Add a bookmark to get started

23 February 20232 minute read

Former Federal Court Judge joins DLA Piper

DLA Piper has today confirmed of The Hon. John Middleton AM KC – a former Justice of the Federal Court of Australia for the past 16 years – will be joining the firm in March as a senior advisor. He retired from the bench in December 2022.

“After decades of distinguished public service, we are thrilled The Hon. John Middleton has chosen DLA Piper for the next chapter of his incredible career. John will be a great asset to our clients on strategic litigation and class action advice,” said Amber Matthews, Australia Managing Partner, DLA Piper.

The renowned former judge will be based in DLA Piper’s Melbourne office. John will advise large public and private sector clients on investigations, class actions and inquiries. 

“When a board of directors needs senior counsel on a major inquiry, John will spearhead that effort,” Amber said. 

“John’s appointment bolsters our market-leading litigation and regulatory team and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strategic litigation at a level where few firms compete,” she added.

The Hon. John Middleton served as the President of the Australian Competition Tribunal for the past six years. He was a former part-time Commissioner of Australian Law Reform Commission and has sat on a number of boards, including being a Member of the Council of the University of Melbourne. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.

Earlier in his career, he served as Associate to Sir Ninian Stephen. He later practised as a Barrister, predominantly in Constitutional and Administrative Law, Resources Law and Commercial Law.

He holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, Bachelor of Civil Law (Honours) from the University of Oxford, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel for Victoria in 1991. 

“I was attracted to DLA Piper for their fearless work on big ticket litigation, whether that’s acting for a foreign government, listed corporations or government. DLA Piper’s work (including pro bono work) in the Pacific nations is something I would like to become involved in, as part of Australia’s overall commitment in the region,” John said.

“From my years spent on the bench, DLA Piper has been the standout in commercial litigation. It’s refreshening approach to clients, alongside global reach, shows an innovative approach to law, which is essential at this time,” he added. 

Ends. 

Media contact: Nicholas Davy +61 437 036 369