Christien Corns has extensive experience acting in complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on insurance, professional indemnity, major torts, sports, defamation, and related media issues. He has particular experience advising in connection with:
- Defending a range of claims against legal professionals on behalf of the Legal Practitioners' Liability Committee and Lawcover.
- A variety of contentious matters for some of Australia's other largest sporting organisations.
- High-profile litigated matters seeking to ensure animal welfare for Australia's peak animal rights organisation.
- Defending significant liability claims for a number of multi-state and national organisations, including casino operators and construction groups.
- Multi-million dollar estate and trust litigation for executors and related parties.
- Defamation and media related matters for individuals and entities including broadcasters and publishers, professionals, high profile individuals and large insurance companies.
- Domestic building disputes for large building groups.
- General commercial litigation and corporate disputes across all jurisdictions for plaintiffs and defendants.
Christien also acts as Independent Legal Advisor to senior company employees and officers in ASIC and IBAC compulsory examination hearings. He is sought after for his clear and practical advice, regularly represents clients in all forms of advocacy and has a proven track record of resolving disputes efficiently. In addition, Christien leads the firm's pro bono program in Victoria.
- Listed by Thomson Reuters as a Stand-out Lawyers, 2023-2024
- Recognised by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific as a Recommended Lawyer for Dispute Resolution: Litigation in Australia, 2022-2024
"Christien Corns is a proactive problem solver who comes with solutions and recommendations to litigation. He stays ahead of the process and keeps the interests of his client at the centre of his decision making and recommendations. He is a sound sounding board, open to challenge and challenging clients, leading to pragmatic decision making and a strong relationship built on trust." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2025)
"Christien Corns is an exceptional lawyer who is sharp, considered, responsive and very down to earth." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2025)
"Christien Corns is a first-rate lawyer. He ticks all the boxes: excellent legal skills, is very good with clients and understanding their needs, and understands the broader commercial and strategic objectives at play. He is very cool under pressure and is the person you want on your team in a contested matter." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023)
"Christien Corns has a very balanced approach and has always guided us through a challenging issue with an effective outcome delivered." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023)
"I feel, frankly, blessed that Christien Corns has crossed my path." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2023)
"They make us feel like we are the only clients they act for. We truly mean that. They are caring and attentive. They engage various levels of legal resources as necessary so that we are provided value for money and efficiency. They have acted pro bono on an array of matters as well – and always promptly and led by senior specialists as required. The stand-out partner is Christien Corns. He embodies all of the above and clearly instils it into the wider teams." (The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2022)
- Listed in Best Lawyers in Australia™ for Litigation, 2021-2025
- Australia & New Zealand Sports Law Associate member
- Media and Communications Committee of the Australian Law Council member
- Australian Insurance Law Association member
- Melbourne Press Club member
- Law Institute of Victoria
- "Preparing a will – Do the basics well", presented to Victorian lawyers on behalf of the LPLC, 27 September 2023
- "Defamation Reforms – Stage 1", presented to selected insurance claims solicitors, August 2021 and February 2022
- "Legal professional privilege – overview and update", presented to selected in-house counsel, 25 February 2020
- "Publishing Risks and Reputation Management", presented to the Australian Human Resources Institute, February 2017
- "Defamation and Social Media", presented to various clients and colleagues in Melbourne and Sydney, August 2011 and 2015
- "Estate Litigation – An update", presented to University3A, July 2012
- "Insurance considerations for your not-for-profit group", presented to the Public Interest Law Clearing House, October 2010
In addition to the publications mentioned below, Christien regularly reviews contentious articles to be published in the Law Institute Journal, the peak journal of the Law Institute of Victoria.
- "Defamation law reforms stage 2 — tips and traps for practitioners", Legal Practitioners' Liability Committee, November 2024
- "The implied obligation - case update", Legal Practitioners' Liability Committee, July 2024
- "Permanent stays: A fair trial need not be a perfect trial", LSJ Online, December 2023
- "New Traps in Defamation Reforms", Law Institute Journal, November 2021
- "Reputation in the Digital Era", Law Institute Journal, 2 May 2018
- "New Zealand's Highest Court Makes Life Difficult for D&O Policyholders (and Their Insurers)", Insurance Coverage Alert, January 2014
- "Blogging from the shadows: the dark side of social media", Dynamic Business, November 2012
- "Facebook: A Liability?", Dynamic Business, February 2009
- "Not quite working: the Working with Children Act", Law Institute Journal, February 2007
- Quoted, "Cybersecurity class actions to increase with latest reforms", Lawyerly, 13 September 2024
- Mentioned, "K&L Gates: Serving Humanity through legal practice", Australian Pro Bono Centre, June 2024
- Quoted, "Clock ticking as Magnis runs out of money", The Australian Online, 28 February 2024
- Quoted, "Big Four's Legal Privilege and Lawyer-Client Relationship Protections are Tested in Australia", Legal Week, 8 April 2022
