Advised and represented a major disability service provider in hearings before the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Dispute Resolution and Litigation Lawyers
For disputes ofConsequence
We act for companies, directors, financiers and private clients in commercial, regulatory and insurance disputes, in every Australian court up to the High Court.
Our Expertise
Four disciplines.
One disputes practice.

Complex Commercial Litigation
Contract, shareholder, fraud and construction disputes, from letter of demand to appeal.
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Regulatory Disputes & Investigations
ASIC, ACCC, SafeWork NSW, NSW Food Authority and ICAC investigations and proceedings.
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Insurance Coverage & Litigation
Declined, delayed and reduced claims under D&O, management liability, construction and property policies.
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Debt Recovery & Insolvency
Debt recovery, winding-up proceedings, insolvent trading and voidable transaction claims.
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About
Traditional in principle.
Unconventional in approach.
GopherWood Lawyers is a specialist disputes practice for matters where the stakes are high and the path forward is rarely straightforward.
We advise companies, professionals and institutions on complex commercial litigation, regulatory investigations and insurance coverage disputes that demand clear judgment, strategic thinking and disciplined execution.
AboutWe act for
Companies & Corporates
Private companies, public companies and corporate groups facing complex commercial disputes, regulatory issues and significant financial or operational exposure.
Boards & Executives
Directors, boards, CEOs, CFOs and senior executives navigating disputes, investigations, directors’ duties and personal exposure.
Financial Services & Institutions
AFSL holders, financial institutions, wealth managers, investment businesses and financiers facing commercial, regulatory and financial disputes.
Insured Businesses & Professionals
Major corporates, institutions and professional firms facing complex coverage and indemnity disputes.
Experience
Matters in which our lawyers have acted.
Our lawyers have acted in some of Australia’s most complex and high-value disputes and regulatory matters, across a broad range of industries and jurisdictions.
Our experience spans major commercial litigation, regulatory investigations and prosecutions, insurance coverage disputes, class actions and complex construction matters.
Defended a major construction company in a $40 million Supreme Court claim brought by a racing club concerning defective turf works.
Acted for an Australian financial services licensee in proceedings arising from one of Australia’s largest investment frauds.
Acted in a class action arising from alleged professional misconduct involving the establishment of self-managed superannuation funds and the investment of clients’ superannuation in related entities.
Defended a major power distribution network operator in a substantial delay dispute arising from the late provision of a permanent electricity connection for a Sydney CBD residential development, affecting occupation certification.
Represented a major Australian food manufacturer in high-stakes NSW Food Authority prosecution proceedings arising from complex product labelling and food safety issues.
Represented a major construction company in complex SafeWork NSW proceedings arising from a workplace fatality involving catastrophic machinery and confined-space risks.
Advised a leading international construction group on complex liability and litigation arising from major projects across Australia and multiple international jurisdictions, including disputes exceeding $1 billion in value.
Acted in a $5 million professional indemnity coverage dispute concerning the scope of insured professional services, and whether losses arising from a major marine matter fell within the professional business defined by the policy.
Acted in a $10 million coverage dispute concerning an insurer’s duty of utmost good faith under s 13 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth), including complex questions of causation arising from claims-handling conduct, delay and the underlying insured event.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Market Insights
Expert insight that cuts through
legal complexity.

You Didn't Build the Building. You Could Still Be Sued for Its Defects.
Commercial Disputes, Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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AUSTRAC Enforcement Update
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Insurance Coverage and Denial of Indemnity Disputes in Construction and Major Projects
Insurance
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Evidentiary Failure as the Primary Driver of Liability in Retail Financial Advice Disputes
Commercial Disputes, Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Service Delay Disputes in Major Construction Projects: A Deep Dive for Developers and Construction Stakeholders
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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The Director Who Was Never Appointed
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Directors’ Duties: Lessons from Ex NF Pty Ltd (in liq) v Munneke
Commercial Disputes, Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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High Court Clarifies Key Contractual Principles in Shao v Crown Global Capital Pty Ltd [2025] HCA 43
Commercial Disputes
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Brooklyn Beckham, Social Media and Reputation Risk: From Personal Narrative to Legal Exposure
Commercial Disputes, News
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Business Names vs Trademarks: A Risk That Commonly Surfaces Too Late
Commercial Disputes
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The Hidden Risk in Section 106: Why Repair Delays Cost Owners Corporations More Than They Expect
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Security of Payment & Adjudication in NSW: A Complete Guide for Builders, Subcontractors and Homeowners
Debt Recovery, Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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Understanding Personal Advice Obligations: Navigating the Line Between Guidance and Compliance
Commercial Disputes
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A Turning Point for Professional Negligence and Pure Economic Loss
Commercial Disputes
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Specialist Coverage Counsel: Hidden Traps in Professional Indemnity Claims
Insurance
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The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW): Expanding liability and the emerging question of certifier responsibility
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
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