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

Native Title: Proponents

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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

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About

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

We are the only Australian law firm with a significant nationwide native title practice and established long-term relationships with key stakeholders in Government, industry representative bodies and indigenous organisations.

Our team is consistently at the forefront of developments in native title law and policy, advising commonwealth agencies on legislative reform, as well as peak industry bodies on proposed reform and draft industry submissions.

We have extensive experience across the mining, oil & gas, energy utilities and infrastructure industries. For example, we continue to act for mining companies in the Pilbara region of Western Australia where the scale of the iron ore deals are unparalleled in terms of quantum and complexity.

Our market leading understanding of this area of law is summarised in our annual flagship publication 'Native Title Year in Review,' which records and reflects on the developments in native title law and practice over the preceding year.

Chambers Review

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Native Title: Proponents - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Ashurst Perkins Coie is a go-to firm for proponents for advice on complex native title and cultural heritage mandates. With its comprehensive geographical reach, the firm maintains dedicated native title expertise in five mainland offices and is additionally active in the Northern Territory and South Australia. Its depth of expertise positions it well to deliver high-quality advice to blue-chip energy, resources and infrastructure companies on both contentious and non-contentious issues throughout the country, including the negotiation of project-specific agreements with traditional owner parties and litigation to Full Federal Court and High Court level. The team advises industry groups within the mining space on proposed legislative reforms, changes to state legislation and case law. It counsels Commonwealth and state government bodies on law reform and other practice area issues. Ashurst Perkins Coie also offers additional strength in acting for government bodies on issues including law reform, as well as indigenous land use agreements.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashurst advised Infrastructure SA on all of the native title and heritage aspects of the Northern Water Supply Project, which crosses through two areas held by separate native title groups.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Ashurst offers an unapparelled depth of experience and capacity to respond to all areas of business. Resources are readily available, and they're able to engage expertise from within the broader team.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

  • I am confident that Ashurst provides the most comprehensive and contemporary understanding of Indigenous land law in the Australian context.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The team is well-versed in the ongoing progressions of Native Title legal matters and precedents. The team is also well positioned to proactively judge risks, both real and perceived.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Geoff Gishubl
    Geoff Gishubl

    Geoff Gishubl

    Geoff Gishubl is based in Perth and combines his role as Ashurst's chief operating officer with continuing involvement in key practice area mandates, notably including those involving the native title aspects of major mining operations.
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  • Andrew Gay
    Andrew Gay

    Andrew Gay

    Andrew Gay acts for a range of high-profile mining, energy and infrastructure sector clients on complex native title agreement negotiation and implementation mandates.

    • Andrew is able to tailor his correspondence to all levels within our business and with external stakeholders, both verbally and orally.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Andrew's advice and support have been invaluable to my career and organisation. His knowledge of the Indigenous land law landscape is second to none.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Andrew is an extremely experienced operator.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Clare Lawrence
    Clare Lawrence

    Clare Lawrence

    Clare Lawrence is frequently instructed by significant corporates and government entities on native title and heritage matters relating to operations in the resources sector or infrastructure projects.

    • Clare is a trusted, valued adviser who brings experience, strategy and gravitas to the table.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Clare's advice is first-class. I am very pleased with her work.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • I had a stellar experience with Clare.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Tony Denholder
    Tony Denholder

    Tony Denholder

    Tony Denholder is a highly esteemed Brisbane-based practitioner who is regularly instructed by leading players in the mining and infrastructure sectors.

    • Tony always provides outstanding service. He has many years of experience in native title and also brings quality commercial acumen when providing legal services.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • We're fortunate to have a lawyer of Tony's calibre and standing working on our native title matter. He brings practical knowledge and is open to innovative approaches.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Tony is very familiar with all this work and provides good advice and insights.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Libby McKillop
    Libby McKillop

    Libby McKillop

    Libby McKillop is based in Brisbane and acts extensively for energy and resources, infrastructure and government sector clients in the area where mining law, indigenous land law and cultural heritage issues intersect.

    • Libby can take complex issues and distil them into neat and clear advisory pieces which are great for executives as well as in-house lawyers.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Libby McKillop has been a very effective, energetic and engaged adviser and advocate for us.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Ashurst Perkins Coie – London, New York, Seattle, Sydney (5)

Australia

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