Most Recent
PFAS class action silk slams upcoming mediation as ‘solemn farce’
A senior barrister acting for a class action over the use of allegedly toxic firefighting foam on military bases has slammed an upcoming mediation as a “solemn farce”, as the federal government has said it will not be ready to commit to a settlement. 
Shareholder class action targets Fletcher Building for ‘misleading’ FY17 forecasts
Shareholders have brought a class action in Australia against New Zealand-based Fletcher Building, alleging the company failed to disclose material information relating to its construction division.
Funder’s $7M cut in Fonterra class action up in the air amid CFO uncertainty
A judge has indicated his willingness to approve a $25 million settlement in a class action against dairy co-op Fonterra, but deferred the question of the funder's cut until after the Full Court rules on whether the court has the power to make a common fund order at settlement.
KPMG class action applicants might bring CFO question to a head
The applicants in a shareholder class action against KPMG and former directors of defunct mining company CuDeco might press for clarity on the question of common fund orders in light of a ruling Tuesday morning that further split the Federal Court on the issue.
Law firm’s estimated costs in PFAS class action ‘excessive’, court says
A judge has found a law firm's estimated fees for representing the Commonwealth in a class action over the use of allegedly toxic firefighting foam on military bases are excessive, noting the government has already forked over $12 million in defence costs.
Class action members benefit when funder’s payout in line with risk, judge says
In reasons for approving a $41 million deal to settle one of three shareholder class actions over Slater & Gordon's acquisition of a UK firm and awarding the funder 28 per cent, a judge has challenged a persistent notion that the interests of litigation funders and group members are at odds.
Judge OKs Sims class action settlement, says funder can have commission and ATE insurance
After initial qualms, a judge has signed off on a $29.5 million settlement in a class action against recycling company Sims that includes a "staggering" $8.5 million in legal costs and an insurance policy buffering the funder from adverse costs.
Late judgment in ASIC case derails Quintis class action trial date
A judge has vacated an upcoming trial in shareholder class actions against former Quintis director Frank Wilson and Ernst & Young, after learning judgment in similar ASIC proceedings against Wilson will not be delivered before the class action hearing kicks off.
Top 10 class action settlements of 2022
Class action settlement sums reached new highs last year, with the ten largest agreements totalling almost $1 billion, almost half of which was secured by one plaintiff law firm.
Group members guaranteed 72.5% cut in Crown Resorts class action
A judge has approved a group costs order with a tiered contingency fee that will guarantee group members at least 72.5 per cent of any returns in a shareholder class action accusing Crown Resorts of lax anti-money laundering compliance over a six-year period.