Tort and trade practices: A tort and trade practices litigator, Andrew has developed expertise in the related areas of product liability, complex personal injury, health law and class actions. His prior experience includes defending medical and dental practitioners on instructions from mutual schemes, private insurers and the defence committee of professional associations.
Federal Court of Australia: Andrew has significant experience in the conduct of representative (class) actions in the Federal Court of Australia and consumer protection claims under Parts V and VA of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth). His experience in tort-based group litigation includes most of the major Australian product-related class actions involving intrauterine contraceptives, breast implants, diet pills, anti-acne medication and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Private enforcement class action: Andrew led the defence in Australia's largest resolved private enforcement class action arising from alleged anti-competitive conduct in the international vitamins industry during the 1990s. This action, which commenced before the ACCC had even begun penalty proceedings, was successfully reduced from a claim on behalf of the entire Australian human and animal nutrition supply chains (which included every Australian consumer) to a selected group of vitamins in the animal sector only. In October 2006 the Federal Court approved a closed sum settlement scheme under which the respondents made commercial contributions without admission of liability.
Motor vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers: Andrew acts for Australian and international motor vehicle and motorcycle manufacturers with regards to product liability and owner care issues.
Defence of dust diseases claims: Andrew is also experienced in the defence of dust diseases claims in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the NSW Dust Diseases Tribunal and the Supreme Court of South Australia, especially those associated with occupational exposure to asbestos and wood dust. Andrew and his team assist the firm's Australian and international clients sued in these difficult proceedings and in relation to insurance archaeology.
On this basis, Andrew assists the firm's major corporate clients in managing reputation and market-sensitive elements of their business so easily affected by product-related concerns and the prospect of group and representative claims.
