Ankush Chauhan
Special Counsel , Melbourne
I am an experienced litigator specialising in the defence of insurance, government and aviation claims. I bring strategic, commercially focused solutions to sensitive and high-value disputes across Victorian, federal and interstate jurisdictions.

My practice encompasses acting for insurers, statutory bodies, government departments, local government authorities, major airlines and private clients in complex, and high and low value litigated and non-litigated claims. I am an accomplished aviation lawyer, representing airlines, their insurers, associated bodies, and private clients. I have extensive experience in Victorian jurisdictions (from the Supreme Court of Victoria to VCAT), the Federal Court of Australia, and interstate courts. 

My experience working in both private practice and government has allowed me to build authentic and enduring relationships with my clients, by investing in an understanding of their strategic drivers, risk appetite, and operational context. 

I approach the challenges of litigation with optimism and energy, and thrive in dynamic environments that require both technical excellence and a deep understanding of what drives my clients. 

Career highlights

  • Acting for and advising Victorian government authorities in relation to complex negligence and vicarious liability claims. 
  • Acting in relation to Victorian government inquiries. 
  • Acting for and obtaining a successful judgment in the Supreme Court of Victoria for a government client in relation to a false imprisonment claim. 
  • Acting for major international airline clients and their insurers in passenger claims, baggage claims, cargo claims, international convention application, aviation-specific regulatory and compliance issues, and contractual disputes.  
  • Acting for and obtaining successful judgment in the Supreme Court of Victoria for an airline client in relation to a passenger injury claim. 
  • Named in the Legal 500 APAC guide as a Rising Star for Transport: Aviation in 2020 and 2021.  
  • Published in Air and Space Law (Kluwer): 'Thirsty for a Verdict: Australian Court Confirms That Dehydration Is Not an Accident Under Montreal Convention 1999' (2020).  
  • Acting for state and federal statutory bodies and local government authorities in high value environmental and maritime class actions.