Gregory Nell

Gregory Nell SC is a distinguished member of the New South Wales Bar, with a considerable career spanning over three decades, primarily in Admiralty and Maritime Law. Recognised for his expertise and contributions to the field, Gregory has been lauded as a leader in maritime law by publications such as Chambers and Partners and Who’s Who Legal, highlighting his reputation as one of the most accomplished shipping barristers in the region. Gregory's legal journey began after graduating from Sydney University with degrees in Economics and Law, leading to his admission as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1983. He initially honed his skills in banking and shipping law at Norton Smith & Co before gaining international experience with Hill Dickinson in London, specialising in shipping and marine insurance. Returning to Australia in 1990, he resumed his focus in maritime law at Norton Smith & Co until he transitioned to the Bar in 1991. Furthering his academic credentials, Gregory attained a Master of Laws from Sydney University in 2000 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2006. Throughout his career, Gregory has been involved in pivotal admiralty and maritime cases across Australia, consistently appearing before the Federal Court of Australia and several state Supreme Courts. His practice spans various areas including insurance law, private international law, aviation law, and broader commercial law. Gregory is actively engaged in the legal community. He has contributed extensively to the Maritime Law Association of Australian and New Zealand, sharing his knowledge at numerous conferences and seminars. His academic contributions include teaching roles at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland, where he has taught courses on international carriage of goods and maritime law. His professional service extends to key advisory roles, such as his involvement with the Australian Law Reform Commission on marine insurance, and as Counsel Assisting in the Oil-for-Food Inquiry. Gregory has also held leadership positions, including past chairmanship of the NSW Bar Association's Transportation, Maritime and Air Law Committee, and involvement in professional conduct committees. Currently, Gregory serves as the president of the Anglo Australasian Lawyers Society (Australian Chapter) and chairs the Australian Maritime and Transportation Arbitration Commission, underscoring his leadership and commitment to the legal field. Gregory's principal areas of practice encompass Admiralty and Maritime Law, Arbitration, Aviation and Transportation Law, Insurance and Reinsurance, and several other facets of commercial and international law, reflecting a broad yet focused legal expertise.