Rick has practised since 1978 as a barrister and solicitor. The areas of his practice have included Commercial Litigation, Private International Law and Litigation, Criminal Law, and Representative Proceedings.

 

He has acted for and against Australian and foreign governments, and in public inquiries. His published articles include ‘Business Law of the Middle East’, ‘The Law of Diplomacy’, ‘Discrimination in the Australian Legal System’, ‘Cyberbullying Laws in Australia’, ‘A Practical Guide for using the Personal Property and Securities Register’, ‘The History of the Hague Conference on Private International Law’, and ‘The Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Lebanon’.

 

He has had significant success in the area of Private International Law, particularly cases involving Diplomatic Immunity and Foreign States Immunity. These cases have demonstrated that there is no unimpeachable immunity for governments, diplomats and consuls general. There is no-one above the law, including Governments of State.

 

He has also acted in class actions in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

 

Rick migrated to Australia with his parents from Lebanon at age 2. He founded the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce in 1985, and was a Charter (Founding) President of a local chapter of Lions Clubs International. He leads the pro bono arm of Mitry Lawyers. After serving as Vice-President for 3 years, he is currently President of the Toongabbie Legal Centre which provides pro bono work to those who otherwise would be denied access to justice. He has remained active in the service of Indigenous affairs and human rights.