Senior Associate
Jem Punthakey is an accomplished lawyer with a focus on class actions, franchising and commercial litigation. He has acted for thousands of individuals and small businesses in class actions against large corporations, major banks and governments.
Jem practices in securities class actions and has practiced in class actions concerning misconduct in franchising, irresponsible lending, breach of contract, misleading/deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, unfair contract terms, breach of the duty of good faith, claims in equity, breach of human rights, false imprisonment, personal injury and damage to property. In addition to class actions in the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Supreme Court of NSW, Jem has litigated commercial disputes in state and federal courts and tribunals.
Jem has advised and acted for franchisees around Australia, including those in the 7-Eleven, Michel’s Patisserie, Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Bubba Pizza, Jamaica Blue, Muffin Break, Subway, Blooms The Chemist, United Petroleum, BP, Mail Plus and Fogo networks.
Over his career, Jem has worked on matters that collectively amount to over $220 million in settlements and judgments. He has also been involved in landmark litigation and precedents, including in relation to franchising disclosure requirements, common fund orders, confidentiality, oral discovery, communication protocols and legal professional privilege.
Jem is an active contributor to the legal community. He regularly writes articles and submissions on class actions, civil procedure, and franchising, in addition to presenting at industry events. Jem’s professional ethos is marked by his commitment to seeking justice for his clients and staying at the forefront of legal developments.
Awards
Litigation Rising Star (30 under 40) – Lawyerly, 2021
National Champion – New Zealand Law Students’ Association Witness Examination, 2011
National Champion – Univative Industry Consulting Challenge, 2011
Qualifications
Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice – College of Law
Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws – UNSW
Legal Publications
J Punthakey (contributor), Legal Tweaks that would change NSW and the nation – pp 20-21, 2022
J Punthakey et al, NSW Young Lawyers Submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee Inquiry into Litigation Funding (89), 25 Jun 2020
B Imlay, J Punthakey (contributor), Class Actions in Australia in Consulegis Class Actions Around The World (No 7), 2019