Australia

Sydney, 15 January 2026 - Ironbridge Legal has been ranked by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 in both of its boutique firm’s core practice areas, earning recognition in both Dispute Resolution: Litigation and Restructuring & Insolvency. It is the fifth consecutive year the firm has been recognised across both of its core practices. This dual honour caps a year of extraordinary expansion for the Sydney-based firm, which achieved a 157% increase in headcount in 2025 (growing from 7 to 18 team members). Boutique Practice Excels in Litigation and Insolvency Rankings In the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Ironbridge Legal’s performance in its two focus areas earned strong editorial commentary. In Dispute Resolution: Litigation, The Legal 500 notes that Ironbridge Legal handles high-value insolvency disputes and has ‘made a large impact on the insolvency litigation landscape over the last five years’. The team is also equipped to handle a broad range of contractual disputes. Founding partner Trevor Withane leads the Sydney-based team. In Restructuring & Insolvency, The Legal 500 notes that clients turn to Ironbridge Legal for support in contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, particularly where regulatory investigations and debt disputes are involved. The team advises on ASIC and ATO inquiries as well as the full range of formal insolvency procedures. Trevor Withane leads the practice, supported by partner Blake Shaw and senior associate Patrick Gallego, who works across restructuring issues and litigation. This recognition across both categories underscores the firm’s strength in its chosen specialisms. Client feedback and testimonials The following testimonials were collated independently by The Legal 500 research team: “Led by founder, Trevor Withane, Ironbridge Legal has made a large impact on the insolvency litigation landscape over the last five years. Ironbridge bring a high level of legal technical ability to the insolvency litigation space and are very attuned to the needs of the client in delivering legal services. The firm is exceptional in its diversity of employees and has high levels of staff engagement and public recognition.” “Trevor Withane, the founding partner is extremely knowledgeable in the area of insolvency and dispute resolution and has developed an impressive network of international clients and referral partners based on his connections in Asia and in the UK. Trevor commands high levels of knowledge about the matters he is involved in and is very engaged in the day-to-day practice. He has built a strong reputation and an international panelist and speaker on issues such as cross border asset tracing and regularly publishes in industry journals.” “What makes Ironbridge Legal unique is the subject matter expertise they have. They are the place to go for "most complex" litigation cases.” “Subject matter expertise and manners.” Strategic Growth Fuelling Success The firm’s 157% growth in 2025 reflects strategic expansion to meet client demand while maintaining its focus as a conflict-free specialist in high-stakes disputes and insolvency matters. This growth aligns with the firms’s stated vision: ‘to be the first-choice, go-to, conflict-free law firm for complex, big-ticket disputes and insolvency work in Australia’. Ironbridge Legal welcomed several high-calibre hires over the past year, notably Blake Shaw, who joined as Partner to strengthen and help lead the Restructuring & Insolvency practice alongside Trevor Withane. Under Mr Withane’s leadership, the team’s expansion from 7 to 18 professionals has amplified its capacity to handle complex cases without sacrificing the agility and focus that define its boutique model. Continued Momentum Ironbridge Legal’s inclusion in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 is a milestone that validates the firm’s focused strategy and momentum across both of its core practice areas. With an expanded team, strengthened leadership in restructuring and insolvency, and continued recognition in disputes, the firm enters 2026 with reinforced determination to keep delivering for clients on the matters that matter most.

Kain Lawyers is proud to have advised Nash Capital Growth Fund I, LP in connection with its cornerstone investment in Clear21, an AI powered software company transforming the smash repair industry.  The strategic investment represents Nash Capital’s second deployment from its inaugural $80 million growth fund and will assist Clear21’s expansion into the UK. Clear21’s flagship iBodyshop platform revolutionises repair yard operations by automating quoting, scheduling, and parts procurement processes. The investment demonstrates Nash Capital’s expertise in identifying technology platforms that digitise established industries with significant operational transformation potential. The Kain Lawyers team advising Nash Capital was led by Stefan Harris and Michael Garry with assistance from Emily Stollznow. Read more in the Australian Financial Review.

Kain Lawyers is pleased to have acted for Amber Electric in its recent capital raise supporting its entry into the UK energy market.  The transaction represents an important step in Amber Electric’s growth strategy — extending its model of dynamic, renewable-focused energy management to a new international market. Kain Lawyers advised on all aspects of the raise, drawing on our experience in capital markets and emerging energy technologies. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting innovative Australian businesses expanding their global reach in the clean energy sector. The Kain Lawyers team advising Amber Electric was led by David Mitchell with assistance from Emily Stollznow. Read more in The Australian.

The Cohen Group is pleased to announce the appointment of national law firm Thomson Geer as its new legal advisers. Effective October 1, 2025, Thomson Geer will provide comprehensive legal counsel to the Cohen Group's Board and Management across its diverse asset portfolio. The Thomson Geer legal team will be led by a dedicated group of partners with deep expertise in their respective fields: Annabel West, Partner – Corporate, Chris Kelly, Partner – Real Estate, and George Hodson, Partner – Tax and Structuring, supported by Thomson Geer’s extensive resources. Cohen Group CEO, Gregg Downer, commented on the appointment: “Thomson Greer’s leading edge and integrated expertise across key areas including corporate structuring, real estate and tax will provide the high-calibre legal support our Board and Management desire to drive our continued growth. We are confident this collaboration will be invaluable as we expand our asset portfolio and navigate the evolving real estate market.” Adrian Tembel, Chief Executive Partner, added, “We are honoured to be appointed as the legal advisers for the Cohen Group – a distinguished group with a significant presence and history of involvement in South Australia’s property sector. Our team is looking forward to working closely with the Cohen Group Board and Management to deliver strategic legal solutions that support their commercial objectives and continued success.” The appointment of Thomson Geer also marks a significant step for the Cohen Group in strengthening its corporate governance and operational efficiency. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and a forward-looking approach to business.