Principal

Will Punivalu

Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation

Will Punivalu is a Principal at Whyte Just & Moore and an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation—a distinction held by only a select group of practitioners in Victoria. This accreditation, awarded by the Law Institute of Victoria, signifies superior knowledge, experience, and proficiency in commercial litigation.

Will specialises in dispute resolution, focusing on insolvency and bankruptcy, contractual disputes, and property law matters. Will has built a reputation for delivering clear, practical advice and innovative solutions to complex legal problems. His approach to law reflects a commitment to understanding his clients’ unique needs and providing steady, results-driven guidance. Known for his calm and level-headed approach, Will prioritises clear communication and fostering trust to ensure his clients feel supported every step of the way. 

Expertise

Dispute Resolution:

  • Contractual disputes

  • Insolvency and bankruptcy

  • Property disputes

  • Trust disputes

  • Debt recovery

  • Retail leasing and commercial tenancy disputes

Business & Property Law:

  • Sale and purchase of businesses

  • Drafting terms and conditions and general business agreements 

  • Retail and commercial leasing

  • Property development, subdivisions, and “off-the-plan” transactions 

  • Residential, commercial, industrial, and rural property transactions 

  • Trust documents, property transfers, and loan agreements 

Linkedin-in

Qualifications

  • Admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and High Court of Australia

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

  • Bachelor of Arts (majoring in International Relations)

  • Advanced Certification in Insolvency with the Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA)

Accreditations & Awards

Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation 

Will is a Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation, a designation that reflects his superior knowledge, experience, and expertise in this area of law. This accreditation is awarded to lawyers who meet rigorous criteria, including substantial practical experience and demonstrated success in complex legal matters. 

Advanced Certification in Insolvency 

Will holds an Advanced Certification in Insolvency from the Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA), equipping him with advanced skills to navigate challenging insolvency and bankruptcy matters. 

Community Involvement

Board Member

Will is a Board Member of the Geelong Industry Trade Training Centre (GITTC), an organisation dedicated to providing hands-on, industry-focused education and training to students in the Geelong region. Through his role, Will supports initiatives that strengthen pathways between education and employment, helping to equip young people with the practical skills and opportunities needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

Notable Cases

Will has successfully advised and represented clients in numerous significant cases, including: 

Baum v Barport [2018] VSC 29; Barport v Baum [2019] VSCA 167

 

Acting for the owner of an airport in enforcing a restrictive covenant against a purchaser who built a hangar in breach of the covenant. The breach jeopardised the airport owner’s ability to register as a certified airport under CASA rules. Successfully obtained orders requiring the removal of the infringing hangar. The decision was upheld on appeal to the Victorian Court of Appeal. 

Dispute Resolution - Contract of Sale

 

Leahy v Javni [2020] VSC 680 - Acting for a purchaser in a dispute concerning the validity of a contract of sale of land. The purchaser argued that their offer had been withdrawn before acceptance was communicated, as acceptance was only conveyed by text message before a signed contract was received. The Court found against the purchaser, ruling that a valid contract had been formed. 

Re Holloway [2022] VSC 181

 

Acting for the executor in an application concerning the admission to probate of an informal testamentary document, ultimately determined to be an informal codicil. The Court reinforced the principle that testamentary intention prevails over strict formalities, illustrating the Court’s discretion in ensuring a deceased’s wishes are honoured despite technical irregularities.

Andrews Family Holdings Pty Ltd atf the Shadow Glen Holding Unit Trust v Yellow Tractor Pty Ltd & Anor S ECI 2017 04444

 

Acting for a vendor in a dispute where the purchaser attempted to settle a property transaction using a promissory note. After rescinding the contract due to the purchaser’s failure to settle, successfully obtained orders restraining the purchaser from lodging further caveats on the property. The Court also ordered the Registrar of Titles to reject any future caveats from the purchaser or their associates, allowing the vendor to proceed with the subsequent sale. 

Woolcorp v Rodger Constructions [2017] VSCA 21

 

Acting for a property developer in enforcing an agreement with a neighbouring developer for the construction of a road. The case involved reviewing extensive historical evidence supporting the existence of the agreement. The Supreme Court initially ruled against enforcement, but the decision was successfully overturned on appeal to the Victorian Court of Appeal. 

Calleja v Registrar of Titles Victoria S CI 2015 06269

 

Acting for clients in obtaining orders under the Settled Land Act 1958 (Vic) to be appointed as trustees for land bequeathed to a minor. 

Get in touch

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Contact Us

Our office is located at Level 2, 100 Brougham St, Geelong. Parking is available on the front of the building or on the adjoining streets.
Upon arrival, please proceed to the ground floor lobby and dial 201 on the intercom to the left of the lifts. Our Reception will then grant you access to the lifts.