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PRACTICE AREAS

Not For Profit & Social Enterprise

Institutions

Our strong, 20+ year, track record working with a host of education, health care, charity and community organisations across Australia shows the trust institutional clients place in us — and our unwavering commitment to advocating for their cause in various situations.

Nevett Ford’s Institutional Response team has been a widely respected legal partner for Australian institutions for more than 20 years. We offer a multi-disciplinary approach to legal advice and are highly experienced in supporting institutional clients to proactively prevent and respond to risks, and resolve disputes.

Our capabilities include

  • Conducting risk assessments and risk management investigations
  • Developing strategies to safeguard policy, procedures and ensure compliance with Reportable Conduct Scheme obligations
  • Advice on preventing and responding to child, patron and employee safety concerns
  • Addressing clergy and employee misconduct, breaches of professional standards as well as disciplinary issues.
  • Implementing response planning and managing civil claims and inquiries, major incidents and crisis management in a trauma-informed manner.

It’s important for any institution to have a law firm that’s experienced in proactive and preventative risk management, and is able to act swiftly and sensitively should an incident occur – ensuring that it is able to continue its pivotal work in our communities.

Working with regulators, authorities, institutions and claimants for more than 20 years, our Institutional Response team has developed a successful approach to risk management, advice and representation in disputes. Our team also includes the expertise of an Accredited Specialist in Workplace Relations (LIV).

We develop response strategies to ensure there is identification of risks and an established approach to resolving them, which allows for a consistent approach to policy and procedures, as well as disputes or claims should they arise.

Should any dispute resolution be required, our team is quick to understand both the context of any allegations and the organisation. We work closely with key stakeholders to build out an agreed approach resolving claims, and then represent the institution, negotiating in a strategic, highly tailored way, using a reconciliatory approach.

We have worked with a range of institutions (large and small) and other community-based organisations to resolve complex disputes and develop strategies for responding to potential civil claims in circumstances where liability may result from rulings on criminal actions or breach of duty of care.

These are sometimes highly-sensitive cases involving abuse or discrimination. In these situations, our team is acutely aware of the need for communications and responses to be respectful and trauma-informed.

Our Approach

We aim to resolve issues sensitively rather than pursue a legal battle at any cost.

We work closely and ensure we genuinely understand any institution we are working with – so that we can be sure our advice will fit its structure, operations, context and position.

Our experience has demonstrated that a balanced, sensitive approach is often likely to achieve the best outcome for both parties. In disputes, our team prioritises empathy and works to develop strategies, negotiations and develop paths toward resolution in a compassionate and caring manner.

All of our professionals are aware of the prevalence and long-lasting effects trauma can have, and of the need for a ‘trauma-informed’ approach, sensitive to their rights, needs and wishes of a claimant.

 

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

Philip Brewin
Director
Greg Doran
Associate Director
Claire Stratton
Senior Lawyer
Caroline Mostafa
Lawyer
Tom Drake
Lawyer
Cheianne Christiansen
Lawyer
Catalano Clay
Lawyer
Leonie Wright
Paralegal
Liliana Lopera
Legal Assistant

Topics We’ve Written About

Vicarious Liability and Expert Evidence

Case update – DP v Bird [2021] VSC 850 (22 December 2021) Just before Christmas, the Supreme Court of Victoria handed down a landmark decision concerning vicarious liability. In Australia the doctrine of vicarious liability applies where an employer is liable for the...

read more

Testimonials

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

"Friendly, professional service. Subject matter promptly dealt with. Will recommend them."

Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value

"Ryan Curtis-Griffiths and Jacqui Azouz provided excellent legal work.  I am a lawyer in the United States so I expect a lot.  And I got it from Ryan and Jacqui.  They are knowledgeable, efficient and very easy to work with. I will use them whenever I have an opportunity. "

Professionalism, Responsiveness, Value

"I cannot find any words to describe the professionalism of thos firm. Everyone from the reception to financial services and not to say Mae who helped out was absolutely amazing. I had Richard Hamilton who was definitely someone I will always have to represent me if I need any further help. Keep up the fantastic work ?  "

Reliable Lawyer and Good Expertise

"Richard Hamilton is a very genuine lawyer with very good expertise, good values and ethics of responsibility. He is not one of the lawyers in the market who would deceive you with false hopes. I found him very reliable which is something you need when you are going through a difficult family court case. Richard is also very good in returning to calls and emails. I definitely recommend him."

Excellent services and advice

"Ryan has been my migration lawyer of a number of years now and has been successful in obtaining PR and Australian Citizenship for me. His advice is clear, straight forward and tailored to an individual's needs. He puts in the effort and time and always cares for his clients. Overall, I received a first-class service from him, and I highly recommend him to anyone looking for migration advice."

The best immigration service provider in Mel

"In all respect to achieve your PR and the pathway for citizenship was done very professionally ! Special thanks to Rayan ( MD) who helped me in all the way throughout to achieve goal."

Best choice

"Ryan Curtis-Griffiths knowledge of immigration law, a skills in preparing all documents, excellent communication skills, rapid response to my inquiries, thoughtful and good listener."

Professional Service with Attention to Detail

"We engaged Nevett Ford Lawyers to prepare our 186 Business Nomination and Visa Application. Ryan provided outstanding service by assisting us with all his experience in the industry. It was the best decision to work with Ryan as he always listened to our instructions and assisted with timely advise. I would definitely recommend Ryan and his team to anyone looking for a Immigration lawyer."

Professional Service and Prompt Response

"Ryan and his team made sure the process of 186 Business Nomination and Visa application were as seamless as possible. We always received prompt response and correct advise regarding the matter. I would happily recommend Ryan and Nevett Ford to anyone who wants assistance with 186 visas."

Best Lawyers in the business

"Looked after me. Always made sure I knew what was going on and why, but also made sure my mental health was top priority."

Very professional team

"Great professional team, best communicating with the customer."

Legal expertise, Client focused service, Courtesy

"Nevett Ford Lawyers, including paralegals and administrative staff, displayed professional and reliable services. All staff with whom I interacted responded promptly to my queries and requests. Their polite and friendly manner was appreciated and reassuring."

Professional, Efficient & Supportive

"A Positive outcome of Permanent Residency from a Ministerial Intervention is what we achieved through Nevett Ford Lawyers. David Stratton and his Team have been highly efficient and professional along the entire journey through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and Ministerial Intervention. The Team managed our file with great care and patience while supporting us through the entire process during the past four years. We would highly recommend Nevett Ford Lawyers for their Professionalism and Task Accomplishments."

Ryan and Shalini worked extremely hard for us

"Ryan and Shalini's communication skills were what really stood out to us. They replied to emails most of the time within minutes and did a good job on helping us stay realistic about expectations as our case was extremely difficult and had a high chance of failure, they did a brilliant job of getting the visa through for my partner."

Service provided was professional & prompt

"Great communication, friendly interaction with all staff (including reception), prompt and did what they said they would do."

Navigating a tricky workplace case

"Generous with their time. Fair and pragmatic advice from which I was able to make an informed decision."

Mlam Camou (MlCam)
Mlam Camou (MlCam)
2023-08-31
I will recommend definitely this services to anyone who wants a clear and positive outcome for his immigration case. Professionalism and experience are also 2 very important points to consider when you decide Nevett ford to represent you. I am satisfy with their work to be honest.Thank you Nevett Ford Lawyers for your excellent work.
Lisa-Marie Hinton
Lisa-Marie Hinton
2023-08-31
My visa application was the most challenging time of my life. It was so much pressure, lots of tears and emotions. Ryan and the wonderful Team guided our family and secured my husband and children Citizenship and my PR. I think Ryan has a beautiful heart and is very kind. He listened to me when I was at my wits-end and could only cry on the phone. I would choose Ryan again. It has been a difficult journey but he never gave up on helping my family in the fight of staying together. Forever grateful. The Hintons xxx
Vivien Karabinas
Vivien Karabinas
2023-08-31
The expertise and service received by lawyer Sophie Stickland was efficient, caring and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. Thank you.
Jervin Paul Dhas
Jervin Paul Dhas
2023-08-30
Had the pleasure of working with Lili for my PR application and I had a very good experience. She was very responsive and guided me and provided updates in every step and the entire process was smooth and quick. Highly recommend their services and one of the best. Thanks again Team
Tom Simpson
Tom Simpson
2023-08-29
During the period between 2020 - 2023 i was applying for a permanent partner visa and hired Ryan to assist me.I had spoke to 7 other immigration lawyers prior to Ryan, and the general feedback i would get back was negative (installing doubt into my mind about the likelihood of obtaining a visa in my circumstance). Ryan was the only lawyer who had a positive attitude and was optimistic about my situation and gave me a lot of free advice about what i could do even before i hired him, this was a major green flag to me so i made the decision to hire him.I couldn't of asked for a better lawyer, i would highly recommended his services to anyone. Good communication, fast responses, never hesitant to answer any queries, pleasant to speak to and most importantly a good lawyer that gets the job done.I recently obtained my PR after a 3 year process and I cannot thank Ryan (and the team) enough for their service.
Hieronim Wiatrowski
Hieronim Wiatrowski
2023-08-23
Lili Sibic was ery professional and helpful. Highly recommended ????
Jessica Liu
Jessica Liu
2023-08-21
Awesome and extremely professional and patient. Highly recommended!!!
Antonia
Antonia
2023-08-17
Experienced, organised and friendly, Ryan is always helpful and reassuring during the entire visa application process. The entire duration has made him more than just a lawyer but a friend.
Hiro Kamisugi
Hiro Kamisugi
2023-08-16
Nathan and Jean as team helped me for my first home purchase. Even though I knew nothing of this matter, they made my whole journey nice and comfortable. Everyone around myself tells me that purchasing home is a very stressful journey, but I was totally fine with their help. Don’t think I can ever ask anyone else for my next home in the future!

    Contact us

    *If you are overseas, please call our office on +61 3 9614 7111.


    Nevett Ford Melbourne Pty Ltd

    ABN: 80 144 697 790

    Level 16, South Tower, Rialto Building, 525 Collins Street
    Melbourne, VIC 3000