In 2017-2018, Dr Hassall appeared as Junior to Mr David Gilbertson QC in Canberra Greyhound Racing Club Inc. v Planning and Land Authority of the ACT a major matter of civil litigation in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory being an application for Prerogative Orders in the nature of the former Writ of Mandamus, in regard to the renewal of a Crown Leasehold.

Action for Damages for Breach of Contract & Practice and Procedure Issues

Dr Hassall appeared for the Plaintiffs and successfully resisted Defendants’ Application for Summary Judgment and for Transfer from the Supreme Court of the ACT to the Supreme Court of Queensland under the Jurisdiction of Courts (Cross-Vesting) Act1993 (ACT). Coram: Master Harper

Dr Hassall appeared for the Appellants, succeeding on the appeal upon the basis that the Deed declaring the Debt was enforceable and there was no evidence of coercion or undue influence, nor any circumstances rendering the enforcement of the Deed unconscionable. Appeal upheld & with Costs.

Decision of ACT Court of Appeal Coram: Higgins CJ, Crispin P and Spender J

Dr Hassall appeared for the Defendant, successfully obtaining an order for a lump sum payment to her by way of an order adjusting interests in property, having regard to the facts, including her contributions to the Plaintiff’s business, together with the payment of her costs by the Plaintiff. The decision involved issues of Estoppel, Procedure, etc. Coram: Moore J

Dr Hassall appeared for the Plaintiff seeking an award of further provision out of the estate of his late father, an ex-military officer who made a complex Will, leaving various legacies to regimental associations and charities and creating a trust for his sister, but postponing benefits to his two sons, who both had certain disabilities, for a long period. After Mediation before Ken Hubert Esq., the parties agreed to certain orders including special trustee arrangements, which were approved by Murrell CJ in Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory.

Dr Hassall appeared for Plaintiff, successfully resisting attempt by Defendants to rely upon a belated “Calderbank” Letter in a case involving claims for an award of provision under the Family Provision Act 1969 (ACT); as well as claims for Constructive Trust and about Joint Tenancy severance. The Court held: Costs do not necessarily follow the event in Family Provision cases; that the Plaintiff was not given reasonable time to consider offer; and thus the “Calderbank” letter was not to be considered in assessing costs due to the lack of unreasonableness in rejecting the offer

The Court extensively considered principles applicable: Coram: Refshauge J

Questions of Costs upon Interlocutory Application; Commercial Lease, etc.

With Mr S. Robb QC (as His Honour then was), Dr Hassall appeared for the Plaintiff and also prepared Written Submissions upon Costs, successfully obtaining an apportioned costs order according to discrete issues raised by Defendant’s Interlocutory Application, where Defendant had discontinued at the hearing partial claim for relief without contest. Coram: Cowdroy J

Dr Hassall appeared for the Plaintiff, successfully obtaining an order dismissing, with costs, an Application to strike out the Plaintiff’s claim. The Court held the Plaintiff’s proposition was arguable; and in particular: “This action raises important issues of public law in respect of the relationship between the ACT Government, the Australian Federal Police, and a citizen. It should not be summarily dismissed.” Coram: Master Terence Connolly

Led by Mr A. Puckeridge QC (as His Honour then was) Dr Hassall appeared for the injured football player in the principal proceedings, in which the action was settled by consent. Subsequently, in a claim by the defendant other football player against the defendant football club for costs on an indemnity basis, the Court held that the arguable issues not being determined thus that claim was refused.

Dr Hassall appeared before Crispin J; and the Registrar on Oral Examination in regard to Judgment Enforcement in proceedings in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and arising from the sale of a legal practice.

Dr Hassall appeared for the Plaintiff at the hearing before His Honour Master David C. Harper; and the case was settled, after the matter was part-heard.

Dr Hassall appeared for Mr Borg and successfully obtained an order dismissing, with costs, the Commission’s Creditor’s Petition that attempted to have Mr Borg made Bankrupt. The Petition had various incurable defects which the Court referred to in its Reasons for Judgment. Coram: Neaves J

Dr Hassall appeared in the Federal Magistrates Court. Coram: Neville FM

Dr Hassall’s decision as a Registrar-in-Bankruptcy to issue a section 81 Summons under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 for Examination of a Bankrupt after his discharge from bankruptcy was upheld by the Court. Legislation was later enacted confirming this power for the issue of such Summonses.

As a Registrar-in-Bankruptcy, Dr Hassall had a role in the special proceedings in which a Warrant was issued for the Seizure and Recovery of a large, rare and precious Sapphire gemstone, found at Sapphire in Queensland. The gem was duly seized by the Australian Federal Police, just before it was about to be taken out of Australia by aircraft. It was held to be an asset of the Bankrupt’s estate. As Registrar, Dr Hassall presided over a Public Examination at which the relevant evidence about it was obtained.