What the team is known for
The Clayton Utz disputes practice is a substantial group, acknowledged for the depth and continuity of its team, and offering a versatile range of expertise, notably including banking, construction, energy and resources, and public sector representation. Prominent in the class action defence and regulatory investigation spaces, and frequently in receipt of inbound referrals from international firms, the practice is also regularly seen on product liability and consumer remediation scheme mandates. Also maintains a high profile where the representation of individual executives in both civil and potentially criminal matters is concerned. Noted clients include Johnson & Johnson, Suez and Toyota Australia.
Strengths
An interviewee stresses Clayton Utz's ability to maintain a "commercial and strategic approach," and also emphasises "a high degree of expertise when it comes to the conduct of class actions and regulatory proceedings, a deep relationship with the client and a knowledge of their business."
Another client, who begins by noting that "Clayton Utz delivers excellent service," goes on to list several important qualities, including "deep understanding of our risk appetite and priorities, speedy responses, genuine care for their own people and ours, expertise in all relevant practice areas and strong cross-cultural communication skills."
Work highlights
Clayton Utz represented CBA in civil penalty proceedings initiated in the Federal Court by ASIC on the grounds of CBA having allegedly made false and misleading representations in respect of the charging of monthly access fees.
Notable practitioners
Colin Loveday is based in Sydney and is regularly identified by interviewees as a strong practitioner on product liability issues with experience on cases in the medical sector. He is particularly rich in experience of managing class action cases concerning consumer and financial products and the coordination of matters with cross-jurisdictional issues.
Ross McInnes acts principally on regulatory, enforcement and consumer remediation issues, being best known for his work on financial institutions, though his experience also covers the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. He is singled out by one interviewee as
"a very strategic lawyer with a deep understanding of the client and an ability to manage multiple high-profile matters," while another emphasises that he is
"responsive and very pragmatic and can be depended upon to offer sound commercial advice that is aligned with the values of our business." He is based in Sydney.
