Adam practices predominantly in taxation, wills and estates, equity and trusts, and administration.

Taxation

Adam accepts briefs to appear both for taxpayers and the Commissioner in federal and state tax matters. 

He also has a tax advisory practice focused on helping tax and other professionals resolve the most complex issues and deal with revenue authorities efficiently and effectively.

Adam has a particular interest in being briefed in tax disputes during the audit or objection phase, and in helping to avoid litigation. In this regard, he has a strong understanding of the pre-litigation law and processes relating to the Commissioner’s information gathering powers, taxpayer interviews, the amendment of assessments, objections to assessments, and penalties and interest.

At the federal level, Adam has a special interest in matters involving trusts, private companies, deceased estates, and transfer pricing. At the state level, he is especially interested in duties exemptions.

Adam is also uniquely qualified to accept briefs concerning director penalty notices, having been responsible for overseeing the implementation of significant legislative changes to the regime in 2012, and he is experienced in dealing with freezing orders.

Succession law

Adam’s tax practice has a natural connection with succession law. He is particularly interested in matters involving complex structures.

Adam accepts briefs to advise on and appear in disputes concerning wills and estates (especially TFM claims) and to appear in VCAT in administration matters.

Commercial law

Adam accepts briefs in commercial disputes in all Courts and Tribunals in the following areas of law: bankruptcy and insolvency, contract, the sale of goods, corporations and securities law, consumer law, building disputes, property, and superannuation.

Experience and qualifications

Adam has worked at the ATO and Commonwealth Treasury, and in an accounting firm. He has advised in relation to tax disputes and rulings; dealt with both publicly listed and large private taxpayers; advised on the commercial arrangements critical to the application of the tax law; and led the policy development and/or law design of new tax measures.

Adam is also an experienced leader and manager who has been responsible for managing large projects, budgets and teams.

Adam has a Master of Taxation from the University of Melbourne.

Adam read with Dr Julianne Jaques SC.