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John Rivett brings a wealth of experience combining commerce and law, underpinned by his degrees in Commerce and Law. Early in his career, John was an articled clerk at Morris Fletcher & Cross (now Minter Ellison) and served as Associate to Sir George Kneipp in Townsville. He achieved the role of Managing Partner at Connolly Suthers, overseeing a team of 10 partners and 40 staff, before the age of thirty. With over three decades as a Barrister, including tenure as a Crown Prosecutor, John has developed extensive expertise in litigation and commercial law. He has also provided corporate counsel services to a number of public and private companies, bringing insight into corporate governance and business operations. His skill set includes company chair responsibilities, managing complex litigation and commercial matters, as well as wills and estate issues. John has a strong interest in intellectual property law, supporting start-ups, and advising on capital and private credit raising strategies. He approaches legal matters with a practical, commercially focused mindset, aiming to deliver outcomes that align with his clients’ business objectives rather than an overly technical approach. This pragmatic philosophy underpins his work across general business law and project management roles.

Principal
Innovation Nation
Dec 2022 - Present • 3 years 11 months
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Solicitor
Better Business Lawyers
Aug 2021 - Present • 5 years 3 months
Principal
Venture Start Business Services
Dec 2017 - Jan 2023 • 5 years 1 month

Lawyer/Solicitor
Coast to Coast Legal
Dec 2015 - Sep 2021 • 5 years 9 months

Grade: Matriculation to UQ
Brisbane Grammar School

B. Com. LL.B, accounting and law
The University of Queensland
1968 - 1975
Last checked: 9 Nov 2025 • Checked with Queensland Law Society