John graduated from Monash University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Laws Degree and was subsequently admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1974. John practised in Ararat for some twelve years, prior to moving to Barwon Heads and commencing at WJM in 1992. John became a Principal of the firm in 1995 and has led the family law and litigation departments since that time. John is able to offer his clients over 35 years of solid and trusted legal advice. John undertakes most of his own court appearance work and as a result, has highly developed advocacy and negotiation skills. John is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each of his clients and has on a great many occasions been noted to go above and beyond what one might reasonably expect in the circumstances.
John’s areas of practice (for married, de facto and same sex relationships) include:
- Parenting Matters
- Property Settlements
- Separation and Divorce
- Spousal Maintenance
- Family Violence
- Binding Financial Agreements (post separation)
- Child Support Matters
- Superannuation and related family law issues
- Contravention Matters
- Intervention Orders
John’s other non family law areas of practice include:
- Litigation (including Commercial Litigation)
- Employment Law
- Criminal Law
- Motor Traffic Matters
John has represented clients:
- in the Magistrates’ Court
- in the Federal Circuit Court
- in the Family Court
- in the Childrens’ Court
- in the County Court
- at VCAT
- at Case Assessment Conferences
- at Conciliation Conferences
- at various Mediations (both formal and informal)
John volunteers at the Barwon Community Legal Service, is a member of the Geelong Law Association and a member of the Law Institute of Victoria. Additionally, John has mentored many junior lawyers over the years as they have commenced their legal careers.
Outside of work John takes a keen interest in local sports. John previously played cricket with the Barwon Heads Cricket Club and has sons who have also played with the Barwon Heads Cricket Club and the Barwon Heads Football Club.