Degiorgio v Dunn (No 2) [2005] NSWSC 3

Reported Decision : 62 NSWLR 284

New South Wales Supreme Court

Degiorgio v Dunn (No 2) [2005] NSWSC 3 CITATION : This decision has been amended. Please see the end of the judgment for a list of the amendments.

HEARING DATE(S) : 17/12/04

JUDGMENT DATE : 1 February 2005

JURISDICTION : Equity Division

JUDGMENT OF : Barrett J

DECISION : Applications for indemnity costs orders against plaintiff and plaintiff's solicitor dismissed with costs.

CATCHWORDS : PROCEDURE - costs - application by successful defendant for indemnity costs order against plaintiff and plaintiff's solicitor - LEGAL PRACTITIONERS - statutory duty in pursuing claim for damages - statutory liability for costs and analogous general law liability discussed - WORDS AND PHRASES - "damages" - "without reasonable prospects of success"

Supreme Court Rules, Part 52A rule 43 LEGISLATION CITED : Legal Profession Act 1987, ss.198J, 198M, 198N

Ahern v Deputy Commissioner of Taxation (1983) 78 FLR 202 Bushell v Repatriation Commission (1992) 175 CLR 408 Cadogan v McCarthy & Stone (Developments) Ltd [2002] L&TR 249 Colgate-Palmolive Co v Cussons Pty Ltd (1993) 46 FCR 225 De Alwis v Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs [2004] FCAFC 77 Degiorgio v Dunn [2004] NSWSC 767 Hurst v Bryk [2002] 1 AC 185 Momibo Pty Ltd v Adam (DCNSW, unreported, 31 August 2004) CASES CITED : Nagle v Lavender [2002] NSWSC 611 Oshlak v Richmond River Council (1998) 193 CLR 72 Re Leeds and Hanley Theatre of Varieties Ltd [1902] 2 Ch 809 Repatriation Commission v Webb (1987) 76 ALR 131 Seager v Copydex (No 2) [1969] 1 WLR 809 Sorridimi v Moros [2004] NSWSCA 168 Steindl Nominees Pty Ltd v Laghaifar [2003] 2 QdR 683 United Mexican States v Cabal (2001) 209 CLR 165 Westend Pallets Pty Ltd v Lally (1996) 69 IR 1