Christopher O’Donnell

Christopher is an accredited mediator (in Australia and the UK) and a seasoned international M&A practitioner with extensive drafting and negotiation experience.

He is working to develop a generalist mediation practice, a personal injury practice (WorkCover and TAC) and a broad commercial practice.

Christopher was admitted to practice as a solicitor in Victoria in 2005, admitted to practice as a solicitor in England in 2009 and joined the Victorian Bar on 4 October 2021.

From working as an international M&A lawyer in England and Russia for over 15 years, Christopher has assisted clients to negotiate complex large deals (ranging in size from $50m to $1bn+) in different industry sectors (including real estate, telecommunications and infrastructure). His clients have been a diverse group of people from various countries, cultures and socio-economic groups.

Prior to joining the bar, Christopher provided legal consulting services to various clients in Russia and Australia (including UK Magic Circle firm Clifford Chance, ultra-high net worth individuals and fintech start-ups) from 2015 to September 2021.

Before then, Christopher worked as Counsel for US international firm White & Case from 2007 to 2014 (in England and Russia), and spent 3 years at Clayton Utz (Melbourne) from 2004 to 2007, where he completed his articles and worked in the M&A/Corporate team.

Christopher has strong attention to detail and places high importance on developing long term relationships with colleagues, instructing solicitors and clients. He believes good advice considers both legal and commercial priorities.

Christopher is reading with James Fitzpatrick and his Senior Mentor is Scott Smith QC.

Mediation Panels

County Court Family Law Property Law Mediators List.

Magistrate’s Court List of External Mediators.

Immediation Global Panel of Mediators.

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