The Class Actions Law Review: Australia

Australia has one of the better, more well balanced, functioning class action procedures in the world, facilitating appropriate access to justice without the excesses seen by defendants in some other jurisdictions. The balance is struck between, on the one hand, appropriate consumer protection legislation and working, class action rules and processes and, on the other hand, an adverse costs regime, no juries and no punitive or exemplary damages.

Partner Robert Johnston, and Senior Associates Nicholas Briggs and Sara Gaertner provide guidance on Australia’s class actions, including insights on some of the latest developments related to common fund orders, market-based causation, competing class actions, litigation funding and contingency fees. They also provide a detailed look at local procedures including the types of actions available, commencing proceedings, procedural rules, damages and costs and cross border issues.