Dispute Resolution

Well regarded for its representation of a blue-chip domestic and international clientele in complex arbitration and litigation mandates, notably including class actions and matters of high reputational significance. Frequently engaged for prominent energy and resources, investment treaty arbitration, multiple class action and cross-border regulatory investigation work, and highly prized for its closely integrated global network and swift redeployment of appropriate expertise between offices. Also significantly developing its capabilities in the handling of cases involving auditing and financial reporting issues.

Sydney-based practice co-head Angela Pearsall stands out for her handling of large-scale commercial litigation in the Australian market, notably including class actions generated by significant insolvency-related disputes. Market sources acknowledge her as a prominent player in this space.

Practice co-head Ben Luscombe is identified by one interviewee as "a great commercial litigator - one of the best in Perth," the same source going on to describe him as "a straight-shooter who understands the reality of the process and tells you how it is." What another source calls his "extensive experience in managing large and complex litigation" derives substantially from the resources sector and is often applied to mandates involving cross-jurisdictional issues and arbitration-related elements with which he is also thoroughly conversant.

Sam Luttrell is the recipient of extensive and laudatory feedback from both clients and wider market sources, testifying to the strength of his "truly international practice in investor-state arbitration," conducted, as one interviewee puts it, "with a level of enthusiasm and positivity that I have rarely seen." In addition to his being "clearly an expert with a very deep knowledge of the issues with which he is dealing," he is also identified as a practitioner who "personifies the mix of advocate and diplomat that you need for international arbitration" and who is "able to think commercially as well as legally, which is very helpful."

Tim Grave maintains a broad commercial contentious practice, acting frequently on matters concerning contractual disputes, directors' duties and white-collar crime issues. He is described by one interviewee as a "very safe pair of hands in the regulatory space."