Gadens

The applicant in a class action by former RAMS franchisees can't intervene in proceedings by ASIC against the defunct Westpac mortgage unit, with a judge finding the outcome of the ASIC case will not affect the class action.

Westpac’s defunct mortgage unit RAMS has accused a class action by former franchisees of attempting to “hijack” civil penalty proceedings by the corporate regulator by seeking to intervene in the case.

Gadens has poached three partners from Allens and Mills Oakley to grow its corporate practice. 

Real estate asset manager Dexus wants information that the Asia Pacific Airport Corporation gave to several consultants in a court battle over allegations it breached a shareholder deed in selling a stake in the airport operator. 

Law firm HWL Ebsworth, which was found liable for negligence over advice on a Parramatta land development, has lost its opposition to a referee process for calculating damages.

The High Court will hear an appeal by Sunshine Loans, which centres on a judge's recusal in the corporate regulator's case over unauthorised fees.

A solicitor for a contractor in dispute with the Commonwealth Bank has been called out by a judge for a unilateral email to chambers without CBA's consent.

Dairy distributor Australian Consolidated Milk has lodged proceedings against competitor Fonterra, alleging the cooperative encouraged suppliers to break their exclusive supply agreements by offering a better price.

Former franchisees involved in a class action against RAMS are seeking to intervene in ASIC civil penalty proceedings against the defunct Westpac subsidiary.

The common practice of splitting hearings on questions of liability and penalty may become “completely untenable” when there are credit issues, if the High Court upholds a recent recusal decision, a judge has said.