Presenters

Vera Culkoff, Barrister, 2 Selborne Chambers
Vera Culkoff graduated in law from the University of Technology, Sydney in early 1990 with First Class Honours and the University Medal. Her practice is in commercial law and equity, with an emphasis in building and construction disputes. Such proceedings have commonly involved complex contractual disputes, misleading and deceptive allegations and the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW). She also practices in the area of wills, probate and family provisions disputes, involving complex issues and large estates. She has experience in class actions, having been involved in commercial class actions against Westpac, ANZ, AMP and GIO. Vera has been involved in litigation on both sides of the fence: having worked at Clayton Utz doing defence work before joining Cashman & Partners and becoming an equity partner (now Maurice Blackburn). She remained a partner of the new firm until 2000, responsible for commercial and product liability litigation. She was called to the Bar in 2000. Vera was joint General Editor of the Australian Product Liability Reporter (from 2006 to 2011) and has conducted presentations at seminars on class actions and, whilst at the Bar, in building and construction law.


Youssef Maksisi, Principal Director, Maksisi Lawyers
Youssef Maksisi has developed a wide-ranging practice in the heart of the Sydney CBD legal community. Youssef has sought to create a Law Practice in Maksisi Lawyers that emphasises “personal. quality. service’ to clients. Maksisi Lawyers combines high-level CBD-style expertise with personal approach of a boutique firm. Youssef’s development of a wide-ranging practice has allowed him to successfully represent clients, whether corporations or individuals, in a range of legal areas, achieving exceptional results. He regularly appears in the various Court’s throughout Sydney. Youssef also appears in Courts throughout regional New South Wales. Youssef’s clients commend his diligent and professional approach to matters. His devotion to his clients’ interests ensures they receive optimum representation. Youssef is an experienced and confident legal advocate and prides himself on his ability to engage a diverse range of clients and types of matters.