Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Fifth Floor St James' Hall Chambers is a highly regarded smaller set, long acknowledged for its impressive concentration of specialised, top-tier expertise, and home to two of the most versatile and respected advocates at the New South Wales Bar. It offers especially seasoned expertise in the handling of appellate cases and is also noted for its prowess in administrative and constitutional matters equal to that attained in the commercial sphere. Clerk Caroline Davoren is the key contact here.

Bret Walker SC continues to earn high praise from peers and instructing solicitors alike. He is active across a remarkably broad range of practice areas, and is seen as likely to turn up on any matter of clear significance.

Noel Hutley SC continues to maintain his impressive reputation and is widely regarded as a leader of the Sydney Bar. Although it is widely recognised that he operates across the fullest range of commercial law issues, insolvency matters are known to form a particularly significant component of his practice, and he features on the go-to list of several instructing solicitors. "He is one of the most prominent and capable barristers in Australia." "Noel is a lovely person and absolutely fantastic."

Emma Bathurst has a broad commercial range including expertise in the consumer, corporations and IP law spheres and notable experience of class actions. "She is excellent; no-nonsense, very bright and very hardworking."

Garry Rich SC stands out for his representation, in superior court proceedings including class actions, of household-name companies and financial service providers facing product liability-related or regulatory litigation. Sources regularly testify to the power of his advocacy. "He is excellent, very well-regarded by clients and well-respected by judges." "He rolls up his sleeves on matters."