Mr O'Dowd practises in both
the commercial and common law fields, appearing and advising in general negligence
and trade practices actions to complicated building and engineering disputes and
product liability claims.
Mr O'Dowd also practices in the defamation area, his most well known case being Antoniadis v TCN Channel Nine, a lengthy jury defamation trial which produced in excess of 30 interlocutory decisions
prior to the final hearing.
In the insurance field, Mr O'Dowd has represented numerous insurers including NRMA, Allianz, CGU, GIO, Corporate Underwriting Agencies and QBE to name a few. He appears in professional indemnity, employment and common law claims
including the Dust Diseases Tribunal. He also appeared in the HIH Royal Commission on behalf of
various witnesses summoned to appear.
In repect of all of the above areas of practice, Mr O'Dowd performs both trial and appellate work, including applications to the Equity Division in appropriate cases.
Mr O'Dowd also maintains a practice in the Licensing Court advising on and conducting contested licence applications and removals, and prosecutions involving both hotels and registered clubs.
Mr O'Dowd more recently appeared on behalf of both lessors and licensees in
numerous disputes over Poker Machine Entitlements in the Equity Division of the
Supreme Court.
Mr O'Dowd is also a member of the NSW Association of Fire Investigators (a
Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators).
Previous occupation
Solicitor - Freehill Hollingdale & Page
Senior Associate - Norton Smith & Co
Education
University of Sydney LLB (1984)
