Elizabeth Forbes
Clayton Utz
Both government and private sector organisations benefit from Liz's strategic focus, technical skills and pragmatic approach. Liz specialises in Inquiries, Royal Commissions, Coronial Inquests, investigations, administrative law, statutory interpretation, complex advisory work, civil litigation, judicial review and information protection (e.g. public interest immunity (PII). She is familiar with government information access schemes, including freedom of information. Liz is an experienced lawyer who thrives on complex, large and significant matters that make a difference.
With a deep understanding of government, Liz has expertise and experience assisting organisations such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Defence and NSW Corrective Services. She has assisted many other Commonwealth and State Government departments and agencies. Liz has also assisted councils, private sector clients and individuals.
Liz has a worked on a significant number of high-profile inquiries and understands the complex difficulties these can present her clients, particularly government agencies.
Clayton Utz has cutting edge Forensic and Technology Services (FTS) available to achieve efficiencies for its clients where large volumes of document review, analysis and production are required, including in sensitive environments. Liz is familiar with the capabilities available from the FTS Team and is experienced in harnessing them effectively to resolve client needs.
Liz has been listed in the Best Lawyers in Australia "Ones to Watch" List (Sydney - Government) for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Assisted the Inspector-General Australian Defence Force in respect of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Assisted a very large Commonwealth department in its response to the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme.
Assisted NSW Corrective Services in response to the NSW Special Ministerial Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the offences committed by former correctional officer Wayne Astill.
Assisted the Port Authority of NSW in its response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess, which looked at the public health procedures, decisions and actions that resulted in the disembarkation of passengers infected with COVID-19.
Assisted a NSW government agency in their response to the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Drug "Ice".
Acted for the Department of Defence and Department of Veterans Affairs in response to a significant coronial inquest.
Advised a NSW Government client in relation to their response to the NSW Parliament Select Committee on the High Level of First Nations People in Custody and Oversight and Review of Deaths in Custody.
Whilst at the AFP was responsible for its response to the Inquest into the deaths arising from the Lindt Café siege as well as the terrorism related Inquest into the shooting death of Numan Haider at Endeavour Hills.
Whilst at the AFP was responsible for its response to the Judicial inquiry into the Conviction of David Harold Eastman for the Murder of Assistant Commissioner Colin Stanley Winchester.