The Legal 500

Clayton Utz advises international banks, public bodies and listed companies on transport-sector corporate and commercial matters. The team - headed by Simon Brady - is sole legal counsel to Asciano and recently advised five joint lead managers (including Merrill Lynch, and Goldman Sachs) on the IPO of QR National. New clients include Air Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

Norton Rose Australia acts for Asian clients across the aviation, rail and shipping industries, including ORIX Aviation, Pacific National Group and Chevron Australia. Aircraft finance, vessel collisions and transport-related corporate matters are the core areas of focus. Ernest van Buuren recently joined the group from Blake Dawson. Adrian Ahern heads the transport team.

Blake Dawson’s shipping capability has diminished somewhat due to the departure of Ernest van Buuren. However, the group remains dynamic in aviation and rail work, and recently advised Qantas on the financing of two Airbus aircraft and Surat Basin Rail on a large rail project. John Field is recommended.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s ‘excellent’ group is advising the Department of Transport and Main Roads on procurements and legislative amendment relating to the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project. Adam Handley and his team recently advised China’s state-owned MMC China on transport aspects of its $4.5bn iron ore project in Western Australia. Other clients include Fortescue Metals Group and Linfox.

DLA Piper Australia bolstered its transport group by bringing in Damian McNair and PPP specialist Alex Guy from the firm’s Middle East and UK offices, respectively. The team provides ‘practical advice that’s not too black letter law’, and played a key role in advising Oakajee Port & Rail on a $6bn development. The ‘client-focused’ Andrew Tulloch and Martin McEniery are recommended.

HWL Ebsworth provides ‘prompt’ and ‘valuable’ advice on international freight disputes, admiralty cases and aviation claims. The ‘significantly experienced’ Simon Liddy and Joe Hurley head the practice, which recently advised Tiger Airways during its grounding and acted for Qenos in a claim relating to shipowners’ rights of limited liability.

Robert Springall’s shipping practice at Holman Fenwick Willan represents P&I clubs including Britannia Club and Farstad. The team defended the owners of APL Sydney in claims brought by BHP Billiton relating to a ruptured gap pipeline, and the group has also seen a surge in piracy litigation recently.

Minter Ellison acts for government bodies, major Asian airlines and ferry and rail companies on matters such as construction, asset financing and litigation. It is highly regarded for transport projects, and assisted Bombardier Transportation on its successful tender for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit PPP project. Other clients include Qantas and the Commonwealth government.

Maritime specialist Cocks MacNish represents many P&I clubs on matters in Western Australia. Key areas of focus include collisions, cargo claims and insurance disputes. Timothy Cocks and Graeme MacNish are the key contacts.

Freehills’ rail practice has substantial experience in projects and construction. The team recently acted for Victoria’s Department of Transport on the $4.3bn Regional Rail Link project.

Henry Davis York produces ‘exceptional’ transport work in NSW, advising the Roads and Traffic Authority on motorways, and Rail Corporation on train projects. Michael Greene heads the practice.

Middletons advises on coastal trade regulations, maritime insurance, vessel building and ship finance. Stephen Thompson heads the practice.

Norton White is the ‘first port of call’ for P&I clubs and shipowners needing representation in collisions claims. The firm also advises on maritime and aviation insurance, to international arbitration and the seizure of fishing vessels. Mark Mackrell heads the team.

Piper Alderman provides ‘succinct and astute’ advice to marine insurers in personal injury and cargo claims. Frazer Hunt is ‘a leader among marine insurance lawyers’, and recently assisted Newcastle Port Corporation in handling an oil spill.

Thynne & Macartney is the ‘key correspondent for P&I clubs in Brisbane’, and specialises in wreckage removal, marine insurance and personal injury claims. Michael Fisher and Frank Turner are the names to note.

TressCox focuses on government mandates, having advised the Department of Defence and Victoria’s Department of Transport on a range of contractual issues. Brian Ambler is ‘particularly adept at negotiation strategies and tactics’.