As a special counsel in Cooper Grace Ward’s litigation and dispute resolution team, Bridget specialises in disputes involving contractual liability, professional negligence, corporate fraud, property, leasing and insolvency. She has extensive experience in a wide variety of commercial disputes, which assists her to support clients in all stages of the litigation process. In particular, Bridget has specific experience in the management of complex procedural matters.
Before joining Cooper Grace Ward, Bridget was a senior associate at a global law firm and, subsequently, a commercial adviser at Queensland Treasury Corporation, where she focused on project recovery and managing large-scale client projects.
Defamation actions include a ‘serious harm’ threshold that often enables respondents to more readily dispose of complaints that do not result in significant damage to the claimant’s reputation. The recent decision in Peros v Blackburn highlights one pitfall for parties defending defamation actions in seeking separate ‘serious harm’ hearings in the Federal Court, and raises whether the Federal Court Rules require amendment to better align with the defamation legislation of the states and territories.
The digital age has certainly enhanced our ability to convey information, something that is very important in the building and construction industry. However, technology can also create pitfalls, particularly when it comes to claims under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld), where compliance with technicalities is critical. The case of Iris Broadbeach Pty Ltd v Descon Group Australia Pty Ltd gives a recent illustration.
Business sales are often fertile ground for allegations of contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law, but it will take more than a misleading statement for a court to grant relief. A recent Queensland Court of Appeal case demonstrates a common scenario.
Cooper Grace Ward acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Fast, accurate and flexible entities including companies, self-managed superannuation funds and trusts.