JOHN LAXON

CAREER SUMMARY

John's principal areas of practice include litigation, employment and administrative law.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws from the Queensland University of Technology in 1986 and working in Brisbane in general practice, John moved to Sydney where he extended his litigation background, and worked for several years in commercial and general litigation, in all State and Federal jurisdictions. He was then appointed a Principal Prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

While at the DPP, John prosecuted the broad spectrum of Commonwealth crime, although specialising in Corporations Act and share market prosecutions.

John was responsible for running the first successful insider trading and market manipulation prosecutions and so developed a strong professional relationship with ASIC and ASX, as well as with numerous government departments, and State and Federal Police.

In 1999 John returned to private practice acting in commercial and criminal litigation, employment and industrial, administrative, personal and relationship law. From this he went on to establish Hillman Laxon Tobias as a foundation partner.

John is recognised for his effective representation of employees in all work related issues. He has achieved particular success in the media and entertainment sectors, having represented high profile identities in recent headline-making cases, delivering results exceeding clients’ expectations.

Given the breadth and depth of his experience, John is well positioned to help clients to make the most of their careers and talent. John’s recent widely covered successes against big budget opponents and their lawyers demonstrate his ability to assist clients in negotiating and drafting the terms of employment, implementation and observance of those terms, as well as a practical, expeditious, and cost effective solution to clients’ issues.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

John has also contributed extensively to community work including surf club membership and assisting the disadvantaged, including as a volunteer lawyer at various Community Legal Centres.

John is also an enthusiastic ocean swimmer, kayaker and musician.