Department profile
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia


Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Fraud is estimated to cost US$4.23 trillion worldwide. The risk of falling victim to fraud and other white collar and corporate crime raises significant reputational risks for companies and individuals, not least of which is the potential exposure to highly damaging civil, criminal and administrative sanctions,

Acting in such complex and sensitive matters requires more than an understanding of the legal issues. It calls for a strategic and seamless approach, the ability to deal with a range of different law enforcement agencies and regulators, advising on contentious and non-contentious aspects and related issues such as public relations, shareholder communications, insurance and employment issues. 

Our world-class corporate crime and investigations team focuses in global white collar crime compliance and investigations work in more than 40 countries across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the US.

We work on clients' most significant cases, whether in terms of size, complexity or sensitivity, with a particular focus in those involving multiple jurisdictions, regulators and law enforcement bodies. 

We can help you with all aspects of corporate criminal matters including defending companies, senior executives and employees in prosecutions or enforcement actions. We advise on settlements with prosecutors and regulators, asset tracing and recovery, and also associated disputes including contentious employment proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations - Australia

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer commands general market endorsement as one of the leading players in this space, drawing on its combination of national and regional experience and global capability. The law firm advises businesses and individuals subject to investigations and actions brought by the Australian Federal Police and Independent Commission Against Corruption, as well as full risk identification and compliance services. The team forms part of one of the largest white-collar crime practices in the Asia-Pacific region and is especially highly valued for its expertise in China-related mandates, underpinned by constant interaction with the firm's leading Greater China anti-corruption practice.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HSFK provides high-quality, thorough and well-reasoned advice that combines the appropriate balance of detail and pragmatism. They demonstrate a depth of experience that provides additional confidence

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
  • HSFK is one of the best, if not the best, law firms in Australia for high-profile bet-the-company litigation. The team has superior technical expertise and strategic nous.

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Andrew Eastwood
    Band 2Andrew Eastwood

    Andrew Eastwood

    Andrew Eastwood maintains a broad practice and has experience acting for clients in relation to foreign bribery matters and criminal proceedings commenced by regulatory bodies.
    • We trust his judgement, advice and guidance. He is a super smart lawyer.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Andrew Eastwood brings an extraordinary depth and breadth of experience to matters.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Elizabeth Macknay
    Band 2Elizabeth Macknay

    Elizabeth Macknay

    Elizabeth Macknay is an established figure in the market who acts for clients on a range of matters relating to corporate crime and investigations, frequently representing clients in the energy and resources sector.
    • Elizabeth Macknay is a brilliant lawyer of great intelligence. Her work is substantive and procedural.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Elizabeth is very good, capable and sophisticated.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Jacqueline Wootton
    Band 2Jacqueline Wootton

    Jacqueline Wootton

    Jacqueline Wootton advises on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, as well as assisting clients on contentious matters.
    • Jacqueline has developed a very good understanding of the company's desires and is able to propose practical solutions that fit well within what the company wants to achieve. She's very client-minded.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Jacqueline Wootton is an outstanding adviser. She is trusted, reliable, responsive and guides us through our most complex legal matters.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 4Leon Chung
    Band 4Leon Chung

    Leon Chung

    Leon Chung regularly acts for international companies, their boards and senior executives as part of a comprehensive corporate crime and investigations practice. He is particularly well placed to advise on corruption investigations and sanctions regimes.

    • Leon Chung has great subject matter expertise and can deliver within a commercial context

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific
    • I really love Leon's work. He is super responsive, very smart and has provided excellent advice and direction. He rolls his sleeves up and produces impressive output, which is very well-pitched.

      White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP (4)

Australia

  • Profile image of Andrew Eastwood

    Andrew Eastwood

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations

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  • Profile image of Elizabeth Macknay

    Elizabeth Macknay

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations

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  • Profile image of Jacqueline Wootton

    Jacqueline Wootton

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations

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  • Profile image of Leon Chung

    Leon Chung

    White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations

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Members

Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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