Barry & Nilsson

Barry & Nilsson is a Brisbane-based law firm recognised throughout Australia as a leader in each of its 3 areas of specialisation - Insurance, Commercial & Property and Family Law. Our deliberate focus on 3 areas of law means our clients benefit from lawyers with industry-based expertise coupled with service standards that exceed expectations. This focus also provides the basis for our "employer of choice" status.
Taking the law out of the playground

Robert Samut, an Insurance team partner, recently presented a paper highlighting litigation developments for schools, childcare centres and kindergartens.

Punitive damages - developments in the US

We look at the Exxon Valdez decision. This case has potentially significant implications for punitive damages in the US, and arguably beyond. If anything in the law is capable of globalisation, it is punitive damages, which are not compensatory in nature but rather designed to punish the wrongdoer. Click here to read on.

CGU Insurance Limited v Porthouse

The High Court decision of CGU Insurance Limited v Porthouse has received only slightly less publicity than the Australian Olympic Swim Team in recent times. Our review of the decision of the High Court and what we see to be its implications are the subject of this alert. Click here to read on.

When one disclosure statement is probably not enough

A recent decision by the Retail Shop Leases Tribunal deals with the issue of whether a landlord is obliged to provide further or amended disclosure statements when there are any significant changes in circumstances prior to the signing of a lease. To read more click here

Queensland Government cuts transfer duty for first homebuyers

From 1 September 2008, first homebuyers will not pay transfer duty on homes valued up to $500,000 (previously $350,000). To read more click here

Hamilton v Armitage & Anor [2006]

The Queensland Supreme Court interprets section 38(2) of the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994, in particular a tenant's obligation to pay proportion of Outgoings. To read more click here

Mandatory registration of leases

Our partner Cameron Graham was recently invited to make a submission to the Productivity Commission’s public hearing in Brisbane on the Market for Retail Tenancy Leases in Australia. Read a copy of his submissions here
Constructive trusts and property disputes

Equity is a powerful tool in the hands of a party to a family property dispute. Read Adam Cooper's paper examining the issue of constructive trusts and property disputes.

Defacto legislation a worry for business?

Special Counsel, Adam Cooper was recently interviewed by Richard Szabo for Legal Business Online magazine. Adam gives his views on the proposed changes to defacto legislation and its possible flow-on effect for companies and third parties. To read the article, click here.

De facto financial disputes come to the Federal Courts

On 25 June 2008 the Family Law Amendment (De Facto Financial and Other Measures) Bill 2008 (the Bill) was introduced to the federal parliament. If passed, the Bill will introduce a number of landmark changes to the Family Law Act 1975 (the Act). Click here to read on