Seamus Ryan,Disputes and Insolvency Expert in Melbourne

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Melbourne, Australia

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Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Seamus advises insolvency practitioners, directors, creditors and business owners in relation to commercial disputes and insolvency matters.

Seamus provides technical and strategic advice for his clients and frequently acts in high value matters in the Supreme and County Courts of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia, and the Administrative Review Tribunal. He works closely with clients to identify the key issues early, assess the available options, and set a clear path forward.

He guides clients through each stage of a dispute with structured, practical advice. He explains how court processes and decisions will affect clients, so they understand what is happening, what it means, and what next steps are.

Seamus is a professional member of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency and Turnaround Association (ARITA) and serves on the disciplinary tribunal for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

  • Advised a number of high-profile figures in relation to significant claims brought against them in respect of multimillion dollar tax claims.
  • Acted for insolvency practitioners in relation to voidable transaction claims and other claims under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including in relation to breaches of directors duties, insolvent trading and unfair preferences.
  • Acted for directors in high profile litigation brought by liquidators relating to alleged breaches of director duties.
  • Acting in proceedings relating to significant property developments, including relating to misleading statements to investors.
  • Advised clients with respect to pending corporate or personal insolvency.
  • Co-authored an article, within the ARITA Journal, which led to a reversal of the Australian Financial Security Authority’s long-held position that trustees in bankruptcy should refrain from paying their own remuneration until the petitioning creditor’s costs have been paid.
Business Partnership Disputes
Business partnership disputes arise when partners disagree about how a business is managed, how responsibilities are shared, or how financial interests are handled. These disputes can affect operations, relationships, and the ongoing viability of the business.
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Commercial Litigation and Disputes
Commercial litigation and disputes often arise when business disagreements cannot be resolved through negotiation or informal means. A formal legal process can provide structure, clarity, and a path toward resolution.
Learn about Commercial Litigation and Disputes
Corporate Insolvency
Corporate insolvency involves financial distress where a company is unable to meet its obligations. These situations can raise questions about available options, stakeholder impact, and the future direction of the company.
Learn about Corporate Insolvency
Personal Insolvency
Personal insolvency can be a highly challenging financial situation. When debts become difficult to manage, uncertainty around options and obligations can quickly create pressure.
Learn about Personal Insolvency
Asset Protection and Restructuring
Protecting your wealth and structuring assets thoughtfully can help limit exposure to legal and financial risk. Asset protection and restructuring strategies can preserve value, improve flexibility, and support more informed decision making as circumstances change
Learn about Asset Protection and Restructuring
Director Penalty Notices
A Director Penalty Notice places personal liability on company directors for certain unpaid tax obligations. Understanding your position and acting promptly can be critical to managing risk and protecting your personal interests.
Learn about Director Penalty Notices
Unfair Preference Claims
Unfair preference claims arise where payments made before liquidation are examined to determine whether they unfairly preferred one party over others. Clear legal advice helps clarify whether a claim should be pursued or defended, and how to respond in a structured and informed way.
Learn about Unfair Preference Claims
Contractual Disputes
Contractual disputes arise when parties disagree about their rights, obligations, or performance under an agreement. Understanding how a contract operates in practice can help clarify positions and support informed resolution of disputes.
Learn about Contractual Disputes
Professional Negligence
Professional negligence arises where a professional’s advice, skill, or conduct falls below the standard reasonably expected in their field and results in loss or disadvantage.
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Shareholder Disputes
Shareholder disputes involve disagreements between shareholders, or between shareholders and company directors, about company management or the exercise of shareholder rights. These disputes can affect a company’s operations, value, and relationships.
Learn about Shareholder Disputes
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Andrew Henshaw
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Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)
Works With

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Seamus Ryan

Paralegal

Amy Debelak

Law Clerk

Max Buntine

Law Graduate

Ryan Iskra

Senior Associate

Sascha Kenny

Law Graduate

Ze'ev Gittleson

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