Briefed: Commercial Law Updates
A podcast from Level Twenty Seven Chambers, a Brisbane-based group of barristers, offering updates and practical insights into Australian commercial law. Each episode explores recent developments and key issues in the field, drawing on the group's expertise and recognition in legal directories. Aimed at legal professionals and anyone interested in the current state of commercial law in Australia.
Episodes
Dos and Don’ts in the Courtroom - QYL x Level Twenty Seven Chambers
In this episode, His Honour Judge Bernard Porter KC of the District Court of Queensland, together with Florence Chen and Jonathan Hohl of Level Twenty Seven Chambers, presents "Dos and Don’ts in the Courtroom" in conjunction with Queensland Young Lawyers. This seminar is the second in the three-part Queensland Young Lawyers × Level Twenty Seven Chambers 2026 trial series.Held in the Banc
Extending liability beyond the primary wrongdoer: accessorial and vicarious liability
In this episode, David Chesterman KC and Oliver Cook of Level Twenty Seven Chambers discuss Extending liability beyond the primary wrongdoer: accessorial and vicarious liability. They explore how liability can extend beyond direct wrongdoers, the limits of vicarious liability under recent High Court authority, and the broader equitable doctrines of knowing receipt and knowing assistance. The discu
Preparing for Trial – QYL x Level Twenty Seven Chambers
Preparing for Trial is the first instalment of the three-part Queensland Young Lawyers x Level Twenty Seven Chambers 2026 seminar series, which follows the lifecycle of a trial. Participants are welcome to join the full series or attend individual sessions.What will the seminar cover?Oliver Cook and Dayle Buckley (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) will present with the Queensland Young Lawyers on the t
Constitutional Law Speed Dating: 4 cases in 40 minutes – AACL (QLD Chapter) x Level 27 Chambers
Join four members of the AACL Queensland Chapter Committee as they break down some of the most significant and engaging Constitutional Law decisions of 2025.Chaired by Sarah Spottiswood (Barrister, Level Twenty Seven Chambers), this episode features insightful contributions from:Kent Blore, Crown Counsel, Crown LawTim Gordon, Partner, Clayton UtzFelicity Nagorcka, Barrister, Higgins ChambersGabrie
Evidence in Chief - QYL x Level Twenty Seven Chambers
Florence Chen and Oliver Cook of Level Twenty Seven Chambers discuss the art of Evidence in Chief. They share practical insights for lawyers aiming to sharpen their trial advocacy and explore what aspiring barristers should know when considering a career at the Bar. Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings a
ACICA45 Expedited Procedures: innovating the innovation
Whilst the introduction of expedited arbitration procedures by institutions aimed to reduce the delay and expense associated with arbitral proceedings, it is not always easy to strike the right balance between procedural efficiency and due process when applying these rules. The panel will discuss their experiences with expedited procedures, sharing insights on their practical use and effectiveness
Thriving at the Bar - QYL x Level Twenty Seven Chambers
What will the seminar cover?Claire Schneider, Salwa Marsh and Emily O’Brien (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) will present with the Queensland Young Lawyers on the topic of Thriving at the Bar. This event will present the skills and mindset needed to thrive in advocacy, the pathways to joining the bar and insights into the day-to-day life of a barrister.Who should listen?Whether you’re considering a m
Cross-Examination at Trial – QYL x Level 27 Chambers
Florence Chen and Oliver Cook (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) present to The Queensland Young Lawyers on the topic of Cross-Examination at Trial. This seminar breaks down the essential strategies, tips, and techniques to master this critical part for the Cross-Examination of witnesses.Whether you are a solicitor advocate or regularly brief counsel, this event is a great opportunity to gain insights
Trustees’ Indemnities and Fiduciary Obligations
Trustees’ Indemnities and Fiduciary Obligations, presented by Paul McQuade KC and Lauren Gamble. The High Court of Australia appeal in Naaman v Jaken Properties Pty Ltd raises the question whether a successor trustee owes a ‘fiduciary obligation’ to a former trustee to preserve the former trustee’s right of indemnity.Following last years presentation “Succession of Trustees: am I still indemnified
Glenn Newton KC - The uncertainties of all merit-based determinations of legal disputes. Why that is so. And what are the alternatives in the best interests of our clients
In this session, Glenn Newton KC discusses the uncertainties of all merit-based determinations of legal disputes. Why that is so. And what are the alternatives in the best interests of our clients. Did you miss previous seminars? Check out the seminar archive on Level Twenty Seven Chambers' website for the video recordings and associated materials produced by the speakers.Want to join future
Unpacking the Climate Change Advisory Opinions
The International Law Association, Queensland Chapter welcomes DLA Piper, presenting at Level Twenty Seven Chambers.As the world inches closer to key climate deadlines of 2030 and 2050, countries likely to be severely impacted by the adverse effects of climate change have sought to clarify States’ obligations under international law in respect of climate change, using advisory opinion proceedings
Civil claims for fraud and misappropriation
Briefed: Commercial Law Updates What will the seminar cover?A lawyer, a forensic accountant and counsel will examine, from the perspective of a claimant and affected third parties, the nature of relief that may be sought, including proprietary relief, the concepts of tracing, and management of claims for civil fraud or misappropriation.In particular:The nature of relief that may be claimed – monet
The Quincecare Duty in Australian Law
WHAT DOES THE SEMINAR COVER?A dishonest agent of a company causes a bank to transfer funds out of the company’s account and then absconds with the money. If the agent can be found, there may be personal claims against them. If traceable proceeds can be found, there may be proprietary claims in respect of them. But what about claims against the bank?It has long been clear that banks are under a dut
Taking Stock of Vanderstock: electric vehicles, duties of excise and the Constitution
What does the seminar cover?In the decision of Vanderstock v Victoria [2023] HCA 30, the High Court held by a narrow 4:3 majority that a tax imposed by Victoria on the use of electrical and hybrid vehicles was invalid. The tax was held to be a “duty of excise” which, under s 90 of the Constitution, States cannot impose. Section 90 reserves to the Commonwealth Parliament the exclusive power to impo
Recent Developments in Trust Law Affecting the Obligations of Trustees of Discretionary Trusts
WHAT DOES THE SEMINAR COVER?Discretionary trusts in Australia are drafted to give trustees maximum flexibility in the exercise of their discretions, which are variously described as “uncontrolled”, “absolute” and even “irresponsible”. Since the 19th century the Courts have declined to examine the exercise (or non exercise) of these discretions, except in very special circumstances. The Courts have
Check your (legal professional) privilege!
What will the seminar cover?The primary purpose of the Courts in any legal system must be to determine the truth. In common law systems, that purpose is generally facilitated by subjecting witnesses to cross-examination and requiring parties to disclose and produce relevant documents. However, in certain cases, one may resist giving relevant information or producing relevant documents by invoking
The Strategy of Pleadings
What will the seminar cover?The Strategy of Pleadings was the second of four education events in 2023 co-hosted by Queensland Young Lawyers and Level Twenty Seven Chambers. Oliver Cook (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Jayleigh Sargent (16 Quay Central) facilitated this session.Topics covered:- The purpose of pleadings- Advocacy through pleadings- Strategic approaches to pleadings Who should watch
Preparing for Trial
What will the seminar cover?This was the first CPD in a series of four co-hosted by Level Twenty Seven Chambers and Queensland Young Lawyers covering essential lawyer knowledge and skills. Both having practised as solicitors at international law firms prior to joining the bar, Michael Trim (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Tim Stork (Lucinda Chambers) shared practical tips on preparing for trials
The "momentous" UK Supreme Court Decision on Directors' Duties in Respect of Creditors' Interests You Need to Know About
What does the seminar cover?According to Lord Reed, the issues on appeal in BTI 2014 LLC v Sequana SA [2022] UKSC 25 “go to the heart of our understanding of company law, and a considerable importance to the management of companies”. The decision concerns the fiduciary duty of directors to act in good faith in the interests of the company.You you will hear:- How the dispute arose- What the Court o
Settling Up, Not Settling Down - Offers to Settle Disputes
What will the seminar cover?This seminar was hosted as a collaboration between the Downs & South West QLD Law Association (DSWQLA) and Level Twenty Seven Chambers 1730 on 1 December 2022. Shane Monks and Kristi Riedel (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Clare Dart (Inns of Court) are barristers who are well-versed in commercial, insurance and family law disputes. They look at strategic questions
Disclosure & Discovery in Australian Courts
Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and the barristers at Level Twenty Seven Chambers curated a series of four CPDs spanning 2022 to provide young lawyers with knowledge essential to their role. The final installment ‘Disclosure’ was facilitated by Sarah Spottiswood and Oliver Cook. Sarah and Oliver are barristers practising from Level Twenty Seven Chambers (Brisbane, Australia) but prior to commencing
Appearing on an Application
What will the seminar cover?Appearing on an Application was event three in a four part series co-hosted by Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and Level Twenty Seven Chambers which aimed to provide informative and practical sessions on skills barristers and solicitors are often expected to know but not always formally taught. While sessions are typically aimed at lawyers of 3-5 years PQE, those complet
Briefing Counsel
What will the seminar cover?Briefing Counsel is a webinar co-hosted by Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and Level Twenty Seven Chambers. This is the second event in a series covering essential topics and skills junior lawyers should be on top of.Junior barristers, Mei Ying-Barnes and Hannah Lilley, who practise from Level Twenty Seven Chambers shared tips on:How to find suitably skilled barristers f
Persuasive Legal Writing: The Importance of Document Design and Typography
What does the seminar cover?Lawyers are in the business of producing persuasive writing, but they often neglect a key dimension: document design and typography. Legal documents are professionally published materials and their readers—clients, judges, or the public—expect them to be of the same standard as other professionally published materials. And while a well-designed document cannot rescue a
Cryptocurrency and the law
What will the episode cover?Cryptocurrency is always in the headlines, and consumer use of it is becoming increasingly mainstream. But the law is yet to grapple extensively with cryptocurrency and the blockchain technology that underpins it.This seminar aims to provide a basic introduction to what cryptocurrencies are and how they work, and to tentatively explore some of the key legal issues that
Life at the Bar
What will the seminar cover?Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and Level Twenty Seven launched its second seminar series with 'Life at the Bar' on Wednesday 4 May 1800 (AEST). Barristers Stewart Webster, Florence Chen (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Emma Fitzgerald (Jeddart Chambers) compared the different courses they took to be called to the Queensland Bar as well as provided some insigh
Privilege in International Arbitration: Procedure and Pitfalls
What will the seminar cover?The principles governing the availability and bounds of legal professional privilege in international arbitral proceedings are in a considerable state of uncertainty. Is privilege able to be claimed? If so, what law governs those claims? How do Tribunals resolve those issues? And how might that impact on enforcement of any award?This session aims to address these questi
Docs, eTrials and Practice Directions
This presentation was the final installment in a series of four co-hosted by Queensland Young Lawyers and Level Twenty Seven Chambers. Links to the previous three events are available in the 'Materials' section at the bottom of this page. The series aimed to address practical and everyday topics for junior lawyers.What does the seminar cover?The adoption of electronic documents and remot
The State of Play: Work Health and Safety Prosecutions in Australia
What does the seminar cover?2020 saw Queensland's first sentencing decision in relation to the offence of industrial manslaughter pursuant to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.Since the introduction of the offence in 2017 we have seen the establishment of the Office of the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor and an increase in prosecutions under the WHSA and other similar acts. This has led t
Functus Officio in Arbitration
What does the seminar cover?This session forms part of the Australian Arbitration Week 2021 program hosted by ACICA. It will explore the situations where an arbitrator might be said to have performed its office so as to be (wholly or as to particular aspects of the referred dispute) functus officio. Whether an arbitrator is functus officio is important for determining the question of the continuin
Update on Defamation Law in Queensland
WHAT DOES THE SEMINAR COVER?The Defamation (Model Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (the Act) commenced on 1 July 2021. This session will provide a valuable update on the changes that the Act introduced. Changes include:- the introduction of the element of ‘serious harm’- a new compulsory concerns notice process- changes to the available statutory defencesWHO SHOULD LISTEN?Lawye
Rules of Evidence & Affidavit Drafting
This presentation is the third in a serious of four presentations by Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL) and Level Twenty Seven Chambers addressing essential knowledge and skills for young lawyers.What will the seminar cover?Affidavit preparation, expert reports and expert witnesses are de rigueur in court proceedings. Their accuracy and relevance can be decisive in the outcome of a matter.The speakers
Mediation Strategies
In a webinar arranged by the Downs & South West Queensland District Law Association and Level Twenty Seven Chambers, Matthew Jones, Florence Chen and Timothy Stork (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Prof. Rachael Field (Bond University) will look at the skills for representing clients at mediation in the context of business, family, land, succession and tax disputes. SPEAKERSHaving represented
Rules of pleading and further and better particulars
‘Rules of pleading and further and better particulars’ is the second of four in a the Queensland Young Lawyers x Level Twenty Seven Chambers CPD and Networking Series. Barristers Salwa Marsh (Level Twenty Seven Chambers) and Nola Pearce provide a practical session for lawyers practising in all areas of law.WATCH/MATERIALSThis presentation was provided as a hybrid in person seminar/webinar. The vid
Insolvency Update Badenoch and the End of the Peak Indebtedness Rule
What will the seminar cover?The Full Federal Court’s recent decision in Badenoch Integrated Logging Pty Ltd v Bryant has important consequences for the calculation of unfair preference claims. This CPD will explain the reasoning behind the Court’s decision and identify those points of law which remain uncertain.The speakers will host a live update to help you- Understand the Full Federal Court&apo
The Joy of Electronic Litigation
What will the seminar cover?This is a session for those already using legal tech and those yet to understand how it can assist, even improve, the litigation process. You will gain tips from a legal tech expert, law firm partner, former Arup General Counsel and a barrister on how you stand to benefit from embracing legal tech and how to get your teams happy adopting it.The speakers will host a live
Court Etiquette - Working with the Bar and Persuading the Bench
This Queensland Young Lawyers and Level Twenty Seven Chambers presentation was the first in a series of four consisting of relevant and practical education events for young lawyers. It was hosted as an in person and online workshop. You can find the video recording and PowerPoint slides via the link under 'further materials'.What will the seminar cover?Using cartoon videos, live internet
Pressing issues in valuation and compulsory acquisition
What will the seminar cover?The speakers will host a live online discussion focused on two cases from 2020 which raised topical questions:Conway & Ors v Australia Pacific LNG CSG Transmissions Pty Ltd & Anor [2020] QLC 26 addressed questions about what compensation could arise from the reporting of a protected plant on a land owner’s property.Genamson Holdings Pty Ltd v Moreton Bay Regiona
The Law of Tracing
What does the seminar cover?The law of tracing determines when one rights stands in the place of another for the purposes of certain legal or equitable claims. It is one of the most important and practical, yet underdeveloped and misunderstood, areas of law. It is particularly relevant when making out equitable proprietary claims in the context of civil fraud, insolvency, and breaches of trust.Top
Queensland's Human Rights Act: Turning Up the Heat for Australian Climate Change Litigation and Development Approvals?
What does the seminar cover?Globally, claimants are increasingly relying on constitutional and human rights laws in the attempts to hold governments and corporations accountable for addressing climate change.In this rapidly expanding area of the law, the panelists provide a practical overview of the Human Rights Act and its likely effect on climate litigation and the approvals process in Australia
Moral Obloquy or Commercial Autonomy? Debating Statutory Unconscionability
What does the podcast cover?In the form of a court submission the presenters provide the context of the case ASIC v Kobelt and identify issues that are open to future litigation. Some topics addressed include:The High Court’s characterisation of the book-up credit system & the manner in which it was offered.Relevance of the Anangu customers’ perception of the credit system, reflecting aspects
Commercial Mediations - Strategies and Tips to Achieve the Best Outcome for Your Client
What will the seminar cover?Commercial court disputes can be financially, reputationally and emotionally exhaustive for the parties involved. When approached with a considered strategy, mediations can lead to a more beneficial outcome for both sides of a dispute. With the onset of COVID-19 impacting the time it takes for disputes to reach the courts, mediations are increasingly seen as a valuable
Appeals: When is a Trial Judge "Wrong"?
What will the seminar cover?Appeals are characterised by a tension between two competing considerations. On the one hand, appeals serve an important public and private function in correcting errors by trial judges. On the other, appellate courts must be cognisant of their natural limitations and must give due respect to the advantages enjoyed by trial judges. How this dichotomy between appellate o
Commissions of Inquiry: an In-House Counsel Perspective
What will the seminar cover?Being in house counsel for a party to a commission of inquiry (COI) brings different considerations, responsibilities and challenges. You will hear firsthand from in-house counsel and barristers who have worked with in-house counsel on commissions of inquiry about the unique demands this brings to all parties and ideas on how to manage them collaboratively and effectiv
Coronial Inquests and the Coroners Act 2003 (Qld)
What will the seminar cover?You will hear firsthand insights and learnings of how coronial inquests (CI) operate most effectively from the State and Deputy State Coroner of Queensland and counsel who have been party to a wide spectrum of CIs.Topics covered include:Background & context of CIsPractical issues for those appearing at a CIImportant procedural considerationsImplications of CIs such
Commissions of Inquiries and Inquests – perspectives from the bench and each side of the Bar Table
What will the seminar cover?You will hear from experienced panelists, who have acted in a variety of roles in commissions of inquiries and inquests (COIs), on how to best plan and execute your client’s strategy, when engaging with these unique legal processes.Discussion will include:How COIs differ from trialsTips on preparing your counsel team and clientPracticalities of planning for COIsCOI proc
Trouble in Paradise: Protecting Privilege After Glencore
What will the seminar cover?The Glencore International AG v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] HCA 26 judgment confirmed that legal professional privilege is a shield, not a sword. A panel of Level Twenty Seven Chambers barristers and forensic expert Brendan Read (KordaMentha) discuss the impacts of this and other decisions in the context of regulatory investigations (known and unknown), commercial d
So, you’re telling me there’s a chance: the preparation and presentation of claims for loss of opportunity damages
What does the podcast cover?Loss of opportunity cases can present significant challenges, as a party seeks to establish the likelihood of one or more hypothetical scenarios, and the value of an opportunity lost. This presentation detailed a proper approach to a loss of opportunity case, including what must be pleaded and proved to establish causation and loss, with an emphasis on the preparation o
Managing Class Action Disputes - Class Definiton
What will the seminar cover?The panel will explore class actions as procedural vehicle, what information is required by litigation funders to invest and practical approaches to defining a class.Discussion will include:Where to start when you think a matter/client is suitable for a class actionCommercial and strategic considerations behind commencing a class actionWhen to consider closing the class
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