Law firm’s ‘overly combative manner’ prompts independent counsel appointment in bushfire class actions

Class Actions 2020-12-11 11:58 pm By Christine Caulfield | Melbourne

A judge will appoint an independent barrister to determine the allocation of settlement proceeds between insured group members and their insurers from two St Patrick’s Day bushfire class actions, finding that the ‘overly combative’ conduct of law firm Maddens warranted the appointment despite the extra costs involved.