Robert Butcher graduated from the University of Western Australia in arts and law and was admitted as a legal practitioner in 1979. Robert progressed to partnership in a small firm in 1982 and later that year became the sole principal of that firm.
In 1982 the firm mainly did litigation work. Robert was in Court daily dealing with both jury and judge only criminal trials and appeals as well as family law and personal injury cases. From that foundation the firm developed expertise in contractual claims, building disputes, arbitrations, partnership disputes and wills and estates.
Robert now heads the firm’s litigation and appeals division which deals with a wide range of Court related matters. He appears in Court regularly and supervises the work of the litigation team which covers most types of Court work, particularly family law, commercial litigation, insurance and personal injury.
Robert works closely with our commercial department which refers a significant number of matters relating to commercial disputes. Recent examples include a Federal Court appeal relating to a claim over tax office access to documents; an appeal to the High Court concerning the construction of a trust deed; and appeals on tax assessments to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Robert has appeared as counsel in the State Administrative Tribunal on strata title and guardianship and administration cases. Robert has also advised and represented lawyers and doctors on vocational matters.
Robert is a voluntary adviser for a number of charities and for one human rights organisation. He has presented papers to community groups in areas such as human rights and family law. Robert is always happy to give papers or seminars on matters within his expertise.