Department profile
Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

General Business Law

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Papua New Guinea


Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Rankings

About

Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

Our team comprises five resident partners, three non-resident partners, plus 13 senior associates and lawyers practicing and qualified in Papua New Guinean law.

This represents the largest complement of Papua New Guinea qualified lawyers of any of the international firms with offices in Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, the team has the greatest depth of experience of these international firms, as represented by the five resident partners whose combined PNG experience is well in excess of 100 years. This depth of experience arose because Ashurst and its predecessor Blake Dawson were the first offshore firm to establish a full service office in PNG.

Ashurst Perkins Coie has been involved in the vast majority of PNG's major energy and infrastructure projects to date.

Ashurst Perkins Coie also has significant experience in resource and infrastructure project development, drawing on its depth in regulatory advice and project finance. Ashurst Perkins Coie is working on a number of the country's key resource projects, as noted in this submission (in particular Papua LNG and the Australia - PNG Submarine Data Cable.

This expertise, combined with the capabilities across our global network of offices, provides clients with a highly experienced, versatile team that is able to undertake the most complex and challenging assignments across many areas of law.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

General Business Law - Papua New Guinea

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Ashurst has a substantial and long-standing presence in Papua New Guinea, frequently advising clients on banking transactions, M&A and market entry, as well as energy and infrastructure projects. Its clients include banks, energy and natural resources companies, and airlines. Its Port Moresby office is able to draw on the expertise of colleagues in Ashurst's Australian and Asian offices. The firm also offers a full dispute resolution capability and noted coverage of tax and intellectual property issues.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashurst advised Alpha Insurance on its purchase of the operations of QBE in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • It provides a very high level of service in terms of eagerness to help us advance our business and project.

    General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Lawyers communicate at the right level and provide easy-to-understand advice without being bogged down in legal jargon. They are also willing to listen and consider the client’s view.

    General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Papua New Guinea, expertise based abroad in AustraliaTim Glenn
    Papua New Guinea, expertise based abroad in AustraliaTim Glenn

    Tim Glenn

    Tim Glenn is a counsel based in Ashurst's Sydney office, where he enjoys a particularly strong reputation for his long experience and continuing prominence in Papua New Guinea. He remains focused on supporting the development of major infrastructure and other projects and is also highly experienced in the handling of contentious matters.

  • Band 1Richard Flynn
    Band 1Richard Flynn

    Richard Flynn

    Richard Flynn leads the practice from the Port Moresby office, regularly taking leading roles on key mandates in the banking, infrastructure and resources spheres.
    • Richard has a very considered view in his advice and is very experienced in PNG.

      General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Richard's commercial experience and deep knowledge of PNG and how to navigate its complex cultural and political nuances are invaluable.

      General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Ian Shepherd
    Band 2Ian Shepherd

    Ian Shepherd

    Ian Shepherd is best known for his prowess as a commercial litigator but is also experienced across a range of transactional matters, including mandates in the banking and resources spheres. Offering nearly 30 years' experience in the jurisdiction, he provides clients with a significant understanding of the local scene.

    • Ian is always efficient and professional in handling our matters.

      General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Tureia Sample
    Band 3Tureia Sample

    Tureia Sample

    Tureia Sample is an experienced project lawyer based in Port Moresby. She advises major corporates, developers and financial institutions on infrastructure, energy and commercial matters.

    • Her significant regional experience is proving to be a real point of difference.

      General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Tureia Sample is an outstanding help and always willing to do the extra to get the issues resolved whilst also providing sound legal advice.

      General Business Law respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney (4)

Papua New Guinea

Members

Provided by Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney

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