Catherine Dermody

Elizabeth (Liz) specialises in all aspects of trade mark protection including selecting, searching, applying for and prosecuting trade mark applications (local and international). Liz has an extensive opposition and non-use practice and has exceptional knowledge and expertise in running opposition matters through to Hearing in the Trade Marks Office. Liz started the firm working in Davies Collison Cave Law Pty Ltd in 2000, working in all areas of IP litigation for 10 years before moving to th...

One of Australia’s leading estate planning lawyers, Bernie has over 40 years’ experience advising individuals, family groups and businesses on all aspects of estate and business succession. Often acting as advisor to prominent families, Bernie’s knowledge of family trusts, superannuation and estate and elder law enables him to provide clear, practical solutions for clients with complex family and asset structures. He is often asked to provide a second opinion on existing suc...

Neil has more than 20 years' experience advising on all aspects of commercial dispute resolution. Neil's experience includes commercial litigation, banking and finance, insurance, insolvency, directors and officers claims, and claims under the Competition and Consumer Act and the Corporations Act. Neil regularly appears in the Supreme and Federal Courts and on behalf of clients during ASIC examinations. His clients include leading financial institutions, accountants, and corporate entities op...

Adam Laidlaw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Adam, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Adam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ian is a Principal in the Trade Mark Group. His areas of practice encompass all aspects of trade mark searching and clearance for use, registration, oppositions and advice in relation to trade mark enforcement internationally. He has handled trade mark matters in most countries worldwide, including directly before the Australian, United Kingdom, European Community Trade Mark, New Zealand and Pacific Island Trade Marks Offices. Ian represents both local and international clients with business ...

Noel advises his clients on commercial disputes and related matters including banking and finance, insolvency, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), ASIC and other regulatory issues. Noel’s clients include public and private companies, banks and other financial institutions, insolvency practitioners, manufacturers, and a significant number of large and small businesses and accountants.

Andrew George is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Andrew, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John has more than 25 years’ experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer. Having worked on deals in Australasia, Europe and the United States, John has extensive corporate and funds transactional experience. Primarily, his work has focused on property fund mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and secondary capital raisings, fund restructurings, and the launch of wholesale and retail syndicates and joint ventures. He has substantial experience in structuring, managing a...

John Spender is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. John, who practices law in Melbourne, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Andrew acts for technology companies, Cooperative Research Centres, universities, agribusinesses and major corporates on technology transactions, IP commercialisation and regulatory matters. His clients span AgTech, life sciences and environmental technology, as well as logistics, defence and consumer goods businesses. Andrew advises on technology transactions, commercialisation of intellectual property, research and development agreements, commercial agreements and information technology. He...