DOMINO'S CLASS ACTION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate at Phi Finney McDonald
- Founding President of the African Australian Legal Network
Amani is an Associate at Phi Finney McDonald with experience in large-scale commercial litigation as well as not-for-profit management and community legal work.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Amani was associate to the Honourable Justice O'Bryan in the Federal Court of Australia, working on major commercial disputes as well as class actions and a range of competition, public law, intellectual property, regulatory and other matters. Before that, Amani worked in large-scale projects litigation at commercial law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth. Amani has also volunteered at community legal centres and worked in the Victorian public service.
Alongside their legal work, Amani is the founding president of the African Australian Legal Network, the first body established in Australia dedicated to the advancement of African Australians in the law. It seeks to create opportunities for African Australian lawyers as well as advocating for just treatment of the African Australian community by the law more broadly.
Job Titles:
- Head of Client Engagement
Andreas brings over 21 years of Operational and Client Services experience to PFM.
Over this period, he has worked at some of the world's largest Custodial Banks and Fund Managers including Macquarie, Deutsche Bank, Royal Bank of Canada and Schroders. Most of his career has been spent in the Global Securities Class Action Aggregator sector. More recently, in 2013 he relocated from London to Melbourne to head up the Asia Pacific Operations for Goal Group Australia and was responsible for the Business Development and Operational functions in the region.
As Head of Client Engagement, Andreas will be using all of his experience to develop our Operations and Clients Services area into the best of breed in our industry. We are focused on our relationships with our partners and clients, from our largest to our smallest.
Angus joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2018, and has supported senior lawyers to facilitate the efficient conduct of commercial litigation and pro bono matters, in addition to investigating potential claims.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Angus was Research Leader at an organisation that advocated for the next generation of Australian businesses. Over that time, Angus was able to draw on his university background in sustainability and commerce to co-author the company's triennial policy document, which provided a blueprint for a more sustainable and prosperous future economy.
Angus has completed his Juris Doctor at Monash University, having previously completed bachelor's degrees in commerce and arts, and plans to use his qualifications to provide aggrieved Australians with more accessible pathways to justice.
Education
Juris Doctor, Monash University
Bachelor of Commerce, Monash University
Bachelor of Arts, Monash University
Annabelle is committed to seeking legal redress on behalf of persons who face barriers to justice and to ensuring that corporations are held accountable to stakeholders for their environmental, social and governance impacts.
Annabelle has 16 years of litigious and non-litigious legal experience in human rights, environmental justice, planning law and product stewardship. In particular, she has advised and represented First Nations Peoples in the recognition and management of their land and cultural heritage rights and represented Local Government Authorities and individuals in planning law matters.
Drawn to the need for regenerative solutions for the state of our environment, Annabelle volunteered her legal expertise to environmental organisations both in Australia and the United States. These experiences generated a passion to pursuit meaningful product stewardship and consumer rights to alleviate the environmental impacts of unsustainable production.
Annabelle is skilled at bringing different disciplines together to seek novel solutions for clients and consequently has presented at international and national conferences to discuss her work.
As senior associate in our Sydney office, Annabelle investigates new class actions, assists in the progression of existing matters and mentors junior lawyers.
Ben Phi - Managing Director
Ben Phi is one of Australia's leading plaintiff class action lawyers, having achieved almost half a billion dollars in settlements.
While he has specialised in shareholder class actions, Ben's expertise extends across all areas of complex, high value and multi-party litigation. This includes financial advice and product claims, shareholder and director disputes, executive employment litigation, and common law personal injury claims.
In his previous role, Ben oversaw the growth and management of one of Australia's most successful class action teams. As Managing Director, Ben is ultimately responsible for the firm's strategy, policies and procedures.
His aim is to ensure that Phi Finney McDonald becomes synonymous with strong claims brought with skill and efficiency, and is recognised for its impeccable client service. By creating a dynamic, flexible and fun workplace culture, he intends to make Phi Finney McDonald the employer of choice for talented lawyers and support staff that want to make the world a better place.
Brett Spiegel is a senior class action litigator with 20 years of legal experience, and a commitment to bringing justice to those hurt by corporate malfeasance.
A qualified lawyer in Australia and the United States, Brett has prosecuted complex and challenging cases in the fields of public health, mass tort, institutional abuse, the environment, and shareholder claims, achieving over $400m in judgments and settlements. His Australian class action experience includes claims in respect of Thalidomide, Vioxx, Manus Island, Brookland Greens, and Fairbridge Farm School, and a number of shareholder class actions.
In addition to his experience at a large Australian plaintiff law firm and a U.S. commercial law firm, Brett served as a Trial Lawyer for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he worked on the landmark case of U.S. v Philip Morris, and as a Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Cameron Myers is a versatile litigator who has worked on high-profile, large-scale matters in Australia and the United Kingdom.
His group litigation experience includes bushfire litigation, financial advice and product claims, employment disputes and industrial disease cases. He also has a wealth of common law personal injury litigation experience most recently having acted for UK survivors of the drug thalidomide.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Cameron was an Associate in the London Group Litigation and Melbourne Class Actions departments of a large plaintiff law firm.
As a Special Counsel, Cameron focuses on progressing the firm's litigation projects through the production of high quality legal work, while also playing an active role in the supervision and professional development of the firm's junior lawyers and paralegal teams.
Education
LLB, BA, Monash University
GDLP, College of Law
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate at Phi Finney McDonald
Cassandra Evans is a skilled plaintiff lawyer who seeks to promote accountability and justice in achieving the best outcomes for clients.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Cassandra worked as the Associate to the Hon Justice Keogh at the Supreme Court of Victoria. Here she worked on a number of common law personal injuries and judicial review cases, as well as the criminal prosecutions of coal mine operators in relation to the Hazelwood mine fire of 2014. Before that, Cassandra practiced in employment law, acting for private individuals and union members in upholding their rights against employers. Her experience in bringing numerous individual claims for entitlements, unfair dismissal and adverse action instilled a drive to represent the interests of those who are wronged on a larger scale through class actions litigation.
As an Associate at Phi Finney McDonald, Cassandra brings her litigation skills to assist in the conduct of ongoing matters, as well as investigating new class actions.
Education
LLB and BA (Politics), Monash University
GDLP, College of Law
Craig is widely regarded as one of Australia's pre-eminent data and information technology professionals. Craig is an expert in IT forensics and data interrogation with 25 years of experience. He has worked on and managed teams on a range of computer forensic, electronic discovery and data analytic engagements across Australia and South East Asia.
Craig is a leading innovator, in Australia and globally, in the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in investigations and legal matters.
Craig joins Phi Finney McDonald from KordaMentha, where he worked on a number of significant engagements involving the use of data and technology to allow informed decision making, and to improve efficiency in the management of electronic information. He has been engaged in expert and consulting roles by plaintiffs and defendant firms in relation to significant legal matters, including some of the larger class actions.
Danielle Dale has 28 years experience across general law and previously worked at a large plaintiff law firm for 21 years. During this time Danielle was able to develop and gain important knowledge in business strategies. Danielle's entry into law was at a junior level and she has worked tirelessly to become an inaugural part of the business.
Danielle's knowledge in relation to mergers and acquisitions including restructure projects and integration includes the implementation of business processes and policies which has led to her role today as Business Analyst at Phi Finney McDonald.
Danielle's significant achievements include implementation of document and financial management systems as well as managing staff at a national level. Danielle has also been an integral part in assisting general managers and stakeholders achieve financial and productivity goals and targets.
Danielle's strengths are her strong understanding of practice operations, practice group processes and billing management. Danielle's ability to overcome complex problems and issues within any business has been an important part of her journey which included her high degree of adaptability and flexibility in periods of significant organisational change. Her pragmatic and consultative approach and ability to engage with different levels of staff enabled her to achieve great success.
David has 20 years working in IT and Legal, working as a highly qualified and experienced Solutions Architect with specialist skills in database and accounting systems for the legal industry.
Having worked for both a large established firm and new start-up firm prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, David is equally adept at implementing large scale software and reporting solutions, or at designing and building his own. David's addition to the Phi Finney McDonald team will help deliver maximum benefit from the firm's significant technology investment, and his relaxed but driven approach sees him well placed to make a meaningful contribution to the firm's culture, vision and goals going forward.
Diana is a senior lawyer, with over 15 years of commercial litigation experience.
Diana has acted in wide variety of complex commercial litigation matters on behalf of individuals, corporations, and large groups. She has significant trial and appeal court experience, gained in a broad range of jurisdictions. She has particular expertise in shareholder class actions and individual shareholder disputes, regulatory proceedings, professional negligence claims, trust disputes, and contractual disputes.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Diana was a Principal Lawyer at a large law firm, where she worked on class actions and commercial litigation matters. Diana's experience also includes time working for the Insolvency Service in the United Kingdom.
Education
BA, LLB University of Tasmania.
Dominic is a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant who brings a multidisciplinary and commercial approach to all his work.
Dominic joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2020 and works across a range of matters including large scale and complex shareholder class actions. Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Dominic worked in Audit & Assurance, developing a strong background in financial analysis and technical accounting.
Dominic's background provides him with a unique skillset and perspective to his work at Phi Finney McDonald and to his clients. Dominic is passionate about corporate accountability, economic justice for claimants, and how class actions can be used to achieve these aims.
Grace Cisternino has over 20 years experience across various areas of law. Starting her career as a legal assistant in a fast paced criminal law firm and a 2 year stint in an Adelaide insurance firm, Grace went on to further her experience at a large plaintiff law firm.
It was here Grace spent almost 15 years as the Support Team Leader for their Commercial and Class Action Departments. During this role Grace became a mentor to lawyers, assistants and paralegals guiding their performance and workload.
Grace has a natural ability of engaging with people from all walks of life and is passionate about ensuring everyone is enjoying their role within the business. Grace brings these strengths to Phi Finney McDonald as our HR Coordinator assisting in recruitment, employee relations, training and inductions.
Outside of the office Grace is the mother of 2 children and is passionate about achieving work life balance for herself as well as her co-workers.
Grahame is an experienced lawyer with a broad career history. He takes pride in working with the team to secure the best possible outcome for clients and to find innovative solutions to barriers to justice.
Grahame is a Senior Associate in the Melbourne office and works on large, complex litigation. He is a passionate advocate for the victims of corporate and government misconduct. He has particular interest in corporate accountability, environmental litigation, and litigation focusing on the rights of workers.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Grahame was associate to his Honour Justice Murphy in the Federal Court of Australia, where he worked on a number of class action proceedings including the landmark Money Max common fund decision, as well as a range of public law and regulatory matters. Before that, Grahame was a solicitor at a government law firm where he provided strategic legal advice on complex and sensitive legal issues to senior members of Victoria Police. He is experienced in making public interest immunity claims and in dealing with confidential and high profile material. Grahame has also worked as a criminal and environmental law researcher and has volunteered at a community legal centre, and at human rights and environmental organisations.
Education
Juris Doctor, Melbourne Law School
Job Titles:
- General Counsel / Principal Lawyer
Helen Leaf is an experienced major projects litigator, working in both commercial litigation and class actions.
Helen Leaf has acted in a range of high profile matters, including some of the largest document-intensive cases in Victoria. Having project managed all aspects of some significant multi-party commercial litigation actions, Helen is adept at working through the nuances of civil procedure.
Helen has a particular interest in connecting with the needs of claimants to facilitate and improve access to justice. In this regard Helen has undertaken a Masters of Social Work (Qualifying), and advocated as a social worker and lawyer for support of individuals who have experienced major trauma, and plaintiffs pursuing claims through various courts of law.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Helen worked on the administration of a major class action settlement distribution scheme at Maurice Blackburn. Helen commenced her legal career in the commercial litigation department of Blake Dawson Waldron (now Ashurst), and has proven herself as a versatile operator.
At Phi Finney McDonald, Helen is working on various class actions, mentoring more junior team members, and assisting with practice needs.
Education
LLB (Hons), University of Melbourne
BA, University of Melbourne
MSW(Q), Monash University
As a plaintiff class action lawyer, Jack Gracie is keen to ensure that all individuals are afforded access to justice.
In his previous role at Maurice Blackburn, Jack was responsible for managing individual claims against banks and financial advisers arising from negligent and inappropriate financial advice. He has worked on shareholder class actions against financial institutions, insurers, vocational education providers and construction companies.
Jack's experience has shown him that strong advocacy is required if the legal system is to work for everyone - not just for those who can afford it. To this end, class actions are an essential mechanism through which individuals who suffer damage can seek justice and recover compensation. His abiding interest in the role of litigation funders in facilitating access to justice is informed by his university studies.
At Phi Finney McDonald, Jack investigates new class actions, assists in the efficient conduct of ongoing matters, and vigorously pursues social and economic justice for his clients.
Education
LLB (Hons), Australian National University
GDLP, College of Law
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Accounting Professional Who Has Provided Consulting Expert
James Hyden is an experienced accounting professional who has provided consulting expert services on several large commercial class actions.
James has accumulated more than 15 years of forensic and investigative accounting experience in the United States and Australia, and has worked on several class actions including claims against insurers, directors and trustees.
James started his career at Grant Thornton, before moving to KordaMentha where he provided accounting and expert services to high profile law firms and their clients. James then worked as an investigating accountant in the class actions group of one of Australia's largest plaintiff law firms.
At Phi Finney McDonald, James draws on his accounting and forensics background to investigate claims and to assist lawyers in understanding complex accounting issues. James works alongside the Directors as the Chief Financial Officer drawing on his strong financial and operational understanding of the Class Action space.
Education
BBus(Acc), RMIT
Grad Dip (ICAA)
Job Titles:
- Practice Support Manager at Phi Finney McDonald
Jenna Alexander is a Practice Support Manager, with almost 10 years of experience in a client-facing environment.
Jenna has exceptional organisational skills and a proven track record of nurturing high performing teams. Working in the tertiary education sector, Jenna provided leadership and support to staff and championed the personal development of members of her teams. A natural problem solver with a keen eye for detail, Jenna also lead the implementation of new systems and processes, tracked and analysed data points and statistics, and ensured up-to-date internal documentation.
As Practice Support Manager at Phi Finney McDonald, Jenna works closely with the Principals, ensuring impeccable practice standards and managing procurement and supplier relationships. Jenna also maintains the precedent library and practice database, and performs a range of HR functions within the business.
Jeremy Zimet is an experienced litigator, with significant track record in commercial litigation and class actions.
Jeremy specialises in shareholder and consumer law class actions and has acted for thousands of claimants in complex, multi-party disputes.
Jeremy is also a media and communications law expert, who has advised and acted for high profile individuals, government ministers, directors and companies throughout Australia, on matters relating to defamation/libel, reputational risk management, pre-publication advice and privacy law.
Jeremy is a frequent media commentator on issues relating to media and communications law.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Jeremy was a Senior Associate in the commercial and class actions department of a large plaintiff law firm where he specialised in class actions and defamation law.
Education
BA (Intl Studies), LLB, University of Melbourne
GDLP, College of Law
Joseph joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2021. In addition to supporting the progress of investigations, he has assisted senior lawyers in both commercial and public law litigation. In the conduct of these matters, he brings a wealth of research experience and an eye for detail.
Joseph's interest in social justice litigation and class actions developed from his experience at JobWatch Victoria. There, Joe provided legal information to vulnerable employees and assisted on a range of underpayment claims.
Moreover, through his former employment in the public service, Joseph has worked at the intersection of law and policy, assisting with reforms to VCAT's jurisdiction. This experience bolstered Joseph's understanding of Australian public law and the governmental landscape.
Job Titles:
- Lawyer
- Phi Finney McDonald in 2018 As a Paralegal
Josh joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2018 as a paralegal and commenced as a graduate in 2022 after completing a J.D. at Melbourne Law School. While studying, he was a research assistant to a barrister, intern in the International Humanitarian Law team at the Red Cross, volunteer legal researcher at the Human Rights Law Centre, and provided research support to the criminal defence team in a terrorism appeal. He studied arts and commerce and was an accountant prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald.
Kate is a dedicated advocate for her clients and draws from a breadth of experience in commercial and public interest litigation.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Kate worked in the commercial litigation and dispute resolution team of a mid-tier firm. Kate has conducted and defended complex litigation proceedings in the Victorian and the Federal jurisdictions on behalf of private individuals and companies. Kate has advised and represented clients involved in contractual disputes, oppression proceedings and property disputes.
Through her pro bono work, Kate has represented people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia, Pakistan and Nauru to file administrative appeals against the Minister for Home Affairs and the Republic of Nauru and common law proceedings against the Commonwealth of Australia.
Job Titles:
- General Manager
- General Manager at Phi Finney McDonald
Kelly is a highly diligent and outcomes-focused legal professional, with nearly 20 years' experience working at some of the country's largest law firms, including King & Wood Mallesons and Minter Ellison. Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Kelly was an Operations Advisor at Slater and Gordon.
Kelly has worked across a broad range of commercial litigation matters, and on several high profile and complex class actions. She is experienced in managing the financial aspects of class actions, including briefing expert cost consultants and distributing settlement monies.
As General Manager at Phi Finney McDonald, Kelly oversees the firm's administrative and financial operations and works closely with the Directors and Chief Financial Office to ensure that the firm operates and provides services efficiently and cost-effectively. Kelly also contributes to our collaborative workplace culture by imparting her legal and financial knowledge to support staff and lawyers.
Job Titles:
- Head of Human Resources
- Head of Human Resources at Phi Finney McDonald
- HR Leader
Lauren has an encouraging leadership style coupled with a passion for creating a strong inclusive culture.
Working across professional services firms for the past 20 years Lauren is a commercially focused HR leader with success in driving people management strategies and managing complex business problems. She is particularly experienced in the areas of performance and career development, employee relations, business transformation, engagement, coaching and talent management.
Job Titles:
- Operation Assistant
- Phi Finney McDonald 's Operation Assistant
Lisa Comerford has over 20 years of experience in administrative roles across various industries. During this time, Lisa helped manage critical medical clinics during the pandemic, and brings a rigorous approach to operational management.
Maddie initially joined Phi Finney McDonald's Melbourne office as a paralegal in 2017 and is now working as a lawyer securing the best possible outcomes for clients in large, complex commercial litigation.
In addition to producing high quality work, Maddie also strives to deliver efficient and cost-effective services to clients in order to increase access to justice for all. She developed this understanding and passion through her previous legal experience at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. The roles performed by Maddie at Phi Finney McDonald include investigating new class actions and assisting in the efficient conduct of ongoing matters. Her exceptional legal research and client service ensures that these roles are performed to a high standard.
Madeline is a Lawyer with experience supporting lawyers engaged in complex trial and appellate litigation.
Madeline joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2017 and works across a range of matters. She is a skilled researcher who works hard to secure the best possible result for clients. Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Madeline worked at Fitzroy Legal Service, assisting with law reform work and public interest litigation. Madeline was part of the #KidsOutOfBarwon legal team which won the 2017 Tim McCoy award.
Madeline's academic background in finance underpins her work at Phi Finney McDonald. She is a skilled researcher who works hard to secure the best possible result for clients.
Education
LLB and BCom (Finance), Monash University
GDLP (in progress), College of Law
Natasha Clarke is an Accounts Officer with nearly 15 years' experience across personal injury, common law and commercial litigation.
Natasha started her career at a boutique law firm and has since worked for a number of larger plaintiff law firms across New South Wales and Victoria. Most recently, Natasha spent close to ten years providing assistance in the commercial litigation and class action departments of a large plaintiff law firm where her experience enabled her to assist with the creation and implementation of numerous procedures aimed to increase efficiency for the benefit of the clients. At Phi Finney McDonald, Natasha is responsible for various billing and bookkeeping functions, as well as providing assistance to the Chief Finance Officer in relation to financial recording and reporting.
Nicholas is a Lawyer at Phi Finney McDonald who practices in shareholder class actions.
Prior to commencing his role at the firm, Nicholas worked as commercial litigation lawyer assisting individuals and small to medium enterprises. He has settled a significant number of cases, and acted for clients in industries such as health, construction and hospitality.
Nicholas has a track record for being a strong advocate for his clients, and a fair and sharp litigator. He brings a strategic mindset to his work and a broad legal knowledge base.
Education
JD, La Trobe University
Bachelor of Journalism, Monash University
Nikolas is passionate about access to justice and giving those in need a platform to exercise their rights and seek redress for wrongs committed against them.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald in 2021, Nikolas worked as a paralegal at another plaintiff class actions law firm. During this time, Nikolas gained extensive experience working across a number of high profile and complex class actions. Nikolas has comprehensive knowledge of the practice and procedure of the Federal Court of Australia, having worked in that jurisdiction for a number of years and in particular, in relation to class action litigation.
Nikolas' commitment to social justice is evidenced by his time volunteering in a refugee camp located in Greece and the volunteer work he undertook at the Monash Legal Service for several years.
Nikolas' strong passion and interest in class actions drives him to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts, Monash University
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law
Job Titles:
- Director
- Corporate Trustee Duties under the Corporations Act - the Fincorp Class Action' ( 2011 ) 14 ( 2 )
- Senior Class Actions Specialist
Odette McDonald is an experienced senior class actions specialist, who has litigated complex and high-profile claims in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Odette has represented thousands of people in a number of successful class actions, which have collectively delivered settlements in excess of $350 million. Her class action, group litigation and multi-party litigation expertise is broad, and includes shareholder class actions, financial advice and product claims, personal injuries, consumer actions, environmental and natural disaster litigation, and debenture trustee class actions. She also has a wealth of general commercial litigation and pro bono experience.
Prior to co-founding Phi Finney McDonald, Odette was a Practice Group Leader in the London Group Litigation and Melbourne Class Actions departments of a large plaintiff law firm.
Odette's focus at Phi Finney McDonald is on identifying cases, managing litigation projects, progressing the professional development of lawyers and support staff, and contributing to the creation of a dynamic and supportive workplace.
Job Titles:
- Member of Phi Finney McDonald
- Special Counsel
Olivia McMillan is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for her clients through litigation.
Olivia has experience in a variety of class actions including claims involving securities and misfeasance in public office. Olivia has a particular interest in administrative and public law, having previously represented Victorian Government departments in negligence claims, and in judicial and merits review of administrative decisions.
Olivia also has a wealth of experience representing asylum seekers and refugees at all stages of the migration process, including strategic litigation in the Federal and High Courts.
As a Special Counsel, Olivia focuses on progressing the firm's litigation projects and takes pride in mentoring the firm's junior lawyers and paralegal teams.
Olivia is a member of Phi Finney McDonald's pro bono committee as well as the Law Institute of Victoria's Human Rights Committee and Refugee Law Reform Committee.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
Master of Laws (Juris Doctor)
Paul Zawa is a senior lawyer with over 25 years of litigation experience. Having practised in a wide variety of areas, he applies his depth of knowledge to achieving highly effective and creative solutions for clients.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Paul most recently headed up the Victorian/Tasmanian Enforcement Branch of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, where he was responsible for investigations into and court cases involving anti-competitive conduct and consumer protection. He led a number of landmark cases making new law and delivering record penalties and compensation to victims, including in the High Court of Australia. Paul has also been a litigation partner at a number of major Australian law firms where he specialised in Intellectual Property. While practising in that area, he was recognised by Chambers Global, Doyle's Guide and Best Lawyers for his work.
Education
LLB, University of New South Wales
BA, Northwestern University
MA, Northwestern University
Phi Finney McDonald is a specialist litigation law firm with offices in Melbourne Sydney, and London. We practice in complex and large-scale litigation, with a focus on class actions and group litigation.
Phi Finney McDonald has received judicial recognition for bringing innovation to the Australian class actions and litigation funding markets. The firm is ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 for its class actions expertise, and by Doyle's Guide as a leading Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution firm. Client and peer testimonials in Legal 500 include:
Phi Finney McDonald has a strong social conscience that influences every aspect of our practice. It informs the types of claims we take on, how we treat our clients, and how we operate as a business. We measure success by the positive difference we make to the world around us and the results we achieve for our clients. We achieve justice for abuse victims, recover compensation for duped investors, and protect those who would protect the environment.
Riley is a Lawyer who is passionate about advocating for her clients.
Riley Joined Phi Finney McDonald in 2020 as a paralegal where she worked across various areas in support of clients. She is a proficient researcher with strong client-based skills, having worked as a research assistant at Melbourne Law School. Riley has a keen interest in ensuring access to justice for marginalised communities. Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Riley volunteered in the Police Accountability Project at the Flemington and Kensington Community Legal Centre where she assisted with civil and criminal litigation matters as well as law reform work. Her volunteering also extends to the Prison Legal Education & Assistance Project, where she was the head of programs for the Melbourne Youth Justice Centre where she liaised with community and advocacy representatives.
Riley's interest extends to capital markets, where she has a keen interest in responsible investment practices and the implementation of ESG factors in portfolio management. She has a strong passion for class actions and their role in achieving justice for shareholders.
Education
Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts, Seattle University
Roop Sandhu is an experienced litigation lawyer, who has worked on many hard-fought and complex class actions.
Roop has experience in a wide variety of class actions, including claims involving financial advice, institutional abuse, debenture trusts, securities, property developments, and consumer issues. He has been involved in class actions in the Federal Court, the NSW Supreme Court, and the Victorian Supreme Court.
Roop also has broad general litigation experience. He has acted for hundreds of victims of asbestos diseases, helping them to recover damages from the companies that exposed them to asbestos. He has also run professional negligence claims, employment disputes, and superannuation disputes.
Over his career, Roop has worked on matters that have collectively delivered settlements in excess of $100 million.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Roop was a principal lawyer in the class action department of a large plaintiff law firm. Roop works on Phi Finney McDonald's existing suite of cases, as well as identifying and investigating new matters. He is based in Sydney.
Rosie is an Associate with experience in complex public litigation and case management with a particular interest in using the law to support minority communities and promote access to justice for individuals.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Rosie was associate to Justice Mortimer in the Federal Court of Australia, where they gained experience case managing several public-interest class action proceedings. Rosie is an experienced government and administrative lawyer, having worked under Justice Mortimer on a wide variety of cases with a focus on migration and native title proceedings. Before their associateship, Rosie started their legal career at the Australian Government Solicitor, working in AGS's Canberra and Melbourne offices across both advisory and dispute resolution practices.
As a student, Rosie worked as a research assistant to a number of barristers at the Victorian Bar in administrative law, native title, tax and commercial disputes and volunteered in the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's human rights law program. Rosie is particularly interested in approaching the law critically as a tool for social change.
Education:
BA and a JD University of Melbourne.
As an Associate with the Melbourne office, Sally is committed to utilising legal mechanisms to deliver meaningful public interest outcomes. She is interested in class actions as a means to challenge corporate and government misconduct, in pursuit of social and economic justice.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Sally provided specialised legal assistance to people with gender-based claims for asylum. Sally's experience includes legal research into the use of force in closed environments and assisting self-represented litigants with bankruptcy, employment and administrative law matters in the Federal Circuit Court. This experience has further motivated Sally to work with a focus on unfair power dynamics, perpetuated by legal structures.
Previously, Sally supported the development and implementation of corporate responsibility, equality, diversity and pro bono policies in the legal profession throughout England and Wales. During this time, Sally also worked with lawyers and students to build the animal law network in the United Kingdom.
Shelby is a Lawyer with a wealth of experience in providing a high level of support across a range of commercial litigation and public law matters.
Prior to joining Phi Finney McDonald, Shelby was Executive Assistant and Associate to her Honour Justice D S Mortimer in the Federal Court of Australia, where she worked on a number of class actions, native title and public law matters, with a particular focus on migration, environmental and anti-discrimination matters.
Through her experience at the Court and now at PFM, Shelby has developed an interest in how class actions and public interest litigation can be used to facilitate access to both social and economic justice.
Shelby also worked as a legal assistant at a number of reputable firms before and during her study of law. During this time she gained experience in multiple areas, including; Corporate M&A, financial services and insolvency litigation, and banking and finance law. Shelby is a team player who is committed to delivering high quality outcomes for her clients.
Sheridan Ah Colt is a legal assistant with over a decade of experience across commercial litigation, class actions and criminal law practice.
Sheridan began her career at a large plaintiff law firm assisting the commercial litigation and class action departments for nearly 12 years, and also assisted that firm's criminal law department for five years. Most recently, Sheridan has provided mentor, training and operational support as a support team leader for nearly four years. Her experience in a broad range of matters has enabled her to maintain high quality matter management and provide valuable client assistance.
Based in Phi Finney McDonald's Sydney office, Sheridan provides general assistance across a range of files, as well as assisting with client enquiries including institutional and retail investor enquiries regarding shareholder class actions.