Mills Oakley’s commercial disputes and insolvency team represents a broad spectrum of clients, from governmental entities to individuals. Andrew Brown leads the team from Melbourne, with particular expertise in risk management issues and disputes in the financial services sector. Dale Cliff is a key contact in Brisbane, and tax specialist Bernice Ellis is based in Canberra. The team was bolstered in 2022 by the acquisition of litigation boutique Ben Patrick & Associates.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The litigation practice at Mills Oakley has very strong capabilities in insolvency in particular. The team has good depth, with some very strong special counsel and more junior lawyers. The firm tends to run matters with smaller teams in a very effective and efficient manner.’

  • ‘Ariel Borland is an exceptional litigator and has very strong analytical and interpersonal skills which set her apart from other partners practicing in the area.'

  • 'Stuart Walter is a very good operator in the more general commercial litigation space.'
  • ‘High quality legal services from a focused team of specialists.’

  • ‘Stuart Lewin and Ariel Borland are both highly experienced and outcome orientated partners.’

Key clients

  • Australian Cricketers’ Association
  • Australian Strategy Policy Institute
  • Bank of Queensland
  • RP Data
  • Real Estate Toolbox
  • Timbercorp Finance (in Liquidation)
  • Suncorp Group
  • Quest Serviced Apartments
  • Optus

Work highlights

  • Acted for RP Data in a breach of copyright case that went to the High Court of Australia which set aside the orders of the Full Court of the Federal Court and in its place ordered the appeal and cross-appeal be dismissed with costs.
  • Acted for CoreLogic in a copyright infringement case and had the entire statement of claim prepared on BCI Media’s behalf set aside.
  • Acting for Real Estate Toolbox as respondents in proceedings commenced by Campaigntrack Pty Ltd and won at first instance.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Andrew Brown

Other key lawyers

Darren James, Stuart Walter, Dale Cliff, Mark Wenn, Bernice Ellis, Ariel Borland, Stuart Lewin