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Firm’s contingency fee re-do wins over judge in class actions against banks
A law firm has won its second bid for a group costs order in three class actions against banks over flexible commission schemes after a judge in 2021 rejected what was then the first-ever application for a contingency fee.
Law firm shaves 0.5% off payout in second go at class action contingency fee
Maurice Blackburn has had a second crack at a group costs order in three class actions against banks over alleged flexible commission schemes after a judge in 2021 rejected what was then the first-ever application for a contingency fee.
‘Porsches, Lamborghinis and racehorses’: Court hears details of alleged $400M Forum Finance fraud
Westpac has told a court that it is “inconceivable” that Forum Finance directors Bill Papas and Vince Tesoriero and funded their lavish lifestyles legitimately, as trial kicked off in the bank’s $400 million fraud case against the Forum companies.
No contradictor in law firm’s second bid for GCO in ANZ, Westpac class actions
ANZ and Westpac have failed in their bid for a contradictor to weigh in on a contingency fee bid in two class actions, as the law firm that lost the first ever application for a group costs order tries again.
Forum Finance judge recuses himself after questioning director’s credibility
A Federal Court judge has recused himself from hearing a fraud trial against Forum Finance, after expressing that he had an “unfavourable” impression of director Vince Tesoriero's reliability as a witness.
Forum Finance director to get $1.25M for legal funds, despite ‘Byzantine’ financials
Bill Papas' business partner Vince Tesoriero has won the release of $1.25 million to pay for his legal fees in Westpac’s fraud case against him, despite a judge’s finding that disclosure concerning his true financial position was “less than ideal” and included “staggering” discrepancies.
Forum Finance director failed to disclose $150,000 in assets to court
Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero has been caught out for failing to declare over $150,000 to the court, as he took the stand to defend evidence given about his financial position in Westpac’s fraud case against him.
‘I want complete transparency’: Forum Finance director faces grilling for legal funds
A judge has told Forum Finance director Vince Tesoriero to “revisit” evidence about his true financial position if he wants to win the release of $1.25 million to pay for his defence in Westpac’s fraud case against him, amid concerns about whether he has made full disclosure to the court.
Bill Papas’ girlfriend hits back at Westpac’s case over alleged $294M fraud
Bill Papas’ girlfriend Louise Agostino has hit back at Westpac’s lawsuit accusing her of involvement in the Forum Group director’s alleged $294 million fraud, denying all allegations and arguing that the bulk of the bank’s claims against her should be struck out.
‘Fugitive’ Bill Papas entitled to protect lawyer’s notes, court told
A lawyer for Forum Finance director Bill Papas has argued the alleged fraudster should be able to shield documents held by his former lawyer under a claim for legal professional privilege despite being a “fugitive” from contempt charges.