John Langmead graduated in law from Melbourne University in 1986 with first class honours. (Bachelor of Arts - University of New England 1979)
He was an articled clerk at Phillips Fox in 1987.
He read with Gordon Ritter QC and Ross Macaw QC in 1988.
He took silk in November 2001.
He enjoys a broad general practice, and appears in all superior courts (trial and appellate levels). He is regularly briefed to provide advice. He has long experience in the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
He is a specialist in the area of contempt of court. He has prosecuted many cases in this area, regularly provided advice, and appeared in numerous appeals including to the High Court. In 2009 he was briefed by the Attorney General of Samoa to prosecute contempt charges in that jurisdiction.
He conducts mediations.
John is a leading practitioner in aviation law in Australia. He regularly appears in this field in Victoria and interstate. He acts for litgants from all sectors of the aviation industry, for regulatory bodies, and for local and overseas insurers. John holds a commercial pilot licence (fixed wing). He held a grade 1 instructor rating (fixed wing) for 16 years. He has in excess of 2,700 hours flying experience and is endorsed on single and multi-engine aircraft. He holds an aerobatic approval.
Inquests: he has acted as counsel assisting the Coroner on numerous occasions. He has appeared at inquests for the Australian Army, and for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. He has appeared in aviation related inquests in Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales.
In 2010 John did a solo ride around Australia on his BMW R1200GS motorbike.
In February 2017 he swam across the Rip (Port Phillip Heads) from Point Nepean to Point Lonsdale.
Next summer John will compete in his 22nd Pier to Pub ocean swimming race at Lorne.