Graeme has been a barrister since 2001 and a nationally accredited mediator since 2015. Graeme has a diverse practice including commercial disputes, estates litigation, property/ equity and family law. This diversity of experience has been valuable both in providing advice and also acting as mediator. He advises liquidators and trustees as well as directors, creditors, SMEs and individuals.
Graeme has since 2001 been involved with coaching advocacy and other communication skills. He has been teaching advocacy in the USA since 2001, is a coach with the Australian Bar Association Advocacy courses, and for 12 years convened the ANU Masters of Legal Practice advocacy course as well as masters courses related to litigation and insolvency law.
Each year since 2016 Graeme has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a leading barrister in the three areas: Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Family Law, and Wills & Estates Litigation.
Graeme is a keen cyclist and photographer. He enjoys a round of golf and is a long suffering but now very happy supporter of Liverpool Football Club (soccer) and Richmond FC (AFL).
Called to the Bar
2001
Phone
02 6247 1489
gblank@blackburnchambers.com.au
Practice areas
Commercial law
Equity and trusts
Family law
Inquests and inquiries
Wills and Estates
Cases
- Coronial Inquiry—death of Robert Douglas [2016, 2017]—Counsel assisting the Coroner. The
inquiry looked at Mr Douglas’ medical history, diagnosis and treatment in hospital before his death - Re Adzic [2017] FCA 34—Bankruptcy, recovery of voidable transactions. Acting for bankruptcy
trustee - Denham Constructions Pty Ltd v Islamic State of Pakistan [2016] ACTSC (various)—building
security of payments claims - Roblin v Public Trustee (ACT) [2015] 10 ACTLR 300—preservation of sperm of deceased spouse;
property and intestacy - Hunt, Sciglitano and Ors v ACT, Revlon and Ors [2014] ACTSC catastrophic burns injuries for
multiple plaintiffs including nervous shock claims for two parents. Settled mid-trial - Denham Constructions Project Company 810 Pty Ltd v Smithies [2014] 9 ACTLR 146—Building
Security for Payment claims; estoppel - McKenna v the Commonwealth and Ors [2013] multiparty catastrophic injury claim. Settled at
mediation just prior to trial - QZ v Sydney South West Area Health Service [2012] HCA Trans 164—discrimination. Special leave
application—refused - Kirk v Industrial Relations Commission [2010] 239 CLR 531 (2nd junior counsel)—workcover,
administrative law norkel Elevating Work Platforms Pty Ltd and Another v Borren Metal Forming Ltd
(2010) 5 ACTLR 42—manufacturer liability in which defect caused paraplegic injury - Canberra Residential Developments Pty Ltd v Brendas [2010] 188 FCR 140—director’s duties,
equity - Barecall v Hoban [2009] NSWSC 1104; [2010] NSWCA 269—guarantees, property
- Malik v ANZ Banking Group [2010] ACTCA 11—priority of Torrens Title interest; mortgages
- Makas v Peter Enders Building Consultant Pty Ltd [2009] ACTSC—amending pleadings after
limitation period expired - Mass (Australia) Pty Limited v R&B Crane and Rigging Pty Ltd [2008] 2 ACTLR 154—amendment
of name in statutory demand after 21 day period had expired - McKenzie v Storer [2007] 1 ACTLR 183—constructive trust, Domestic Relationships Act
- Cooper and Ors v Westpac General Insurance Limited [2007] ACTCA 20—insurance recovery claim
for alleged arson - Snorkel Elevated Work Platforms v Nominal Defendant and Ors [2007] 1 ACTLR 110—Traynor v
ACT and Ors [2007] ACTSC 38—catastrophic personal injury and death - Shanahan v Ollier [2005] HCATrans 169—special leave refused; personal injury from golf ball
Publications
- Graeme Blank and H Selby (eds), Appellate Practice, Federation Press, 2008
- Graeme Blank and H Selby, Winning Advocacy, Oxford University Press 2004
- Graeme Blank, “Report on Financial Clauses affecting Quantity Surveyors” – Report to the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2008
- Graeme Blank, Persuasion Techniques, ADR Bulletin (2 volume special edition), co-editor, November 2007
- Graeme Blank, “Marshalling evidence using the Circles Method”, Precedent (March /April 2005)
- Graeme Blank, “Costs orders”, Developments in Commercial Litigation, LAAMS 2000
- Graeme Blank and H Selby, “What is an appeal”, Appellate Practice, Federation Press, 2008
- Graeme Blank and H Selby, “Frequent Issues”, Appellate Practice, Federation Press, 2008