Settling can be your best option—if your agreement is secure and tax-efficient. Start by structuring your offer of compromise with enforceability and potential cost consequences in mind. Understand “without prejudice” communications and when this protection might not apply. Gain expert insights on tax and collateral issues in settlement offers to avoid hidden surprises. Walk away with practical strategies for the challenges you face in your mediations and negotiations bringing them to new heights of success.

Presenters

Richard Douglas, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Richard Douglas has been a Barrister at Francis Burt Chambers since 2006. He has been admitted as an attorney in the state of New York since 2000. Richard has been involved in significant litigation including: The Bell group; Sons of Gwalia; Burrup Fertilisers; Storm Financial; Fire Power, Anaconda; Rothwells; and the Insurance coverage dispute regarding the world trade centre in Manhattan following the events of 9/11. Richard has been a member and chair of the WA Law Reform Commission and acted in relation to a number of public enquiries. Richard continues to act in relation to complex, difficult and urgent matters in courts across Australia.


GiGi Visscher, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
GiGi joined the bar in 2008. Since being called to the bar, she has principally practiced in commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on construction, property, equity, trade practices and insolvency matters. Prior to joining the bar, GiGi was a solicitor at Freehills, Perth. Before commencing her legal career, GiGi practiced as a Chartered Accountant, including as a forensic accountant. GiGi has an extensive commercial background, having worked in Singapore, London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC. In addition to her Bachelor of Laws degree with Honours, GiGi holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University in Washington DC.


Anthony Willinge, Barrister, Murray Chambers
Anthony obtained his law degree from the University of Western Australia, graduating with honours and the Frank Edward Parsons Memorial Prize in Law. He also has a Masters of Law with distinction from the University of London, where he studied Wigmorean analysis and evidence and proof. Anthony commenced his career as the Professional Assistant to the Crown Counsel for WA and the Associate to Justice Scott before becoming a crown counsel at the Crown Solicitor’s office for a number of years. He then joined Blake Dawson where he became a Partner and the head of the firm’s commercial litigation practice in Perth. Anthony joined the independent Bar in 2009. Anthony is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia where he has been teaching Advanced Evidence and Proof for around 20 years.


Robert French, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Robert French is a barrister who practices in commercial, administrative and employment law. Robert has been at the Bar for over 10 years. He has appeared as sole or lead counsel in numerous trials in the Supreme Court of Australia, Federal Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia. He has also appeared as sole counsel in appeals to the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia, the Western Australian Court of Appeal and to the High Court (special leave only). Prior to joining the Bar, Robert worked at law firms in Perth, Melbourne & Hong Kong.


Matthew Crowley, Barrister, Francis Burt Chambers
Matthew Crowley is an internationally-experienced counsel of almost 20 years, with a significant public and commercial practice at the Western Australia and Victorian Bar. Doyle’s Guide recognises Matthew as one of Western Australia’s leading tax barristers for 2020, 2021, and 2022. Matthew is regularly briefed in Taxation, Migration, Administrative law and judicial review, Australian Consumer law, regulatory and civil penalty proceedings (including Customs prosecutions), Corporations and commercial litigation and Insolvency & bankruptcy. Matthew was called to the Bar in 2016 after a period with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington DC , and has since set about establishing a practice at the Western Australian Bar and Victorian Bar. He has a particular interest in taxation, especially United States-Australia cross-border issues. Matthew is a Fulbright Scholar and an International Fellow with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington DC. He was a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York, and Georgetown Law School in Washington DC. Matthew has an LLM, LLB, and BA with Honours from Monash University. Matthew was admitted in Victoria in 2003 and in Western Australia in 2008. Matthew is also admitted in the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States Tax Court, the State Supreme Court of New York, and the federal US District of Southern New York. Matthew extends his practice between Melbourne and Perth.