Mr Ryan Nattrass is a barrister first called to the Queensland Bar in May 2022.
Ryan predominantly practises in commercial litigation, insurance, and administrative and public law. Ryan maintains a broad practice but has particular experience in matters relating to judicial and merits review, professional liability (including civil claims, regulatory proceedings, and insurance coverage), and health (including inquests and inquiries). He has appeared both led and unled in most federal and state courts and tribunals.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Ryan practised for nine years as a solicitor in national firms in Australia and the United Kingdom, and also as a financial lines claims manager for one of the world’s largest insurance intermediaries. Ryan has a collaborative and pragmatic approach to litigation.
In addition to private work, Ryan is a member of LawRight and the Caxton Legal Centre. Ryan is also a sessional academic at the QUT Law School.
Some of Ryan’s experience at the Bar and as a solicitor includes:
- Appearing for a plaintiff in the Supreme Court of Queensland at an application to renew and take further steps in a proceeding that was stale for over five years.
- Appearing for a medical practitioner at a novel application in the Supreme Court of Queensland about the preferred construction of section 27 of the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002 and also to limit the number of expert witnesses to be called at trial.
- Appearing for a hospital at three separate applications (heard together) in the District Court of Queensland, concerning the extension of limitation periods pursuant to s31 of the Limitation of Actions Act 1974.
- Appearing for the adult in QCAT at an application for the appointment of a guardian and administrator under the Guardian and Administration Act 2000.
- Acting for a health practitioner in the Health Service Investigation into obstetrics and gynaecology services at the Mackay Hospital and Health System.
- Advising a company, and its director, in relation to potential prosecution for advertising breaches by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
- Acting for a medical practitioner in the inquest into the death of Mason Jet Lee.
- Successfully quashing an investigation report adverse to a medical practitioner by way of judicial review, concurrently with acting for that practitioner in a dispute under the Public Service Act 2008.
- Acting for solicitors in fitness to practise investigations by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (UK).
- Avoiding the statutory prosecution of a geomembrane specialist in relation to alleged offences under the Professional Engineers Act 2002.
- Striking out a claim against a firm of solicitors for failing to register an equitable charge.
- Defending a claim against a firm of auctioneers for breach of contract, misrepresentation, negligence, and breach of trade practices legislation, arising from the sale of a trio of bespoke, high-value shotguns.