John graduated from the University of Melbourne B.A (hons), LL.B (hons), Oxford University (B.C.L.) and Monash University (Ph.D.). He is a barrister, specialising in trusts and taxation law. He has appeared in the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Courts of Victoria and New South Wales, the County Court of Victoria and other courts and is a professor of law at R.M.I.T. University.

John has authored four books on trusts, fiduciary relationships, insolvency and fraud, as well as over 60 book chapters and articles in refereed legal journals. John's publications have been referred to in the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, state courts, the UK Court of Appeal and the Ontario Supreme Court of Justice. He is a judicial member of VCAT, assigned to the Taxation List. See About me and Publications.

Many trust structures do not achieve intended tax-efficient and asset-protection strategies. Bamford, trust-streaming and other amendments to existing trusts need to be carefully considered. Sometimes they are unnecessary. CGT and stamp duty (Duties Act 2000) penalties for mistakes are substantial. John advises on how to avoid such pitfalls.