Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers is a leading and long established barristers’ chambers having been founded over 50 years ago.
The floor’s barristers provide advocacy and legal advice across a range of Australian jurisdictions and appear in trials, appeals, tribunals, inquiries and mediations. The floor has a predominant focus in commercial litigation.
The floor’s members and associate members include 9 senior counsel and 23 junior counsel. A number of the members have been identified by their clients and peers as specialists and leaders in their particular areas of practice.
The floor operates on Gadigal land in Sydney’s Phillip Street court precinct.
Latest News
Welcome Maja CvjetanovicNinth Floor Selborne Chambers is delighted to welcome Maja Cvjetanovic as a reader on the floor.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Maja was a Senior Associate at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, where she acted in a wide range of complex commercial disputes over an eight year period. Her experience includes large scale commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, insolvency matters, regulatory investigations and professional negligence claims.
Prior to joining Quinn Emanuel, Maja practised at Russells & Bartley Cohen and served as Associate to Justice Peter Murphy of the Family Court (Appeal Division). She is also admitted to practise in New York.
Maja accepts briefs in all areas of law and can be contacted on 02 8915 2159 or cvjetanovic@selbornechambers.com.au, or through her Clerk, Ella Baxendale, on 02 8915 2101. More information about Maja, including her CV, can be found here.
We are very pleased to welcome Maja to Chambers and look forward to her contribution during her reading year and in the years ahead. [...]
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Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Junior Counsel – New South Wales, 2026We are pleased to congratulate Jack Hynes and Ben Koch on their inclusion in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide rankings as Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Junior Counsel in New South Wales.
See the full rankings here. [...]
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Best Lawyers 2027We are pleased to celebrate eleven of our barristers who have been recognised in the 19th edition of Best Lawyers for their expertise across a broad range of practice areas.
Congratulations to:
1. The Hon P A Bergin AO SC, Alternative Dispute Resolution
2. The Hon Fabian Gleeson SC, Alternative Dispute Resolution
3. Katrina Howard SC, Intellectual Property Law
4. Andre Zahra SC, Legal Malpractice Litigation
5. Jack Hynes, Insolvency and Reorganisation Law
6. Sam Adair, Insurance Law
7. Ben Koch, Banking and Finance and Insolvency and Reorganisation Law
8. Mark Newton, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Practice and Insurance Law
9. Michael Swanson, Shipping and Maritime Law
10. Frank Tao, Insolvency and Reorganisation Law
11. Sefton Powrie, Insolvency and Reorganisation Law (Ones to Watch)
View the listings here. [...]
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![Crown Group Holdings Pty Ltd [2026] NSWSC 295](https://9selborne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/9Selb-Amir_Chowdhury_10_Low_Thumb.jpg)
Crown Group Holdings Pty Ltd [2026] NSWSC 295The Supreme Court (Black J) recently dismissed an application by the provisional liquidators of the property development group known as the Crown Group. The provisional liquidators sought orders to enable them to cause a payment $3.99m to a company wholly owned by one of two directors of the Crown Group.
Amir Chowdhury led by Christian Bova SC and instructed by Madison Marcus appeared for the Interested Parties opposing the application.
A copy of the judgment can be found here. [...]
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![The Owners – Strata Plan No 87231 v 3A Composites GmbH (No 10) [2026] FCA 351](https://9selborne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/9SC-APR23_23_Sam_Adair_Thumb.jpg)
The Owners – Strata Plan No 87231 v 3A Composites GmbH (No 10) [2026] FCA 351The Federal Court of Australia (Anderson J) has delivered judgment in The Owners – Strata Plan No 87231 v 3A Composites GmbH (No 10) FCA 351, in which Sam Adair appeared (lead by Nicholas Owens SC, now a Judge of the Federal Court, and instructed by Wesley Rose of Wotton Kearney Lawyers) for the successful second respondent, Halifax Vogel Group (HVG).
This was a funded class action concerning the supply and use of two aluminium composite products (ACPs) in the Australian building industry between 2009 and 2019. The applicants claimed that the ACPs did not comply with consumer law guarantees, and also advanced causes of action for misleading conduct in contravention of the Australian Consumer Law and predecessor legislation.
The Court dismissed both actions, rejecting the applicants’ claims that the ACPs were inherently unsafe due to pleaded “risks” and accepting the respondents’ contentions that any of the pleaded “risks” depended on the particular use of the product on any given building.
The case provides useful guidance on matters including the scope of consumer law guarantees, identification of the “reasonable consumer” in consumer guarantee claims, assessment of whether conduct is misleading or deceptive, causation and limitation periods for purposes of s 236(2) of the ACL.
See the full judgment here. [...]
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Welcome John AndersonWe are delighted to welcome John Anderson back to Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers.
Over his nine years at the Bar, John has built a strong and busy commercial practice, with particular expertise in corporations law, corporate and cross border insolvency, banking and finance, and equity and trusts. He is regularly briefed in complex commercial disputes and is well regarded for his clear, practical approach to difficult legal issues.
John can be contacted on 02 8023 9028 or at janderson@selbornechambers.com.au, or through his Clerk, Ella Baxendale, on 02 8915 2101.
Further information on John, including his CV, is available here. [...]
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𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘷 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘮 [2026] FCA 147The Federal Court of Australia (Hespe J) in 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘷 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘮 FCA 147 dismissed an appeal by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) from a decision of the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The primary ground of appeal centred around the construction of s 34(1) of the 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘵 2013 (Cth) (NDIS Act). The NDIA contended at supports funded under the NDIS must relate only to the specific impairments for which a participant would meet the Scheme’s access requirements.
Her Honour held that the impairment in relation to which a participant is granted access to the Scheme need not be the sole cause of the need for a support. Rather, it is sufficient if the relevant impairment is a cause of the need for the support.
The Court’s decision has received national media coverage.
Amir Chowdhury, led by Tom Liu (7 Wentworth Selborne), appeared for the successful participant, Mr Eastham. Tom and Amir were instructed by the Justice and Equity Centre.
A copy of the judgment is available at this link. [...]
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Leading Transport Law Junior Counsel – Australia, 2026Congratulations to Michael Swanson for his inclusion in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Leading Transport Law Junior Counsel – Australia, 2026. [...]
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Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2026We are delighted to announce the inclusion of our barristers in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide 2026.
Katrina Howard SC is recognised for her expertise in Intellectual Property, while Andre Zahra SC and Thomas Bagley are ranked in Commercial Disputes.
Clients and peers have highlighted Andre’s sharp analytical skills: “He has a very quick mind and the ability to summarise the strengths and weaknesses of a client’s case quickly.”
Thomas is celebrated for his clarity and persuasiveness: “Thomas’ ability to condense complex and difficult legal concepts to an understandable and persuasive submission (written and oral) is extremely impressive.”
Congratulations to Katrina, Andre and Thomas on this well-deserved recognition. [...]
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End of YearAs the year comes to a close, Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers thanks our members, solicitors and clients for your continued support. We wish you a happy, restful and festive holiday.
Please note that Chambers will operate on reduced hours over the festive period. Our last day of operating will be Tuesday 23 December 2025. Chambers will reopen on Thursday 8 January with limited hours, gradually returning to usual hours of 8am to 5:30pm from 27 January 2026. [...]
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X-ExaminationWe are pleased to share the latest episode of X-Examination, in which Giles Stapleton sits down with his Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers colleague, Richard Gration, Barrister and Specialist Reserve Legal Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force. Their discussion explores how international law operates in practice, far beyond the headlines and public assumptions.
Key topics covered include AUKUS and Australia’s strategic posture, the workings of the UN Security Council, grey zone conflict, the ICC’s role in pursuing heads of state, and the day-to-day work of ADF lawyers. They also reflect on investigations such as the Brereton Report and how they unfold in practice.
This is the fourth episode of the podcast, following three earlier instalments. You can listen on YouTube or Spotify. [...]
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Welcome Brodie MillingtonNinth Floor Selborne Chambers is pleased to welcome our new reader, Brodie Millington.
Brodie joins us from Banton Group, where he was a Senior Associate specialising in complex litigation. He has particular experience in class actions, construction and commercial disputes, including the S&P Global, Heavy Plant Leasing, Forge Group and Arrium proceedings. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of New South Wales.
Brodie accepts briefs in all areas of law and can be contacted on 02 8915 2158 or millington@selbornechambers.com.au, or through his Clerk, Ella Baxendale, on 02 8915 2101. More information on Brodie, including his CV, can be found here.
We warmly welcome Brodie to Chambers and look forward to his contribution during his reading year and beyond. [...]
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Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Senior Counsel – New South Wales, 2025Congratulations to Michelle Painter SC for her inclusion in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Leading Wills & Estates Litigation Senior Counsel – New South Wales, 2025.
See the full list here. [...]
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Leading Class Actions Barristers – Australia, 2025Congratulations to Mark Hoffmann KC, Thomas Bagley and Blake O’Connor for their inclusion in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Leading Class Action Barristers, Australia 2025.
See the full list here. [...]
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Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Junior Counsel – New South Wales, 2025Congratulations to Jack Hynes, Ben Koch and Frank Tao for their inclusion in the Doyle’s Guide rankings for Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Junior Counsel – New South Wales, 2025.
See the full list here. [...]
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![Yeng & Sun [2025] FedCFamC1A 106](https://9selborne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/9SC_Giles-Stapleton_001-BG_Thumb.jpg)
Yeng & Sun [2025] FedCFamC1A 106The Appeals Division of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Div 1 (McClelland DCJ, Gill & Brasch JJ) has delivered judgment in Yeng & Sun FedCFamC1A 106 in which Giles Stapleton appeared (instructed by Jason Neo of Longton Legal) for the successful appellant.
The appeal was from an exercise of discretion resulting in final orders that divided a c.$18 million matrimonial property pool in equal proportions. The appellant contended the primary judge erred by assessing the contributions of the parties to the marriage as equal and that the reasons given for that were inadequate.
The Court found that in the absence of evidence that the appellant’s mother intended to gift $5 million to both parties, it was unreasonable to find the money was a contribution by both parties, rather than by just the husband. The outcome was the parties have been invited to make further submissions about whether the Court should re-exercise the discretion or remit the matter for re-hearing.
See the full judgment here. [...]
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Doyle’s Guide 2025 – Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution NSWCongratulations to Jack Hynes and Ben Koch on their inclusion in the 2025 Doyle’s Guide as Leading Junior Counsel in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution – New South Wales.
We are pleased to see two members of Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers recognised for their expertise.
View the full listing here. [...]
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Welcome, the Hon Fabian Gleeson SCWe are pleased to welcome back The Hon Fabian Gleeson SC to Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers, following his recent retirement from the NSW Court of Appeal.
Mr Gleeson SC is now available to accept appointments with respect to arbitrations, mediations, expert determinations and facilitations.
For all enquiries relating to Mr Gleeson SC’s practice, please contact his clerk, Ella Baxendale, on (02) 8915 2101 or ebaxendale@selbornechambers.com.au. [...]
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Global Law Experts 2025We are delighted to share that Katrina Howard SC has been named Patent Law Expert of the Year in Australia – 2025 by Global Law Experts.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to Katrina’s outstanding expertise, unwavering dedication and deep commitment to excellence in intellectual property law.
All of us at Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers are proud to celebrate this well-deserved accolade. Congratulations, Katrina! [...]
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Best Lawyers 2025Congratulations to our eight barristers who were featured in 2025 edition of Best Lawyers for their expertise in various areas of law:
1. The Hon P A Bergin AO SC – Alternative Dispute Resolution
2. Katrina Howard SC – Intellectual Property Law
3. Jack Hynes – Insolvency and Reorganisation Law
4. Mark Newton – Insurance Law
5. Michael Swanson – Shipping and Maritime Law
6. Frank Tao – Insolvency and Reorganisation Law
7. Josh Sukkar – featured on the Ones to Watch list for Insurance Law
8. Andrew Berriman – also featured on the Ones to Watch list for International Arbitration and Litigation
See the listings here. [...]
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Former Members
Prominent former members of Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers include:
- The Hon TF Bathurst AC
- Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of NSW
- Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Joan Beazley AC QC
- Governor of New South Wales
- Former President of the NSW Court of Appeal
- The Hon Justice Fabian Gleeson
- NSW Court of Appeal
- The Hon Justice Mark Livesey
- President of the Court of Appeal, South Australia
- The Hon Justice Jack Austell Lee
- Chief Judge at Common Law, Supreme Court of NSW
- The Hon Judge Robert Montgomery
- District Court of NSW
For further information about any of our barristers, or the practice and history of the floor, please contact our Clerk:
Ella Baxendale
Email: ebaxendale@selbornechambers.com.au
Tel: 02 8915 2101
Former Members
Prominent former members of Ninth Floor Selborne Chambers include:
- The Hon TF Bathurst AC
- Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of NSW
- Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Joan Beazley AC QC
- Governor of New South Wales
- Former President of the NSW Court of Appeal
- The Hon Justice Fabian Gleeson
- NSW Court of Appeal
- The Hon Justice Mark Livesey
- President of the Court of Appeal, South Australia
- The Hon Justice Jack Austell Lee
- Chief Judge at Common Law, Supreme Court of NSW
- The Hon Judge Robert Montgomery
- District Court of NSW
For further information about any of our barristers,
or the practice and history of the floor, please
contact our Clerk:
Ella Baxendale
Email: ebaxendale@selbornechambers.com.au
Tel: 02 8915 2101
