What we say about the firm's legal practice in Australia
Banking and finance
Within Banking and finance, tier 5
HWL Ebsworth enters the ranking on the back of recommendations of its ‘tailored advice’, ‘excellent technical skills’ and ‘outstanding communication style’. Recent highlights include advising Westfield on the A$3.2bn syndicated bridge acquisition facility for the Westfield Retail Trust. The ‘approachable, warm and friendly’ Stephen Cavanagh and Ruth Neal are highly recommended.
Corporate and M&A
Within Corporate and M&A, tier 6
HWL Ebsworth’s Andrew Bruton is commended for his ‘excellent’ corporate work in the energy and resources space, and Matthew Reynolds is ‘down to earth and offers great advice on the run’.
Dispute resolution
Within Dispute resolution, tier 6
HWL Ebsworth has a well-established reputation in insurance-related matters. Tim Griffiths, Andrew Miers (for defence work) and ‘formidable opponent’ Matthew Harding are recommended.
Insurance
Within Insurance, HWL Ebsworth is a first tier firm,
HWL Ebsworth’s 21-partner insurance practice provides ‘skilled, astute and prompt service’ and displays proficiency across ‘a broad spectrum of matters’. Robert Johnston is leading the defence of Parsons Brinkerhoff in the A$130m Lane Cove Tunnel litigation. Other clients include MDA National Insurance, QBE, Chartis, Chubb, ACE and Allianz. Matthew Harding is ‘respected within the industry’, Andrew Miers is ‘strong on black letter law and coverage advice’, and Tim Griffiths and Nicholas Matkovich are also recommended. Mark Kimberley, formerly of Henry Davis York, recently joined the team.
Transport
Within Transport, HWL Ebsworth is a second tier firm,
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.