
Chambers Review
DLA Piper has a highly specialised practice with a longstanding association with the Timorese government, stemming from the firm's representation of Timor-Leste in a maritime boundary dispute with Australia. Its team continues to counsel government bodies, both on ongoing boundary-related matters and on mandates linked to the country's continuing economic development. Its areas of particular expertise include oil and gas, infrastructure, resources and transportation.
Work Highlights
- DLA Piper advised the Chief Negotiator and the Maritime Boundary Office on Timor-Leste’s land and maritime boundaries with Indonesia through bilateral negotiation processes, as well as on international treaty obligations and the development of broader policy positions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The entire team of DLA Piper Australia showed great quality, from the highest level of leadership to the levels lower in the hierarchy."
"I rate DLA Piper very highly for its ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. The work they do for us cannot simply be legal advice, but must consider delicate historical, diplomatic and political context, which they are very sensitive to."
"The different teams that work with us were very through regarding the scope and quality of outcomes presented; I also note that the teams revealed capacity to adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the course of the process."
"The entire team of DLA Piper Australia showed great quality, from the highest level of leadership to the levels lower in the hierarchy."
"I rate DLA Piper very highly for its ability to handle complex and sophisticated matters. The work they do for us cannot simply be legal advice, but must consider delicate historical, diplomatic and political context, which they are very sensitive to."
"The different teams that work with us were very through regarding the scope and quality of outcomes presented; I also note that the teams revealed capacity to adapt to unforeseen circumstances in the course of the process."
Notable Practitioners

Stephen Webb is based in Brisbane in Queensland, where he heads the practice and regularly takes a leading role on key mandates. He brings to his work a highly relevant background in construction, energy and resources and infrastructure finance issues.
"Stephen advises us across a broad range of legal and policy areas to make sure we are fully covered and make the most of opportunities. He has been a long-term relationship partner for us and is central to our client service. He is highly commercial and can think in tangents under high pressure."
"Stephen has a very strong commercial sense aligned with a high level of common sense towards his client's needs. He's able to cross multiple levels of information and knowledge, making him a very strong team member."
"Stephen Webb is, without a doubt, the best lawyer I know as an office leader, in terms of coordinating the work of other lawyers, but also as a legal and commercial adviser."