Australia

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.

Thomson Geer has led major Australian media company Nine Entertainment Co to a landmark defamation win that saw Australia's "public interest" defence for journalists successfully applied for the first time. Australian surgeon Dr Munjed Al Muderis sued Nine and three journalists in the Federal Court of Australia over articles in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald newspapers and 60 Minutes television program in 2022 alleging they defamed him. The articles predominantly related to a procedure called osseointegration Dr Al Muderis performs on amputees, with Dr Muderis claiming the publications conveyed imputations that he inappropriately selects patients for surgery, fails to explain risks and complications, fails to provide adequate post-operative care, and is unethical and dangerous. Nine defended the reporting, arguing defences of contextual truth, honest opinion and public interest. Justice Wendy Abraham found Nine had established both contextual truth and the public interest defences and dismissed Dr Muderis's case. She did not consider the honest opinion defence. “I accept the evidence of the journalists that they each held a subjective belief that the publications were in the public interest,” Justice Abraham said. “The positive media coverage his practice had enjoyed needed correcting, and the investigation revealed another side of his practice.” The Thomson Geer team was led by Partner John-Paul Cashen, who said: "The judgment is vindication for the reporting by Nine's journalists and was an important test for Australia's public interest defence. "This decision will have far reaching consequences for investigative media in Australia and may make those who want to sue for defamation consider carefully their position." The team included Partner Marlia Saunders, Senior Associate Samantha McGeoch, and Associates Sophie Meixner and Isabelle Gwinner. They were assisted by Lawyers Natasha Connors, Nina Tierney, Simon Pandoulis, Natasya Currie, Reina Nakamura, and Jonathan Li and Media Team Manager Rachel Stellas. The team briefed barristers Matt Collins, KC, Declan Roche, SC, Claire Roberts, Melissa Marcus and Sandip Mukerjea for the trial, while Renee Enbom, KC, Lyndelle Barnett, Bianca Gallifuoco, Hannah Ryan and John Heard were also engaged at various stages of the case. Nine's internal lawyers were Kiah Officer and Larina Alick. The trial ran for 14 weeks between September 2023 and June 2024 with Nine calling approximately 50 witnesses. Dr Al Muderis has signalled he will appeal the judgment.