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Walter MacCallum

Principal

Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Law

  • Insolvency & Restructuring
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Building and Construction
  • Business Law
  • Business and Investment Structures
  • Corporations Law
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Bankruptcy and Corporate Insolvency
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Contractual Disputes
  • Debt Recovery
  • Defamation
  • Insolvency
  • Litigation
  • Finance litigation
  • Contested Estates and Trusts
  • Employment and Safety
  • Employment Advice
  • Employment Disputes
  • Partnership & Joint Ventures

Walter has 21 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation in all court jurisdictions, acting for, and advising, individual clients, family enterprises, start-ups and commercial operations that range from small-to-medium enterprises to large corporations, including not-for-profits.

Walter’s work is principally based on the understanding that there are often no winners in lengthy contested litigation and early resolutions are often preferable. To this end, Walter’s demonstrated expertise as a tough negotiator has won his clients results that are often only possible outside court processes. Walter’s grasp of the realities of commercial life – and the dedication of his team to finer details – minimises costs for his clients, in all manner of complex disputes, ranging from contractual disputes to insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings, to litigation over wills and estates and franchise disputes and the all-important recovery of debts to preserve cash flow.

Outside of litigation, Walter’s an experienced employment lawyer well-placed to deliver effective solutions for employers and employees on drafting and negotiating employment agreements, policy and procedures, share/option plans and bonus plans. Through it all, Walter maintains an intrinsically personal relationship with all his clients and a thorough understanding of the issues they face, which sees him regularly in the news media as a commentator on issues involving commercial law and employment matters.

Experience

  • Advising and representing independent schools on most aspects of ‘school law’ (including commercial contracts, employment and policies, building & construction and litigation)
  • Advising and representing Australia’s oldest continuing franchisor in matters relating to the Franchising Code of Conduct, contract preparation and administration, and dispute resolution
  • Advising and representing not-for-profit industry bodies in respect of constitutional matters, employment, corporate governance and dealings with regulatory authorities
  • Representing small to medium businesses in all manner of disputes, including litigation and mediation
  • Advising and representing directors and shareholders in corporate disputes
  • Representing executors in wills and estates litigation
  • Advising and representing insolvency practitioners in all aspects of administrations and liquidations of companies, commercial litigation, procedural aspects and regulatory compliance
  • Advising and representing individuals in defamation actions
  • Advising and representing both employers and employees in the drafting, negotiation and litigation of employment agreements
  • Commentating and contributing in national media on various aspects of employment, director’s duties and commercial litigation

Leadership

  • Board Member, Russell Kennedy Lawyers
  • Currently President of the Old Sydneian’s Union
  • Palm Beach Surf Club (Active Reserve)
  • Probono services with The Law Kitchen and The Inner City Legal Centre