Ian Bolster is a partner in our dispute resolution practice
Ian is the head of our tier 1 class actions practice, and is prominent in major commercial and financial services disputes and enforcement matters. He has acted on some of the country's most complex and high-profile matters, and is known for being incisive, commercial, pragmatic and easy to work with.
Ian is recognised as a leading individual in class actions by Legal 500 (which also recognises him as an "enforcement expert"), a leading Australian class action lawyer by Doyle's Guide, and a leading lawyer in litigation by Best Lawyers. He is also ranked in Chambers and Partners.
Legal 500 describes him as "praised for his keen strategic approach and involvement in market-leading claims", "a trusted adviser, he is very strategic, clear minded and focused on achieving efficient outcomes", "an excellent lawyer and litigator", "an absolute standout", "exceptional as a litigator – focused, practical and with a clear view of the longer term objectives", "energetic, intelligent and perceptive", "particularly sought after in financial services litigation", "easy going, commercial and able to think outside of the box to find solutions to complex problems", and having "an unpretentious and genuine manner". Chambers describes him as "an outstanding litigator who is fully engaged with his matters and delightful to deal with".
Ian's work includes acting for Woolworths in the employee underpayment class action, McDonald's in the rest break class action and in the salaried manager class action, Plus500 in the CFD class action, Sydney University in the PHD students class action, KPMG in the Allco shareholder class action, Royal Bank of Scotland in the Oasis investor class action, Societe Generale in the Forum Finance fraud proceedings, ANZ in the banking Royal Commission and in $700M foreign currency facility proceedings, and a major financial services company in a series of high stakes arbitrations concerning a large acquisition.
He has also acted for financial services institutions such as Westpac, ANZ, Societe Generale, Macquarie and others on a variety of enforcement matters where his experience includes criminal prosecutions, civil penalty proceedings, license cancellation / suspension hearings (and appeals), and the banking and financial services Royal Commission.
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Legal development 
High Court to decide whether litigation funders can get common fund orders in class actions…And whether solicitors can also take a percentage
07 Nov 2024
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Does a remediation program reduce consumer class action risk?
29 Oct 2024
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NSW Court of Appeal confirms litigation funding commission not recoverable as damages
24 Oct 2024
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Class action against ASIC dismissed and leave to replead refused
09 Oct 2024
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High Court finds removing customer safeguards can lead to unconscionable conduct
12 Sep 2024
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First settlement approval by Victorian Supreme Court involving contingency fees
29 Aug 2024
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Class Actions Update: Courts rain on beauty parade for unfunded lawyers seeking contingency fee
14 Aug 2024
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It's Time: High Court to consider key class action issues
12 Aug 2024
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Federal Court gives green light for solicitor common fund orders in class actions
08 Jul 2024
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News Ashurst advises on acquisition of AMPs remaining minority interest in Resolution Life Australasia
01 Jul 2022
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