Mitchell Downes

Mitchell Downes is an experienced commercial litigator focused on practical results.
Before being called to the bar, Mitchell had more than a decade of experience in the full array of commercial litigation. He was an accredited specialist in commercial litigation, and conducted more than 50 trials or hearings that resulted in published decisions.
Since coming to the bar, he has established a busy practice in predominantly the Supreme, District and Federal Courts, particularly in matters concerning equity and trusts, property (including bodies corporate and strata), corporations, insolvency and commercial torts (including statutory misrepresentation). He has appeared led and unled in trials and hearings, and led in appeals.

• Appellate
• Commercial
• Contract
• Corporate Insolvency & Bankruptcy
• Corporations
• Land Law & Property
• Trade Practices & Competition

• Admitted: 2010
• Called to bar: 2021

• LLM (UQ)
• LLB (Hons) (QUT)

• 2009-2021 – Mahoneys (Partner 2016-2021)
• 2018 – Accredited specialist (commercial litigation)

• Ridd v James Cook University [2021] HCA 32 (solicitor)
• Golden Eagle Property Group Pty Ltd & Anor v GGPG Pty Ltd [2022] QCA 56 (led by de Jersey QC)
• James Cook University v Ridd (2020) 382 ALR 8 (solicitor)
• Murphy v Mackay Labour Hire Pty Ltd [2018] QCA 90 (solicitor)
• Nixon, in the matter of Nixon [2022] FCA 211 (unled)
• Getakate Pty Ltd v Beniki Finance Pty Ltd (formerly LSP Finance Pty Ltd) [2021] FCA 1118 (solicitor advocate)
• SM Employment Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2019] FCA 464 (solicitor)
• Champions Quarry Pty Ltd v GSQ Holdings Pty Ltd, in the matter of Champions Quarry 2 Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 459 (solicitor)
• Ridd v James Cook University (2019) 286 IR 389 (solicitor)
• Nixon (Trustee) [2018] FCA 720 (solicitor advocate)
• Dipika Investments Pty Ltd v Australian Liquid Distribution Pty Ltd [2021] QSC 315 (led by Handran QC)
• Breeze Mr Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Bay Village Community Title Scheme 33127 [2021] QSC 263 (solicitor)
• Hilas & Anor v GGPG Developments (No 133) Pty Ltd & Anor [2020] QSC 313 (solicitor)
• Fordyce v Kordamentha Real Estate Pty Ltd & Ors [2017] QSC 289 (solicitor)
• SDW2 Pty Ltd v JLF Corporation Pty Ltd & Ors [2017] QSC 1 (solicitor)
• Lambert Property Group Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Castlebar Cove CTS 37148 [2015] QSC 179 (solicitor)
• Allen v CGI Holdings Pty Ltd [2022] QDC 68 (unled)
• Breeze MR Pty Ltd v Body Corporate for Bay Village [2021] QCAT 449 (solicitor advocate)