TMT: Media
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9263 4000Chambers Review
Gilbert + Tobin fields outstanding practitioners in the IT and telecommunications spheres, with a wealth of transactional and regulatory experience on market-leading deals for key domestic and multinational industry clients across multiple industries in the public and private sectors. The law firm is notably active in the procurement of global IT solutions and SaaS outsourcing mandates and prominent in the emerging technologies market, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and data protection. It is additionally experienced in media regulation and content ownership, licensing and media buying work, including rights deals and commercial initiatives, and adept at assisting with privacy, digital piracy and simulcasting issues impacting on the provision of online media content. Gilbert + Tobin is further noted for corporate advisory and joint venture work for online, broadcast and print media companies and their owners. Key clients include Microsoft, Great Southern Bank and Lendlease.
Work Highlights
- G+T advised Microsoft on the Australian competition aspects, including ACCC approval, of Microsoft’s proposed AUD96 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
- Gilbert + Tobin is advising Transport for NSW on the roll-out of zero-emission battery electric buses and associated smart charging infrastructure for bus services in Sydney.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Gilbert + Tobin's commercial awareness is one of the key reasons we selected G + T for our critical work. They are particularly strong in delivering tailored advice and risk assessment."
"They are absolutely fantastic. They are hyper responsive, very pragmatic and commercial."
"They know our business and context very well, and they have been able to pitch their advice appropriately as a result. They generally offer very pragmatic advice."
"They provide an excellent service extending to general advice and business support. The firm is focused on delivering successful outcomes."
"All of the staff they have brought to the various project teams, regardless of level, have been impressive."
"Gilbert + Tobin's commercial awareness is one of the key reasons we selected G + T for our critical work. They are particularly strong in delivering tailored advice and risk assessment."
"They are absolutely fantastic. They are hyper responsive, very pragmatic and commercial."
"They know our business and context very well, and they have been able to pitch their advice appropriately as a result. They generally offer very pragmatic advice."
"They provide an excellent service extending to general advice and business support. The firm is focused on delivering successful outcomes."
"All of the staff they have brought to the various project teams, regardless of level, have been impressive."
Notable Practitioners
Peter Waters retains his reputation as one of the leading experts across the full range of telecommunications issues, not only in Australia but also internationally. He continues to contribute the insights acquired in his many years' experience in the area to key practice mandates. He is based in Sydney.
"Peter has been renowned in the industry for a long time."
"He is a great regulatory lawyer and is the best in the country for that. He is also very innovative and has a very good service model."
Sheila McGregor is based in Sydney and offers exceptional experience in the handling of IT procurement mandates, particularly where state and Commonwealth government departments and agencies are concerned, and continues to advise on key mandates in this sphere.
"Sheila is a 'go to' for anything complex or where you need gravitas in the room. She is unshakeable, quick and smart - a pleasure to work with."
"Sheila is a very strong client relationship manager."
Michael Caplan focuses closely on complex procurement and other contractual arrangements in the IT space and also advises extensively on transactional and data protection issues. Based in Sydney, he is noted for offering expertise covering both Australia and South-East Asia and focused expertise concerning disruptive and other innovative technologies.
"Michael's service, sophistication, and commercial awareness is what makes him an extremely trusted adviser for our most complex work. His ability to distil complex legal advice and combine it with his understanding of our business and priorities was extremely valuable."
"I have high expectations with respect to the services provided. Michael is one of the most accomplished lawyers I have worked with during my 30+ year career. On top of that expertise, his stakeholder engagement skills are second to none."
Tim Gole is based in Sydney and offers extensive experience in the representation of high-profile clients, including major public sector bodies and leading financial services providers, on strategic IT outsourcing mandates.
"He demonstrates a strong knowledge of our business and risk appetite, and has been a primary adviser for our evolution in technology products and services over time. He is a trusted adviser in all senses."
"Tim is another shining light at Gilbert + Tobin. He is incredibly intelligent and is a great problem solver."
Lesley Sutton is a well-regarded, Sydney-based practitioner in the IT space with extensive experience in the management of large-scale technology procurement projects, where she has often acted for both suppliers and customers in arrangements involving New South Wales or Commonwealth government bodies.
"Lesley is a fantastic negotiator, she brings a sense of calm into the room during intense negotiations owing to her incredible knowledge and expertise in her field. She is able to guide projects to suitable outcome for all parties."
"Lesley has an ability to pick up the technical and operational aspects of the work. Her legal ability is second to none, we can rely on her to pick up all legal issues and cover all bases adequately."
Simon Burns is a Sydney-based IT specialist who stands out for his mastery of transactions conducted within the complex and still evolving regulatory environment of the digital and emerging technology space, being particularly familiar with the issues surrounding blockchain and emerging technology.
"Simon is an exceptional lawyer and is incredible to work with. He has expertise particularly in emerging tech like AI. He has a great ability to understand the commercial context and the complex legal issues we are facing."
"He is very responsive and provides pragmatic advice focused on achieving successful outcomes."
"Simon is really great with his time management and delivery of work - he is good at realising what our priorities are."
Andrew Hii has a broad practice specialising in technology and IP. He is well placed to advise clients across financial services and telecommunications on commercial and regulatory issues and is noted for his skill in handling the complexities of contract negotiations effectively.
"He is a good operator to work with. He is measured and capable."
"Andrew was helpful in providing regulatory compliance advice and was strong in contract negotiations, using his knowledge and expertise to arrive at solutions to finalise arrangements."