Hugh Northam

Hugh Northam is a distinguished Partner and the esteemed head of the Commercial Litigation department at Septimus Jones & Lee. Renowned for his profound expertise in dispute resolution and commercial litigation, his reputation extends through both the Supreme and Federal courts of Australia, garnering respect from peers within the profession and the broader commercial community. With over 25 years of experience, Hugh has firmly established himself as a leading authority in commercial litigation. His adept handling of matters pertaining to corporations law, especially in the intricate areas of directors' duties and responsibilities and shareholders' rights, underscores his comprehensive legal acumen. His proficiency extends to trade practices and defamation, where his work in reputation management is highly acclaimed. Notably, Hugh conducted Australia's pioneering internet defamation case, which set a precedent regarding the place of publication for online content in defamation lawsuits. Hugh has represented and provided counsel to numerous high-profile individuals, including CEOs and senior executives of major public corporations, senior politicians, and celebrities, as well as senior counsel at the Victorian Bar. His approach is characterised by offering practical, commercially viable advice, blending legal technical expertise with an intimate understanding of client needs, achieved through close collaboration. Throughout his illustrious career, Hugh has garnered respect from both clients and colleagues, admired for his analytical prowess and capability to navigate complex legal landscapes. His esteemed standing in the legal community is further cemented by being consistently recognised by Australia’s “Legal Profiles” as a "Premier" practitioner in commercial litigation, defamation, and administrative law. Hugh Northam's well-deserved accolades reflect his status as one of Melbourne's most proficient and accomplished figures in commercial litigation and dispute resolution.