Background
Through his articles and time as a solicitor, Steven developed a thorough and practical comprehension of business operation and commercial transactions through acting for small and medium-sized enterprises and joint venture partnerships, and by providing complex advice on tax-effective restructuring, corporate reconstruction, and commercial transactions.
Type of practice
Steven has a broad commercial practice at the Bar, encompassing advice and appearances at both trial and appellate level in all jurisdictions. Steven's practice is largely focussed on contractual disputes, consumer law, insolvency, property law, and State taxation.
Beyond his written commercial advice, Steven provides advice on State taxation matters insofar as they relate to taxes levied on real property, including drawing and settling objections to tax assessments and advising on the tax consequences of property transactions.
Teaching / academic roles
In recent years, Steven has taught the College of Law's two day Advocacy Workshops. For his first 10 years at the Bar he taught State Revenue Law, Company Practice, Commercial Settlements and Trusts Law for the Leo Cussen Centre for Law.
He has also lectured for the Taxation Institute of Australia in subjects such as structures, individual taxation, and loans (among others). Steven has also been employed sessionally for Civil Procedure at Monash University and the Australian Catholic University.
Pro bono work
Steven’s practice is enriched through his acceptance of pro bono referrals through Justice Connect and his participation as lecturer and chair for Legalwise seminars.
Steven has devoted considerable time to chairing a not-for-profit Board, as well as volunteering for the Cancer Council of Australia.