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Allens
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TMT: IT & Telecommunications

About

Provided by Allens

Allens' TMT lawyers advise on all technology-related issues, including software and system developments and procurements, cloud arrangements, outsourcing and offshoring arrangements, e-commerce agreements, domain names, IT dispute resolution and IT aspects of corporate transactions.

We act in many of Australia’s largest and most significant information technology deals, as well as assist small internet start-ups with their quite different legal requirements. We have acted on both sides of outsourcing negotiations, for vendors and purchasers of technology businesses, for software and hardware suppliers and customers, and for companies drafting technology patents.

We have acted for participants in every sector of the telecommunications industry. We advise on the Australian regulatory framework, regional telecommunications legislation, third generation telephony, shared facilities access, litigation, privacy and competition laws.

We provide Media & Broadcasting law advice to television broadcasters, subscription television operators, radio networks, Internet web portals, Internet-based distributors of goods and services, film producers and financiers, newspapers, book publishers and advertising agencies (e.g. cross media reforms, sports law, commercialisation of digital content, access, intellectual property, advertising, content rights, content regulations etc.).

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

TMT: IT & Telecommunications - Australia

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Allens takes prominent roles on major TMT-related M&A transactions and advises government and corporate clients on large-scale technology outsourcing projects. It is a preferred practice for fintech and electronic payments mandates as well as data exchange and commercialisation and privacy matters. The law firm also advises Australia's major telecommunications companies on governance and regulatory issues. In the media space, Allens has a respected distribution and broadcasting advisory team which represents major players in the acquisition of sports broadcasting and other media rights and in corporate activity, including media joint ventures. Media clients also benefit from the firm's ability to offer a full suite of intellectual property advice.

Work Highlights

  • Allens advised Canada Pension Plan Investment Board on the AUD24 billion acquisition of AirTrunk, alongside Blackstone, from Macquarie Asset Management and other investors including PSP Investments.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Really good depth of talent, they work cohesively as a unit. They are very good at meeting increasingly challenging deadlines, very commercial and pragmatic.

TMT: IT & Telecommunications respondent
Asia-Pacific

Very commercial, efficient and diligent. Commercial and flexible, always Identifying issues before they happen and the amount of work done in a short period of time was significant.

TMT: IT & Telecommunications respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
Gavin Smith
1
Band 1
Gavin Smith is based in Sydney and advises on both IT and telecommunications-related issues, being particularly well known for his expertise in the digital acceleration field where these often intersect.

Gavin is a leader in his field. He negotiates hard for his client, but remains even-handed with the opposition. Great ability to contextualise legal points with practical examples and to prioritise.

Gavin has a breadth of expertise and is able to really embed himself into a team. He's very responsive and results-driven, always looking to get it right and deliver on time, no matter what it is.

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2
Valeska Bloch
2
Band 2

Valeska Bloch is particularly well known for her work on behalf of startup tech companies and in connection with disruptive technologies, advising extensively on data governance and breach issues and cybersecurity questions.

Valeska is a well-respected leader in her field for a reason. Working in the cyber space, responsiveness is key and Valeska's is second to none.

Valeska speaks the language of the stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts and defusing intense and anxiety inducing situations. I can see why she would be in high demand.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Allens

Provided by Chambers
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Band

Australia

TMT: Information Technology
1
Gavin Smith
1
Band 1
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2
Valeska Bloch
2
Band 2
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TMT: Telecommunications
2
Gavin Smith
2
Band 2
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Members

Provided by Allens