Sam Weston
Clayton Utz
Sam is a recognised specialist in public and administrative law. Adaptable across all public litigation, governance and compliance issues, Sam has a key focus on information law, integrity, governance and accountability. His practical approach allows him to cut through complex subject matter and deliver clear, actionable and commercial advice.
Sam is also frequently called on to assist private sector clients with complex privacy and data breach matters, particularly where regulatory scrutiny, reputational exposure or cross-sector data sharing are involved.
Sam was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 – Government.
Advised Departments and Regulators in relation to complex data sharing arrangements, automated decision-making processes and the use of algorithms and AI in regulatory decision-making processes. This includes advising a national regulator on complex data sharing arrangements which extended across a nationalised regulatory framework and between State and Federal agencies.
Advises Board members of government owned corporations and statutory bodies on conflicts of interest and their obligations to disclose and manage those interests.
Advised in several Department-led and statutory reviews and investigations in the public health system, including the review into the health services provided by Wolston Park Hospital between the 1950s and 1990s, and the Public Health Virology Laboratory Health Service Investigation.
Sam has a key role for Clayton Utz on the Queensland Government’s Incident Response Panel — one of only three firms (and the only law firm) appointed. In 2022, he advised the State on all aspects of its largest reported data incident involving SPER infringement notices, leading the legal response on privacy obligations, regulatory engagement and risk mitigation strategy.
Designed systems for the establishment of a bespoke statutory function exercised by a government owned corporation under the State's renewable energy transition plan. This included advice regarding structuring of the function, designing systems, decision-making processes and manuals.
Advised the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority in responding to notices in the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry.
Frequently assists clients across government and private sectors in managing sensitive integrity-related investigations, including managing whistleblower frameworks and interviewing subject officers and witnesses.
Acted for professional regulators including the Office of the Health Ombudsman in professional disciplinary matters and associated judicial review proceedings.
Advisor to Queensland Government Departments, Government Owned Corporations, Universities, Statutory Authorities and Local Governments and individuals in relation to all aspects of the RTI Act including assistance and advice in respect of complex and contentious RTI access applications; discrete advice on specific issues; internal and external review processes and QCAT appeals.