Dispute Resolution

King & Wood Mallesons' comprehensive, deeply resourced offering has niche strengths in such areas as financial services regulation, construction and infrastructure disputes, corporate investigations, Royal Commissions and other official inquiries and public liability issues, and incorporating both experienced international arbitration expertise and a strong class action capability. Also noted for its impressive regional presence and especially high capability for the handling of China-related issues, including the enforcement of contracts and awards. Regularly sought after as an adviser to public sector clients and maintains a strong focus upon the prevention or out-of-court settlement of disputes wherever consonant with client objectives. Key clients include Allianz Australia, BHP and NAB.

A client begins by noting that "King & Wood Mallesons' deep legal expertise and resources to take on the largest and most complex of matters are key assets," then goes on to praise the team's "exemplary attention to client care," saying: "They have also developed a unique understanding of our business, values and commercial drivers which is extremely valuable when providing advice on matters of reputational significance."

"In terms of litigation," says another client, "my team has a preferred way to run our matters and King & Wood Mallesons understands our needs. Thus, our ways of working have become so intertwined and complementary, that it’s as if we are operating as one business. For this reason, and because they are experts in what they do, I trust the litigation team at King & Wood Mallesons more than that at any other firm: I know that I am guaranteed high-quality, commercial and strategic legal services."

King & Wood Mallesons acted for the Woolworths Group in class action proceedings brought on behalf of shareholders who had allegedly been misled by Woolworths' profit guidance and other statements. The action ultimately settled for a sum considerably lower than that sought by the plaintiffs.

Alexander Morris stands out for his mastery of the two often overlapping areas of financial services litigation and class actions and is further noted for his representation of  senior executives facing issues of high reputational significance. A client describes him as "a gifted litigator and regulatory specialist," and adds: "Alex leads from the front on all matters and is a go-to partner on matters of significance." He is based in Sydney.

Chris Fox is a Melbourne-based senior consultant and acknowledged "good operator" who has litigated matters on behalf of clients from, among others, the aged care, energy, financial services and retail sectors for well over three decades. He also offers particularly noteworthy experience in the Royal Commission sphere, where he has both represented clients and acted in support of commissioners.

Domenic Gatto is a well-regarded, Melbourne-based litigator with a strong focus on high-stakes disputes arising from the resources and financial services sectors. Praised by one source as a partner who "obviously cares about his clients' interests," he also enjoys the respect of many fellow legal professionals, one of whom notes: "I have always thought of Domenic Gatto as a premier litigator."

Moira Saville is based in Sydney and focuses principally on class actions, acting particularly frequently for clients from the financial services and insurance sectors or on issues of product or professional liability. Interviewees variously characterise her as an "excellent lawyer" and "a first-class litigator who's always well prepared."