About

Provided by Clayton Utz

The IT & Telecommunications practice is best known for undertaking the hardest, most complex, strategic and high-profile technology contracting matters in the Australian market, often with a delicate regulatory overlay. The projects they advise on shape the market for the clients, the industry and often establish the parameters within which other law firms are then required to advise. With respect to depth and quality of team, with 18 specialist IT+T partners they base this comparison on deal quality, deal size, strategic complexity and market significance. The calibre of our client roster includes Australia's largest banks; Australia's largest investment bank; Australia's central bank; Federal and State Government departments and agencies with the largest and most complex IT systems; A


The Clayton Utz Media team continue to be instructed by high-profile names on some of the most cutting-edge matters in the market. They act for a range of major players such as Reuters, Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press, Seven Network, Free TV Australia, NOVA Entertainment, Isentia and SANZAAR. The breadth and quality of the client base in the media sector is the match of any other law firm in Australia.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

TMT: IT & Telecommunications - Australia

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Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Clayton Utz is noted in the IT and telecommunications space for its deep industry knowledge and frequent engagement by significant blue-chip clients on business process outsourcing, data and security matters. The law firm handles transactional matters for critical IT services in the financial and government sectors, including infrastructure procurements and migrations to new technologies, and maintains an impressive client base in the telecoms sphere, advising on everything from joint venture arrangements to access and interconnection agreements between carriers and service providers. Clayton Utz also fields prominent media ownership and broadcasting rights expertise, particularly well-honed in the sporting field, and a well-regarded transactional practice, advising on strategic acquisitions and tie-ups. It additionally provides full support on regulatory issues and is well placed to access complementary expertise in IP and competition matters.

Work Highlights

  • Clayton Utz advised on a technology data migration project involving three major universities, the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia and the new Adelaide University.

  • Clayton Utz acted for Isentia in Federal Court proceedings commenced by Australian News Channel.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

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Ken Saurajen
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Band 1
Ken Saurajen is based in Sydney and acts for both public and private sector bodies on strategic technology and procurement projects, notably including those exploiting emerging technologies. Also a frequent adviser on software development, licensing and support issues, he is engaged by clients from a wide range of industries, but is particularly well known for his work in the financial services sector.

Ken's calm demeanor and deep expertise are a great combination on intensive deals, particularly where there is negotiation-related friction.

Ken is my preferred external lawyer for advising on complex technology and data contracts and privacy law issues.

3
Simon Newcomb
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Band 3

Simon Newcomb specialises in the handling of technology transactions, being particularly well known for his work on behalf of public sector clients at local, state and Commonwealth government levels. An experienced Brisbane-based manager of complex procurement and outsourcing mandates, he is also well-versed in cybersecurity issues.

Simon is a joy to work with. He demonstrated in-depth understanding of our business and is able to apply that in commercial settings.

4
Bruce Lloyd
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Band 4
Bruce Lloyd is both an experienced competition lawyer and head of the TMT group at Clayton Utz. He is respected for his advice to major telecommunications clients.
4
John Dieckmann
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Band 4

John Dieckmann is based in Melbourne and has extensive expertise in information technology. He is well equipped to advise on IT procurement, cybersecurity and privacy issues.

We found John's industry experience particularly valuable.

Timothy Webb
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Timothy Webb
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Band 4

Timothy Webb combines a strong IP focus with experience in handling disputes to service clients in contentious and non-contentious mandates. Issues related to copyright, patents and trade marks fall under the umbrella of his expertise, and he has represented clients before the Federal and Supreme Courts.

Tim is absolutely brilliant, he can't be beat. He's smart, practical, commercial, efficient and always available. He is the best.

Tim never ceases to amaze me, not only due to his accessibility, but also in his deep legal knowledge, which enables him to respond to complex legal issues simply.

Ranked Lawyers at
Clayton Utz

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Australia

TMT: Information Technology

1
Ken Saurajen
1
Band 1
3
Simon Newcomb
3
Band 3
4
John Dieckmann
4
Band 4
TMT: Media

Timothy Webb
4
Timothy Webb
4
Band 4
TMT: Telecommunications

4
Bruce Lloyd
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Clayton Utz

Akmal Chunara

Angie Freeman

Bruce Lloyd

Bruce Lloyd

Head of Department

Cameron Gascoyne

Claire Bothwell

David Benson

Geoff Hoffman

Ian Bloemendal

Joel Parsons

Joel von Thien

John Dieckmann

Lyndal Sivell

Monique Azzopardi

Robert Dearn

Sam Fiddian

Walid Sukari