavin Davies 2023 Class Actions wrap It feels like we say it every year (and we probably do), but it was another eventful year for class actions in 2023. From the filing of novel claims, such as data breach claims, to the lowest rate yet for a group cost […]
By: Amanda Beattie, Dylan O’Keefe and Tess Jenks Introduction The class action regime in Australia has changed dramatically in the last couple of years. Our “ones to watch” series tackles a series of topics to explain the regime’s current state, highlight recent developments and flag issues that should be on the radar for the Australian and […]
By: Amanda Beattie and Dylan O’Keefe R&B Investments Pty Ltd (Trustee) v Blue Sky Alternative Investments Limited (Administrators Appointed) (in liq) (Reserved Question) [2023] FCA 1499 The Federal Court has this week reserved a question to be determined by the Full Court as to whether the Court has the power to grant a CFO in […]
What made you decide to become a lawyer? Other than the usual desire to argue a point with everyone and shows like Boston Legal (aged very poorly, I know), I like the fact that the law is not actually made up of rigid principles but rather can be moulded to suit particular circumstances, and that’s […]
At a glance Class actions following large-scale data breaches have been filed for the first time in Australia, adding a further layer of complexity to the management of cyber incidents. There are potential obstacles to the success of such class actions, and it is not yet clear if they will be a viable (or best) […]
Elliott-Carde v McDonald’s Australia Limited [2023] FCAFC 162 At a glance On 12 October 2023, the Full Federal Court delivered its long-awaited judgment in the McDonald’s breaks class action. The Court unanimously confirmed that it has the power under s 33V(2) of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) to make orders for settlement […]
Class actions are now a key feature of the litigation landscape in Australia. Recognising that insurers and insureds take a sophisticated approach to defending class actions, W+K has established a unique class action defence offering. We now have senior class action defence lawyers, with top tier experience, working alongside our partners with deep insurance product […]
Tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at W+K I am honoured to have joined the partnership at W+K in January this year, following a move with 11 of my colleagues from our previous firm including partner Richard Leder, special counsel Catherine O’Keefe, senior associates Blake Pappas, Jacquie Goodwin, Simone Tagliaferro, associates Renata […]
Tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at W+K I joined W+K earlier this year after working at a large firm for many years, including over five years in Hong Kong. I really enjoyed my time there and I was given a number of great opportunities, including working in a hybrid role with […]
On 1 September 2022, new class action laws were passed in Western Australia (WA). The Act will come into operation on a day to be fixed by proclamation. The Civil Procedure (Representative Proceedings) Bill 2021 (WA) introduces a legislative representative proceedings regime in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, which is substantially modelled on Part […]
