Lorne Franks

Some notable matters Lorne has worked on include: 

• The Centro class action, which alleged that Centro did not disclose the extent and maturity of its debts to the market, and settled for $200 million;
• The Bank Fees class action, which alleged that late payment and other fees were unlawful penalties and breached consumer protection laws;
• The NAB class action, that alleged NAB did not disclose to the market the extent of its exposure to toxic CDOs during the GFC, and settled for $115 million.
   

"The most rewarding thing about my work is being able to achieve great outcomes for everyday people enduring difficult times,” say Lorne. “I became a lawyer to help people on the wrong side of David-and-Goliath battles, who have been wronged by massive corporations who would otherwise act with impunity.”

"Class actions are an extension of the firm’s work for injured people – they are a way for everyday Australians to get justice when they are wronged on a large scale.”

Lorne has been involved in a number of Maurice Blackburn’s social justice cases, including on the first case of damages brought by an asylum seeker for injuries sustained while detained on Manus Island in February 2014.

Lorne also has significant experience in personal injury law from his time in Maurice Blackburn’s asbestos diseases department. Lorne represented clients who were typically at the end of their careers or enjoying their retirements when they were struck down with mesothelioma or other debilitating asbestos-related diseases. Lorne also brought cases for clients struck down by other industrial killers, such as ionising radiation. While in this role, Lorne brought cases in Victorian, South Australian, Northern Territory and Tasmanian courts and tribunals.

Lorne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the Australian National University and a Juris Doctor qualification from Monash University.

Memberships

• Australian Lawyers for Human Rights member
• Australian Lawyers Alliance member
• Law Institute of Victoria member