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Oil spill class action firm wins settlement hearing fees, including bill for tax advice
Despite a judge's complaint that class action costs are generally "out of control", the law firm that secured a $192.5 million settlement and earned about $25 million in fees in the Montara oil spill case has won approval for more fees -- these ones incurred in a hearing to determine how the settlement spoils should be divided.
Fonterra class action firm battles for $5.4M fees
The law firm that secured a $25 million settlement in a class action against dairy co-op Fonterra is fighting to recoup $5.4 million in legal fees, asking the court to disregard parts of an expert report slashing its fees.
Insurer seeking to examine Arrium liquidators can’t shield docs
Insurer Atradius has lost its bid to keep under wraps information supporting its application to publicly examine three KordaMentha directors about their administration of the Arrium Group after a judge found it would not prejudice a similar bid in related proceedings. 
Costs in class actions getting ‘out of control’, judge says
A judge overseeing a $192.5 million settlement in an oil spill class action against PTTEP Australia on behalf of Indonesian seaweed farmers has balked at the “very large” costs sought by Maurice Blackburn for administering the deal, expressing concerns that class action costs are “getting out of control”.
Insurers ‘can’t say’ if they will cover Blue Sky class action claims
A judge has avoided a fight “with the High Court written all over it” over whether an investor class action against Blue Sky Alternative Investments and auditor EY can join four insurers to the case.
‘It’s a disaster’: Judge questions $11M settlement in Aveo class action
A judge has questioned an $11 million settlement in a class action against retirement village provider Aveo, resolving to appoint a contradictor and a costs referee amid a dispute between the plaintiff law firm and its litigation funder, which the court heard has “grave concerns” about the costs incurred in the case.
Insurers on hook for combustible cladding claims against builder LU Simon
A judge has found insurers must cover claims against builder LU Simon Builders over alleged combustible cladding in Melbourne's Atlantis Towers after a judge found the owners were “obvious candidates” to bring legal action.
Engage Marine can access ACCC docs in competition suit against TasPorts
A judge has largely granted a bid by port operations provider Engage Marine to obtain copies of restricted documents in the ACCC’s case against TasPorts as it mounts its own case against the government-owned body, despite noting that principles of open justice don’t dictate an “open slather” approach to documents.
Noumi class action judge questions ‘unusual’ privilege bid over docs seen by Ashurst, PwC
A judge has questioned an "unusual" bid by Noumi to shield over 3,000 documents, their titles and the identities of those who sent them to PricewaterhouseCoopers during a 2020 investigation into the food company's financial position.
Atradius can’t bring late $1.5B claim over Arrium administration
Insurer Atradius has lost its bid to bring a $1.5 billion (US$1 billion) case against four KordaMentha liquidators and 60 financiers of the Arrium group alleging they failed to act under a duty of utmost good faith when agreeing on how to divvy up sale proceeds for several entities.