I am a commercial barrister and King’s Counsel specialising in complex disputes and transactional advice, particularly in the banking and finance, insurance and securities sectors.
I have a large class action practice, and have acted in numerous securities class actions for ASX-listed entities including NAB, WorleyParsons, BHP, Newcrest, Murray Goulburn, UGL, and UBS. Securities class actions are both a growth area and in a dynamic state of development, and my clients trust me to steer them through this rapidly evolving landscape.
I make it a priority to understand my client’s business and appreciate the commercial, strategic and human considerations which inform the way a matter should be conducted and the client’s perspective on what might represent a ‘good outcome’. My appreciation of the ‘boardroom perspective’ has been enhanced by NED roles, including as Chair of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and current directorship of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare.
I am also past President of the Victorian Bar and of the Commercial Bar Association.
I have significant experience in banking and finance, including acting for National Australia Bank in the Financial Services Royal Commission and in the bank bill swap rate litigation brought by ASIC, and in the context of many large-scale insolvencies.
I am sought out for my appellate advocacy. This is an area where I have often appeared in cases outside the commercial context, where specialist advocacy skills are required. I have also acted in a significant number of matters in the original jurisdiction of the High Court and in its appellate jurisdiction.
Sharon Cook, Chief Legal & Commercial Counsel, National Australia Bank Ltd says:
“NAB briefs Wendy in many of our significant matters and I have worked closely with her in my role as the Chief Legal and Commercial Counsel. I appreciate, in particular, Wendy’s–
- deep knowledge of financial services law and the workings of the financial services sector
- deep understanding of NAB’s business
- understanding of NAB’s commercial and reputational drivers, and the commercial lens she brings to her advice
- clarity of written and oral advice and the confidence and trust she engenders in senior management and directors
- diligence, capacity for hard work and excellent organisational skills
- calmness, composure and genuine concern for the wellbeing of the legal and business team instructing her
- collaborative approach to working with the NAB Legal team and the business.”