Ben joined von Doussas in 2002 and has been a partner since 2008. He heads our Personal Injury, Industrial Law, and Inheritance Dispute sections.

Ben also practices within other areas. He has a particular interest in assisting local businesses. He is able to assist business owners or those considering opening a business with—

• selecting the most appropriate structure in order to maximise profit and minimise personal risk;
• franchising matters;
• negotiating and entering into commercial leases;
• all aspects of retaining staff including—
• selecting the most appropriate manner of retaining staff;
• the preparation of documents such as employment contracts, independent contractor agreements and consultancy agreements;
• complying with state and federal employment law;
• WorkCover issues;
• resolving disputes with employees; and
• lawful termination of employment;
• contract preparation and the resolution of disputes regarding contracts;
• intellectual property matters;
• joint venture agreements;
• mediation, arbitration, and litigation of disputes;
• taxation matters;
• business succession and sale of business; and
• winding up and liquidation.

Ben’s clients include local businesses within the agriculture, wine, construction, mechanical, manufacturing, service and retail sectors.

Ben holds bachelor’s degrees in Law and Legal Practice (with Honours) and Arts from Flinders University and a broad-ranging master’s degree in Law from the University of Adelaide. Ben’s master’s studies concentrated upon commercial law including wine law, insurance law and international business law. Ben is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia and of the High Court of Australia.

In addition to his private legal practice, Ben is a Lieutenant in the Australian Navy Reserve and a member of the South Australian Navy Reserve Legal Panel. In that capacity he is responsible for providing legal advice, assistance and support to the Navy.