Family of slain underworld figure Carl Williams are pressing on with a bid for compensation despite new legislation that could affect the case.
Williams' father George, ex-wife Roberta and daughter Dhakota are suing Victoria in the Supreme Court over his 2010 murder in Barwon Prison by Matthew Johnson, saying it could have been prevented.
Their barrister Tim Tobin, SC, told the court on Friday that just-enacted amendments to the Wrongs Act could affect the case, but they are still preparing for a trial on July 20.
Amendments to the Wrongs Act came into effect on Wednesday, after passing state parliament last week.
The law could restrict damages for mental harm caused by the death of a prisoner by at least 90 per cent, if the claimant has been convicted of a "profit motivated offence" such as drug trafficking or extortion.
The legislation will operate retroactively, so it will apply to claims that were on foot before the law came in.
It will not apply to minors.
Justice Terry Forrest on Friday asked Mr Tobin to provide him with a list of witnesses.
The matter will come before the court again on July 13.
Johnson was convicted of Williams' murder in 2011.
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