Robert Glavas

Robert has a wide-ranging commercial law practice, advising and appearing (led and unled) in disputes concerning:

• corporate control issues involving directors, shareholders, trusts and and/or partnerships;
• misleading or deceptive conduct claims;
• class actions;
• complex issues around the formation, interpretation, breach and discharge of contracts;
• property related issues arising from major developments, conveyancing, unregistered interests and/or leasing;
• professional and product liability;
• employment and industrial law.

Robert is regularly briefed to act for a broad range of clients including large multinationals (e.g. Bupa, GlaxoSmithKline, Wells Fargo, Siemens, Wurth, Kearney), public and private companies, insurers, government bodies, and individuals.  He is currently briefed as junior counsel for the McDonald’s franchisee entities in the Breaks class action and the Managers class action.  

Prior to joining the Bar, Robert was a Principal Lawyer in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation group at Macpherson Kelley. As the youngest Principal Lawyer nationally, he conducted complex litigation in state and federal jurisdictions throughout Australia.  Earlier in his career, he worked in-house for a private equity firm in London and as a solicitor in the litigation team at Piper Alderman.

Robert holds a Master of Laws degree from the University of Melbourne, where his studies focused on advanced aspects of interpretation (contract and statute), commercial law, shareholders’ rights, remedies, evidence, negligence and precontractual liability. 

Complementing his advocacy practice, Robert is a nationally accredited mediator and accepts briefs to mediate in all areas of civil practice.

Robert read with Anna Robertson (as Her Honour then was).

A selection of his recent matters is as follows:

McDonald’s Breaks class action (current) – Acting for over 300 McDonald’s franchisees defending claims brought by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association and the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union seeking compensation of approximately $250m and penalties in relation to alleged failures to give employees breaks. Led by Anthony Strahan KC with Alex Manos.  

McDonald’s managers class action (current) – Acting for over 300 McDonald’s franchisees defending claims brought by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association seeking compensation of approximately $100m and penalties in relation to alleged unpaid pre-shift and post-shift work by managers.  Led by Anthony Strahan KC with Alex Manos.

Certain Underwriters v Speedie Waste Australia Pty Ltd & Ors – C-23-03213 - Acted for insurer seeking declarations as to the identity of an injured worker’s employer against the backdrop of its denial of indemnity and concurrent personal injury proceedings.  Defences raised of waiver, election by affirmation, and ineffective reservation of rights.  Settled shortly before 15 day trial.  Led by Anthony Strahan KC. 

Chang v Gu – S ECI 2023 00747 – Acted for plaintiff in successful defence of summary judgment application of proceedings asserting an interest in property pursuant to constructive and/or resulting trust.  Included detailed consideration of principles of equitable fraud.  Unled. 

Peter Rowland Group Pty Ltd v Michelle Biddle –  VID1104 of 2023 - Acted for applicant in claim for compensation from former CEO for alleged breaches of directors and fiduciary duties, and in defence of concurrent general protections proceedings.  Matter settled at mediation.  Unled. 

Wells Fargo International Finance (Australia) Pty Ltd v Sharma (current) – VID341/2023 – Acted for bank seeking urgent injunctions to restrain ex-employee from joining competitor, soliciting clients, and using or disclosing confidential information.  Led by Robyn Sweet KC.

Chiodo Corporation Pty Ltd v Coolangatta & Tweed Heads Golf Club Limited – S ECI 2020 02855 – Acted for developer seeking damages for loss of opportunity of approximately $170m in relation to claims for breach of contract and misleading and deceptive conduct arising out of the aborted development of the defendant club’s golf course.  Led by Cam Truong KC. 

VICT v CFMMEU – S CI 2017 04871 – Acted for container terminal operator seeking damages for loss of opportunity of approximately $100m in relation to claims in tort arising out of alleged unlawful picketing.  Led by Stuart Wood KC with team of Counsel. 

Jeffery v Kyalami Enterprises Pty Ltd & Ors – S ECI 2022 02663 - Acted for technology company and majority shareholders defending oppression proceedings arising out of the alleged wrongful termination and exclusion from management of the founder shareholder. Unled.

Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Australia Pty Ltd v Alchemy Agencies Pty Ltd – SCNSW 2020/226492 – Acted for pharmaceutical company seeking damages of approximately $3m in relation to claims for breach of contract, negligence and breach of Sale of Goods legislation arising out of the supply of pharmaceutical ingredients.  Led by Anna Robertson. 

Murphy v Templa Pty Ltd & Ors – S ECI 2021 02943 – Acted for fashion company and majority shareholders defending claims for damages of approximately $1.5m in relation to alleged shareholder oppression and breach of contract, including freezing order application.  Unled.

Dr Richard Moore v Western District Health Services & Ors – S ECI 2020 02407 – Acted for surgeon defending claims brought by former business partner for damages of approximately $1.2m in relation to alleged breach of contract, misleading and deceptive conduct and unconscionable conduct.  Unled. 

Keybridge Capital Limited v Ragusa Minerals Ltd & Anor – S ECI 2021 00329 – Acted for investment and financial services firm seeking damages against seller of shares and accounting firm in relation to claims of misleading and deceptive conduct arising out of share sale transaction.  Led by Andrew Broadfoot QC. 

RJ Sanderson & Associates Pty Ltd & Anor v Bateman & Ors – S ECI 2021 02646 – Acted for former partners of accounting firm defending claims brought by former business partners/employer for damages in relation to alleged breach of restraint of trade, inducement of breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duties.  Unled.

Krajcar & Anor v Eastern Central Real Estate Pty Ltd & Ors [2022] VSC 173– Appeared for defendants in 4-day VCAT hearing regarding construction of leases and provisions of the Retail Leases Act.  Unled.

Carret Nominees Pty Ltd v John Terracall & Ors and related proceedings - S ECI 2020 00942; S ECI 2018 01199; SCI 2018 2005; SCI 2016 02187; S CI 2016 04936; S PRB 2016 06981 - Acted for plaintiff in complex disputes between family members relating to treatment of assets in various entities and trusts.  Led by Andrew Meagher. 

Confidential advice in relation to proceedings before the High Court of Singapore in relation to claims for breach of fiduciary duties exceeding $1b, strike out application, and appeals.  Led by Tim North QC and Henry Heuzenroeder. 

Bupa HI Pty Ltd v Singh; Bupa HI v Sheikh – M10941465; M10941465 – Acted for health insurer, successfully obtaining freezing orders in relation to claims of deceit and money had and received arising out of alleged insurance fraud.  Unled.