Matthew McGirr
Email: mmcgirr@8wentworth.com.au
Prior to coming to the bar, Matthew was a Senior Solicitor in the litigation team of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). In that role, Matthew advised APRA in relation to all aspects of APRA’s use of powers with respect to banks, insurers and superannuation funds.
Before APRA, Matthew was a solicitor at two leading law firms, Herbert Smith Freehills and Gilbert + Tobin. In these roles, Matthew advised some of Australia’s largest companies on complex litigation and regulatory
investigations. His clients have included the CBA, JP Morgan, Westpac, Telstra, BUPA Australia, Tabcorp, along with many others.
Matthew also has significant experience dealing with issues relating to corporate governance and corporations law, having spent two years at the Australian Institute of Company Directors as a policy adviser and in-house counsel.
Competition Law
Environmental and Planning Law
Professional Negligence / Standards
Royal Commissions / Inquests / Inquiries
Taxation Law – Commonwealth and State taxes
Tax/Revenue
Matthew is a highly regarded junior counsel, with a wide-ranging practice primarily focussed on commercial law, common law (including intentional torts), superannuation, property law, construction, strata, and general equity. Matthew regularly appears in all Federal and State courts and tribunals. Matthew will accept briefs in all areas of law.
Prior to being called to the bar, Matthew was a solicitor for over 7 years. Immediately prior to the bar, Matthew was a Senior Solicitor at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), where he advised APRA in relation to several high profile contentious and non-contentious matters.
Prior to APRA, Matthew practised at law firms Herbert Smith Freehills and Gilbert + Tobin. During this period, Matthew acted for some of Australia’s leading companies, including Westpac, CBA, Bupa, Telstra, JP Morgan Australia. Matthew also worked on a number of class actions and commissions of inquiry.
Matthew has also worked as a policy adviser and lawyer at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, where he worked closely with governments, directors, and stakeholders important legal policy issues, including the insolvency safe harbour reforms.
Matthew graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in history. Matthew then graduated from the University of NSW with a Juris Doctor with Honours.
