Luke Livingston SC

Admitted to the Bar 2009

Appointed Senior Counsel 2021

Experience

Luke Livingston SC appears in trials and appeals throughout Australia in all areas of equity, commercial, corporations, taxation, constitutional and public law. Luke conducts a substantial appellate practice and is frequently briefed on appeal in matters in which he did not appear at trial.

With more than 23 years’ experience in litigation (including 16 years as a barrister, 4 as silk), Luke is a trusted source of advice and representation. He regularly appears both for and against regulators and government agencies. Although he accepts briefs in all areas of the law, Luke has deep experience, in particular, in financial services, corporate regulatory, trusts, property and revenue disputes and in administrative law.

Prior to coming to the Bar in 2009, Luke was a senior associate at Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons), where he practised as a commercial litigation solicitor in Sydney for six years, focusing on property, banking, contract and corporate disputes and equity and trust matters.

Luke was privileged to commence his legal career as Associate to the Hon Justice Gummow, AC, in the High Court of Australia, in 2002.

In 2008, Luke was awarded the Con Varnavas Award for the highest aggregate score in the New South Wales Bar Examinations.

In 2018, Luke successfully completed the Australian Bar Association Advanced Trial Advocacy Intensive (a 5-day residential course specialising in advanced trial advocacy).

Luke is a graduate of the University of Melbourne, where he was awarded First Class Honours in both Law and Arts (History); was placed 3rd in the Law Honours List, from a graduating class of approximately 300; and was Editor of the Melbourne University Law Review.

Luke’s professional recognitions have included “Leading Tax Barristers – New South Wales – Senior Counsel” and “Leading White Collar & Regulatory Investigations – Australia” (Doyles Guide); together with listings in each of Corporate Law, Litigation and Tax Law (Best Lawyers 2023 to 2025).

The 2022 edition of The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific, in which Luke is ranked as Tier 1 for Commercial Disputes at the Australian Bar, says: “Luke offers excellent knowledge of the law, the ability to analyse problems and distil issues effectively, clear and concise written submissions, and most importantly excellent advocacy skills in both cross-examination and oral submissions (he commands the respect of the Court at both trials and in the Court of Appeal).”  The 2023 edition adds: “Luke’s professionalism sets him apart from his colleagues at the Bar: he is always prepared, meets deadlines, and is able to manage the needs of a variety of stakeholders.”

The 2024 and 2025 editions of The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific, in which Luke is recognised in “Leading Silks – Band Two” for Commercial Disputes at the Australian Bar, report as follows:

• “Luke is an organised and well-prepared barrister who is able to simplify complex legal issues and to present his client’s case in a thoughtful and clear manner: he avoids court room theatrics which detract from the real issues in dispute.  He is confident and articulate.  When briefing him, lay clients and instructing solicitors know they are in safe hands.” (2024)

• “Luke is very thorough and well prepared.  He has a calm and persuasive advocacy style in which he pre-emptively addresses matters that he anticipates the court will raise.  He is not flustered by unforeseen developments during trial.” (2025)