Commercial litigation & dispute resolution
Clients benefit from our commercial litigation and dispute resolution experience across a diverse number of industries. Whenever appropriate, we strive to settle disputes before they become litigious. We maintain a clear focus on the required outcome, while working through a strategic dispute resolution process that is both practical and collaborative.
We have significant experience in acting and advising on:
- complex contract disputes;
- Corporations Act issues;
- partnership disputes;
- class action litigation;
- joint venture and shareholder disputes;
- technology disputes;
- white collar and commercial fraud investigations and litigation;
- injunctions;
- asset tracing; and
- retail and brand disputes.
How our clients benefit
We ensure that appropriate resources are used to manage the litigation and to maintain the balance of providing exceptional personal service with expert legal advice. Our smaller size means we can provide more focused team supervision, resulting in more efficient and proactive management of clients’ cases.
Our rates are competitive, making us an attractive alternative to many larger law firms. We work closely with clients to manage risk, identify potential problems and provide appropriate solutions to resolve issues expeditiously.
Recent experience
We have successfully represented:
- over 800 group members in relation to a failed debenture scheme. We achieved a settlement of $28,158,500 which resulted in a net return to debenture holders from the proceeding of between 30.2 and 34.3 cents in the dollar. It is our understanding that this net return to individual debenture holders is a record return to group members from a class action relating to a failed debenture scheme.
- over 200 group members in relation to a failed Note scheme. We achieved a settlement of $11,000,000 which resulted in a net return to Note holders from the proceeding of between 24.86 and 41.26 cents in the dollar. It is our understanding that this net return to individual Note holders is a record return to group members from a class action relating to a failed Note scheme.
- a US Court appointed receiver in recovering monies the subject of fraud from an offshore bank account;
- one of Australia’s largest meat wholesalers in relation to a contractual dispute with a supplier;
- a company in Supreme Court Commercial List proceedings in defence of a claim that certain assets of the company were being held on constructive trust for the plaintiff;
- a major water regulator in defence of a negligence and breach of contract claim;
- an international corporation pursuing recovery of monies owed to it following contract breaches and fraud by directors of another company.
- a number of clients regarding financial guarantees provided by them in relation to a failed pharmacy business;
- a multinational corporation during a major product recall; and
- numerous pharmacists in relocation disputes.
We are presently assisting classes of debenture holders in three separate class actions with respect to failed debenture schemes.
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Provident Capital – Court approval of settlement
We are pleased to advise that the settlement of the class action prosecuted by Meridian Lawyers on behalf of approximately 900 group members in the failed Provident Capital debenture scheme has now been approved by the Supreme Court of NSW. The settlement will enable each of the group members to…
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Provident Capital Class Action
Meridian Lawyers is pleased to advise that the class action that was commenced on behalf of John and Rosemary Smith against Australian Executor Trustees Limited in relation to the failure of Provident Capital has settled in principle, subject to the completion of settlement documentation. The settlement will still need to…
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Class Action News
On 26 July 2018 the Federal Court of Australia approved the settlement reached by Meridian Lawyers relating to two separate class actions relating to failed debenture and note schemes. In one of the approved class action settlements, Meridian Lawyers acted for 804 Group Members and achieved a settlement of $28,158,500.…
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Commercial Insights – November 2017
In this edition of Commercial insights, we discuss how a recent decision of the Queensland Supreme Court emphasising the importance of contractual rights under a shareholders’ agreement to protect minority shareholders, we examine the newly increased powers of the Fair Work Ombudsman. We include some handy tips on how to ensure…
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Commercial insights – August 2017
In this edition of Commercial insights we focus on recent legal developments which, where relevant, may impact on SMEs, professional practices, private businesses, companies and associations and highlight recent legislative changes to the Retail Leases Act in NSW, which import new protections for commercial tenants. Also, we discuss some recent…
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Commercial insights – February 2017
In this edition of Commercial insights we provide an overview of common business structures for health and other businesses, as well as an update on the abolition of stamp duty on the purchase of business assets in New South Wales, and important employment advice regarding workplace monitoring. Contents Choosing the right…
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Commercial insights – Spring 2015
Meridian Lawyers' Spring 2015 edition of Commercial insights discusses governance issues for business including directors’ duties, good employment policies and practice, the benefits of ownership agreements with partners, brand and logo issues on marketing material, and privacy compliance. Contents Directors’ duties and the consequences of a breach Business owners’ agreements Do you have…
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Commercial insights – Summer 2015
This edition includes a 'must-read' for anyone considering buying a business. This article overviews the process from due diligence to completion of the sale - the purchase process will be considered in more detail in our next edition. Also in this edition, why you should really make a will. Contents …
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Commercial Insights – August 2014
In our Commercial Insights, we introduce our new team members, Principal Sharlene Wellard and Special Counsel Ian Goddard. Also in this issue we look at some upcoming events including the Pharmacy Business Network (12 September 2014). Articles: Dismissal may be warranted but still unfair without proper procedure Is this the end of…
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ACCC given greater powers to enforce new Franchising Code of Conduct
Since 1998 the mandatory Franchising Code of Conduct has been the key instrument regulating the conduct of franchises in Australia, as prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). A new Franchising Code of Conduct was made public on 3 November 2014 (“new Code”). The implementation of the new…
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Commercial insights – Spring 2014
This edition contains an important update on changes to the Franchising Code of Conduct, which will come into force on 1 January 2015. The new Code is arguably the most significant reform to franchising and licensing law since the original Code was enacted and includes significant enhancement of the ACCC’s…
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Positive partnerships: the comforts of a good partnership agreement
Talking to your business partner about how day-to-day business will be managed is an invaluable step in your business planning and road to success. As change is one of the certainties of life, also talking to your business partner about the future, and what should happen if circumstances change, is…
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How healthy is your relationship with your business partners?
The relationship between most business partners does not last forever and it is rare to expect it to. Each year we deal with many disputes between business partners, whether they are co-owners of a business set up under a corporate structure or a traditional partnership. Just because partners decide to…