What's New

News

Vale Stephen Lamy BA LLM

The Board of the Commercial Law Association of Australia (CLA) was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of its former colleague, Stephen Lamy.
 
Among his many achievements, Stephen served as President, Treasurer, Board Member, Chair of the Education Committee, and was a longstanding pillar of the Association.
 
Stephen joined the Board in 2002 and dedicated more than 20 years of service to the CLA. Throughout that time, he gave generously of his time, knowledge and support to his fellow Board members, the Executive and the wider membership.
 
As President, it was rare for a seminar or event to take place without Stephen being present to welcome guests and open proceedings. One of the highlights of his involvement with the Association was the international conference held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in 2012, which he helped organise in close collaboration with Emeritus Professor John Carter and the Sabah Law Association.
 
Stephen's commitment to legal education and to mentoring the next generation of lawyers was well known to all who had the privilege of working with him through the Association.
 
He was a master of the quiet word, the thoughtful observation, the helpful suggestion and the steady, supportive presence. His wisdom, generosity and collegiality earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him.
 
Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Hedi and to his sons, Tom and Guy. Stephen's loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him and by the Association to which he contributed so much.
 
Vale, Stephen, and thank you for your outstanding service, friendship and commitment to the legal profession and the CLA.

James Koulouris is our new CEO

Following Max Wilson's retirement at the end of 2025, James Koulouris was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the CLA.

James comes to us with over 30 years of senior executive experience delivering major reform and organisational transformation, and leading complex service delivery across government, the private and the not-for-profit sectors. 
He has held senior executive appointments as a Deputy Commissioner, Acting Director-General and Chief Operating Officer across a range of complex human services and justice agencies in the Commonwealth and state public sectors. 
Across these roles, James has led workforces of more than 7,000 people, managed billion-dollar operational budgets, and overseen major ICT and infrastructure programs exceeding $4 billion.
James holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Economics (Social Sciences) from the University of Sydney, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Macquarie University. 
He currently serves as a Director of Epilepsy Australia, Epilepsy ACT and Partners in Aid, and has previously served on several boards in the public, sporting and not-for-profit sectors. 

Welcome James!
 

We were there!

A message from Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW

'Carter on Contract' free online trial available now

Don’t miss this chance to try a free online trial subscription to the first five chapters of Carter on Contract. The free subscription will automatically be extended to the first nine chapters in August or September. This offer is for a limited time only.
 
Subscribers to the Contract and Commercial Law Review will also enjoy a limited online subscription to Carter on Contract as part of their CCLR subscription.
 
Apply for access here 
 

Latest developments in class actions

Book now. Don't miss it
 

CLA AGM, 24 June 2026

The Annual General Meeting of The Commercial Law Association of Australia Ltd will be held via Zoom at 5.30pm (Sydney time) on Wednesday, 24 June, 2026.

 
All CLA members are welcome. If you wish to attend please contact james.koulouris@cla.org.au

You can download a copy of the CLA's Annual Report, Financial Report, minutes of the previous AGM, Notice of Meeting and obtain a Proxy Form from this website.

And the winner of our membership draw is ...

Anthony Anderson from Sir Harry Gibbs Chambers, Brsibane — who has won an overnight, mid-week stay for two at Spicers Hidden Vale in Queensland. We'd also like to thank Spicers Retreats for once again supplying the prize. Congratulations, Anthony ... we know you'll enjoy yourself.

Spicers Retreat Private Collection of Luxury Homes. Exclusive CLA Offer

Spicers Retreats has recently launched their Private Collection of Luxury Homes. Take the time to wander round the website and explore the possibilities of leaving everything behind in a unique natural location with complete privacy.
 
The possibilities include:
• Villa Aman, Port Douglas
• Hinterland House, Byron Bay hinterland
• Seacliff, Otford, NSW
• First Point, Noosa
• Pacific Dawn Beachfront Apartments, Wooli Beach, North Coast, NSW
• Sapphire Blue, Burleigh Heads
• Asgard House, Glasshouse Mountains, Qld
• Phoenix One Superyacht, Whitsundays
• Mount French Lodge, Scenic Rim, Qld
• Belongil Beach Shack, Belongil Beach, Byron Bay
• The French Cottage, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Qld
• Vineyards House, Hunter Valley, NSW
 
To acknowledge Spicers Retreats’ longstanding relationship with the CLA they are offering this exclusive bonus. Just mention ‘CLA Offer’ at the time of booking to receive a bonus luxury luggage travel tote bag.

The CLQ 35th Anniversary Essay Competition

This year CLQ marks 35 years of continuous publication. To celebrate we're running a 35th Anniversary Essay Competition. We invite you to contribute a paper. There are two prizes — $3,500 and free CLA seminars to 31 March 2024 either in person or via Zoom in the Open Category, and $1,000 in the Student Category. Entries close on Friday, 24 February, 2023. The winner will be announced on Friday, 10 March 2023. Contact Liz at memberservices@cla.org.au for more information.

© Copyright 2026 Commercial Law Association of Australia (CLA) |  Site by ICAN Solutions