16 April 2024
Vanguard pinged for greenwashingRead moreFrances DreyerNicholas BriggsMei GongOlivia Dixon
Frances specialises in Federal and Supreme Court litigation with a focus on claims related to financial products, accounting irregularities and the health sector.
Frances manages large scale and high-profile litigation with careful and strategic focus. She has held the central co-ordinating role in large litigation projects for over 15 years, including in large regulatory actions, large investment related litigation (including class actions on both the plaintiff and defendant side), multifaceted defence projects and high value audit and accounting claims.
Frances also manages contractual and commercial disputes with efficiency and commerciality. She has built strong “first call” relationships with commercial clients and works as an ongoing partner in respect of strategic disputes, crisis management and BAU dispute and risk management. She holds degrees in Law and Economics. She received the University Medal, was the Dux of the Law School and the graduating law student with the highest-ranking Honours score.
Alongside her litigation work, Frances is joint chair of the firm’s pro bono practice. She has played a central leadership role in driving the firm’s national practice which supports low income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community and the organisations that support them.
Work highlights
ASIC BBSW Litigation (secondment)
Claim formulation phase of the ASIC ANZ and Westpac claims in respect of the bank bill swap rate.
ASIC Westpoint Litigation
Litigation brought by it under section 50 of the ASIC Act against the auditors and former directors of the failed Westpoint Group of companies. This litigation is recognised as one of the largest and most complex claims ever made in Australia and ultimately resulted in a settlement of over $50 million.
Groote Eylandt Aboriginal Trust (GEAT)
Claims valued at over $35 million in the Supreme Court of Northern Territory made against GEAT’s former auditor, accountants and solicitors. The work included extensive forensic accounting issues and collaboration with the NT government and various government and quasi-government bodies.
CMC Markets
Derivative products known as “CFDs” against the Australian arm of the global CMC Group. CMC is one of the largest online platforms for the issue of CFDs and the claim involves allegations of misleading and systemic unconscionable conduct by CMC in respect of its issue of highly leveraged, complex and risky financial products to retail investors.
Aurora Cruises Defence
In relation to the “Greg Mortima” cruise ship, which was effected by COVID19 cases and became stranded off the coast of Uruguay. There were widespread threats of a class action and numerous individual claims filed. Frances co-ordinated the defence strategy and represented Aurora in each threatened or filed action.
Dick Smith Class Action
Claims arising out of failures of disclosure and accounting irregularities relating to the failed Dick Smith group, including extensive work on accounting and financial economic evidence.