Allens

Peter O'Donahoo

Partner since 1991
LLB BEC ASA
Melbourne | +61 3 9613 8742
Peter.O'Donahoo@allens.com.au
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Peter is expert at undertaking large-scale, multi-jurisdictional disputes both in Australia and abroad. He has extensive experience in constitutional litigation, products litigation, commercial disputes, regulatory investigations and inquiries, class actions, arbitrations and defamation/media related work.

In the field of product liability claims and issues, Peter has extensive experience in the defence of claims or potential claims (including class actions) concerning tobacco and other consumable products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, motor vehicles, aerospace components, mobile telephones (electromagnetic field radiation) and mechanical devices.

Since 1997, Peter's expertise has been recognised in the International Who's Who of Product Liability Defence Lawyers. For several years now, Peter has been ranked by Chambers Global as one of the leading litigators in Australia. In 2010, Peter was recognised as the 'Australian litigator of the year' at the International Law Office (Client Choice) Awards.

With unparalleled experience in providing comprehensive and prompt media advice on a national basis, Peter has led a wide range of cases focusing on express and implied constitutional guarantees and rights and the validity of Commonwealth and State legislation. This work has included involvement in landmark decisions establishing and developing the content and scope of the constitutional protection of free speech in the context of defamation law. Peter has a substantial practice in defamation and related media work, in which he advises and acts for, principally, media organisations on both pre-and post-publication issues.

Peter is a past president of the National Product Liability Association, past Chairman of the Law Council of Australia's Media & Communications Committee, a member of the Defense Research Institute (US) and a member of the International Bar Association (IBA).

From 2008 to 2012, Peter was the joint leader of the firm's Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group.

Peter is a member of the firm's Board and serves on a number of the firm's committees.