Biography
Crispian is a partner in our Disputes and Investigations group and a member of our Board.He is known for resolving significant and complex disputes with a commercial and strategic approach. He has been involved in some of Australia’s largest commercial disputes and has extensive experience in litigation, class actions, arbitrations, mediations and contentious insolvency matters across a broad range of sectors. He also advises on complex broadcasting services matters for numerous clients.
Crispian is recommended for dispute resolution by leading international legal directories.
Experience
Crispian’s experience includes:
Advising Credit Suisse in prosecuting claims for over USD2 billion related to Greensill's collapse.
Defending Downer EDI, Vocation and RiverCity Motorway in securities class actions.
Acting on the recognition and enforcement of a US judgment against Argentina for over USD16 billion.
Defending Gina Rinehart in arbitrations worth over $20 billion.
A class action judgment against Toyota Motor Corporation.
A $280 million settlement for RiverCity following proceedings against AECOM.
A $250 million outcome for Lowe’s in disputes concerning the Masters joint venture.
A $121 million settlement for BrisConnections following proceedings against Arup.
Representing CBA in numerous, large investigations and proceedings.
A judgment for Reliance Rail in connection with a $2 billion restructure.
Judgments for Brett Blundy, BBRC and Honey Birdette in oppression proceedings.
Judgments for Nine in defending proceedings brought by WIN and by Seven / C7.
Acting in various contradictor roles in Bank of Queensland, Discovery Metals and Queensland Energy class actions.
Providing broadcasting services advice to Nine/Fairfax, Ten/Paramount, Illyria/Nova, ARN Media and Macquarie Radio/Fairfax.
Awards and Recognition
-
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
Ranked in Dispute Resolution
-
Chambers Global 2026
Ranked in Dispute Resolution
-
The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific 2026
Recognised as a Leading Partner in Dispute Resolution: Litigation
-
The Best Lawyers in Australia 2027
Recognised for Alternative Dispute Resolution, Class Action Litigation, Financial Institutions, Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation
-
Doyle’s Guide 2026
Recognised as a Preeminent Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyer in New South Wales
Client first thinking
The Legal 500 Asia-PacificCrispian has a first-rate legal mind combined with admirable sangfroid in litigation.
Chambers Asia-PacificCrispian is an outstanding litigator, who is always across the detail, strategic and insightful.
Chambers Asia-PacificSources characterise him as a lawyer of 'great charm and determination,' praising him as 'extremely shrewd and able' as well as 'very thorough, methodical and up to speed on things.'