Areas Of EXPERTISE

Bartley Cohen has over twenty years of experience representing companies and individuals in their most complex and challenging legal matters.  

The primary focus of this firm’s practice is disputes and litigation. The firm’s partners and solicitors have extensive experience in all aspects of disputes and commercial litigation. In addition, the firm regularly advises clients in various aspects of corporate and commercial matters. 

Among the substantive areas in which we have experience are the following.

OTHER INSURANCE  / PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

Bartley Cohen is regarded as the preeminent Queensland firm for solicitors’ professional indemnity claims.  The firm, Ben Cohen and Brian Bartley have each, separately, been recognised as leading professional indemnity lawyers in Queensland.

COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY / ROYAL COMMISSIONS

Commissions of Inquiry and Royal Commissions investigate and make public findings and recommendations about individuals, organisations and matters of public concern. They involve matters of significant public interest and, potentially, have reputational consequences for businesses and individuals.

Bartley Cohen has assisted clients in a number of Commissions of Inquiry, and  is able to assist and advise in respect of all forms of public inquiries.

DEFAMATION and reputation management

Defamation claims are on the rise, particularly with the growth of the internet and social media.  

Whether you are a media outlet, company or private individual, we are able to assist in the conduct and defence of defamation claims.

DISCRIMINATION

State and Commonwealth legislative instruments make it illegal to engage in unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation. A number of statutory bodies have been created at State and Commonwealth level to deal with such matters, including to investigate complaints and to seek to resolve them by way of conciliation. If resolution is not possible, court proceedings may be instituted.

Bartley Cohen has acted in a number of such claims, both at initial complaint levels and in court proceedings and are experienced in investigating, negotiating and litigating discrimination claims.

DISCIPLINARY AND RELATED MATTERS FOR SOLICITORS

From time to time, solicitors are subject to complaints about their conduct . These can arise from a range of matters including the conduct of their legal practice and matters related to it, conduct in their personal lives, and conduct in respect of trust accounts.

Bartley Cohen has extensive experience and knowledge dealing with such matters and, more generally, with ethical and professional standards issues. Since inception, the firm has acted on behalf of solicitors to represent and protect their interests.

FAMILY PROVISION AND ESTATE LITIGATION

Estate litigation, both family provision applications and other will disputes, is increasing. Bartley Cohen has acted in a number of significant estate and family provision matters for plaintiffs and defendants.

REFERRALS / CONFLICTS

Being a specialist commercial disputes and litigation practice, Bartley Cohen is well-placed to assist solicitors who are unable to act for their clients in this area by reason of a conflict or because a particular matter is outside their scope of expertise. 

We often receive referrals from other law firms, including top-tier and mid-tier firms and various senior members of the profession, who can be assured that their clients will be provided with an excellent and attentive service and assistance from experienced practitioners.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES

Bartley Cohen regularly engages in alternative dispute resolution to assist clients in the resolution of disputes, whether prior to or after proceedings are commenced. This can be a sensible and cost-effective approach, particularly given the time, costs and emotion often involved with litigation.

We also offer services as an independent third party to assist in achieving resolution of disputes. Both of the firm’s consultants are accredited mediators, and well-respected, senior and experienced legal practitioners. Where appropriate, we can also provide expert determination services or act as a special referee in court proceedings.

Pro Bono

Bartley Cohen supports LawRight (previously QPILCH), a not for profit organisation that provides access to legal services provided by its various members at no cost.  All of Bartley Cohen’s employed solicitors and graduates attend at LawRight to assist persons in need.