Analysis
Toyota class action funder to confront tough questions over $244M payout
The litigation funder that bankrolled two class actions against Toyota, which settled this month for a record $750 million, faces a grilling by the Federal Court over its proposed commission -- the largest payout ever sought in an Australian class action.
Public Corruption
Judge appointed to lead national corruption watchdog
Federal Circuit and Family Court Deputy Chief Justice Robert McClelland has been appointed to lead the nation’s corruption watchdog, replacing inaugural Commissioner Paul Brereton, who stepped down in July.
Employment
Jackie O challenges ARN’s privilege claim over investigation docs
Radio host Jackie O Henderson is challenging broadcaster ARN Media’s claims of legal professional privilege over documents relating to a workplace investigation following her on-air clash with former co-host Kyle Sandilands, arguing the dominant purpose of the investigation was not to obtain legal advice.
Class Actions
Loddon inmate can file class action, judge says unlikely he can rep group
A judge has allowed a prison inmate in Victoria to file a class action over alleged price gouging for products sold in the prison shop, but warned it was unlikely that he will be able to represent the 400 proposed group members.
Competition & Consumer Protection
eHarmony appeals loss in ACCC’s subscriptions trap case
eHarmony has appealed a judge's finding that it misled customers about automatic subscription renewables, its free online dating service and subscription terms and prices.
Financial Services
Jon Adgemis investor Gemi loses bid for costs against ASIC
The private credit firm that backed bankrupt publican Jon Adgemis has failed in its fight for the costs of its court action against the corporate regulato over notices to produce documents it said were shielded by legal professional privilege.
Appeals
FX Group Holdings wins partial appeal of $97M judgment
FX Group Holdings has partly succeeded in its appeal of a finding that it owes private equity firm CPE Capital $96.89 million in a dispute over a profit-sharing agreement tied to the sale of CPE’s stake in trading platform Pepperstone.
Financial Services
ASIC cancels MWL Financial’s credit licence
ASIC has cancelled the credit licence of MWL Financial, the latest trouble for the collapsed advisory firm, which is being pursued by the corporate regulator for advising clients to invest their super in Keystone's failed Shield Master Fund.
People In The News
HSF Kramer poaches Squire Patton Boggs restructuring partner
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has hired a finance and restructuring partner from Squire Patton Boggs, as the firm expands its capital solutions offering.
Environment
Court to mull if PFAS class actions can ‘freshen up’ limitations period in 3M case
3M has told a judge that a key issue in the Commonwealth’s $2 billion case over PFAS contamination will be whether class action settlements can mitigate its limitations defence to a misleading and deceptive conduct claim.
