Dispute Resolution: The Bar

Level Twenty Seven Chambers is widely regarded as being pre-eminent in Brisbane, its 40-plus members also making it the city's largest set. The set offers a comprehensive range of practice area capabilities, and members experienced in all forms of dispute resolution at state, Commonwealth and international levels. It also enjoys a particularly high reputation for the quality of its construction-related expertise. It regularly receives a particularly large body of positive interviewee feedback, with one source referring to it as "one of the strongest chambers sets in Australia and in Queensland." Another interviewee praises the set's ability to operate as a team: "My overall impression is that they work cohesively and professionally and can rely on each other for support." Level Twenty Seven's administrative team is headed by practice manager Daniel Perry.

Michael Trim offers experience in construction matters, often relating to disputes arising from major projects, acquired not only in more than one Australian jurisdiction but also in London. He is also extremely familiar with the kinds of issues generated by energy and resources, retail and residential developments alike. "Michael Trim is an excellent constructions barrister with significant experience. He is one of the few senior-junior genuine construction barristers practising."

Paul McQuade KC has practised in insolvency law for over 30 years, prior to which he was a chartered accountant for five years, and operates across the full spectrum of corporate and personal insolvency concerns. "Paul McQuade is the pre-eminent insolvency lawyer. His knowledge in insolvency law is outstanding."

Shane Doyle KC continues to be widely regarded as the leader of the Queensland Bar. He operates across the greater part of the disputes spectrum, being as highly regarded in the construction and insolvency spheres as in the general commercial space. "Shane is the best lawyer in Queensland. He controls the courtroom and has a reputation for winning which has few equals in our state." "Shane is easily one of Australia's top commercial silks, and he is for many of my clients the go-to resource, a first-choice silk."

Claire Schneider's largely construction and infrastructure-focused practice embraces particularly extensive experience of representing clients in cases concerning major energy and resources projects, including appearances not only in the Australian courts, but also before foreign-seated arbitration panels. "Claire has a name nationally in the construction space. I am aware that she has just spent the last couple of years working on one of the largest pieces of construction litigation in the country." "She is super-smart, hard-working and got across complicated matters quickly."

Damian Clothier KC manages a varied and versatile caseload which often includes matters involving the resources sector or those with environmental, insolvency or professional negligence angles. "He is well regarded in most practice areas. We seek his advice for difficult matters."

Florence Chen maintains a broad commercial practice with a focus on tax disputes before the Federal Court and the Australian Tax Office. She has familiarity with stamp duty, superannuation and income tax. "Florence is very knowledgeable and easy to deal with. She isn't afraid to put the hard work into preparation and is very good with clients." "Florence is an intelligent, efficient and hard-working counsel; however, I was most impressed by the quality of her work and her attention to detail."

Mark Robertson KC is a well-established and respected tax specialist, noted both for his exhaustive knowledge of the practice area and for the variety of the matters he handles. His experience covers the representation not only of major corporates and high net worth individuals, but also of tax authorities at both Commonwealth and state levels.

Stewart Webster operates in the construction, energy and resources, and financial services areas, as well as several other fields within a broad-ranging remit. "Stewart Webster is probably the best junior in Queensland and should be a KC. He is strategic, highly intelligent and, importantly, wins cases." "He is the leading junior counsel in Queensland."

Michael May's work addresses a broad range of commercial and administrative law dispute types, class actions and insolvency or tax-related issues having lately occupied much of his attention. "Michael has strong technical ability and excellent advocacy skills." "Michael is brilliant and someone I would strongly endorse. He is meticulous."