Jacob Varghese

Jacob first joined Maurice Blackburn in 2002, and became CEO in 2017. Before taking on his latest role, Jacob was part of our firm's award-winning class actions team, recognised for their dispute resolution skills. He was also the Principal overseeing our social justice practice and he provided legal input to our litigation funding business, Claims Funding Australia.

Jacob’s achievements include working on four shareholder class actions which each achieved settlements in excess of $100 million for shareholders, and leading the team that achieved Australia’s largest food safety class action settlement. His contribution in the social justice practice includes acting for 109 babies of asylum seekers, which resulted in the babies and their families being given visas and released from detention. Jacob also spearheaded the Federal Court challenge against unfair poker machines.

As CEO, Jacob combines his experience as a top litigator with strategic and lateral approaches to legal matters and his broader view of the political landscape.

“I am passionate about using my legal skills to help people who otherwise would not have access to justice. For the rule of law to be meaningful, everyone has to have the ability to bring matters before the courts, not just the rich and powerful,” says Jacob.

“When someone has been treated unfairly, I love the opportunity to help them fight for justice. I’m proud to be leading a firm that brings justice to thousands of Australians from all walks of life.”

Jacob also acknowledges the importance of the firm’s legacy and the role he plays in leading the firm as it continues to grow.

“We continue to work under Maurice Blackburn’s name and I feel an obligation to ensure that we continue to  be a firm of which he would be proud. That means staying true to his values,” says Jacob.

Jacob holds Honours in Laws from the University of Melbourne and was admitted to practice law in 2003. He joined Maurice Blackburn as an articled clerk, leaving several years later to work as a political adviser in Canberra before returning to the firm in 2006.

Memberships & accreditations

• Law Institute of Victoria member
  
• Per Capita Director (progressive think tank)

Awards

• Australian Law Award Best Dispute Resolution Team, 2015 & 2016