Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Restructuring and insolvency

Led by Mark Addison and Wendy Jacobs in Sydney and Penelope Pengilley in Melbourne, the practice at Keypoint Law regularly acts for accounting and advisory firms, as well as speciality insolvency firms.
Under the leadership of Masi Zaki, the team at Squire Patton Boggs advises companies and directors on distressed transactions, corporate collapses and recognition applications for counterparties in distress, with particular expertise in the aviation sector.

Restructuring and insolvency in Australia

Allens

Allens is rated by clients for its ‘deep bench of quality staff who balance strong technical expertise with commerciality’. The team has vast experience handling distressed situations and formal insolvency proceedings for both financers and debtors. The department is led by ‘excellent and well-respected practitionerAlf Pappalardo in Brisbane, who is well versed in advising major retail banks and fund managers, among others. In Sydney, Chris Prestwich has expertise in the banking, infrastructure, private equity, mining, construction and media industries. In the Melbourne office, Matthew Whittle is an ‘incredible legal mind who considers commerciality at the forefront’, and Tania Cini is a key contact for complex insolvency litigation.

Practice head(s):

Alf Pappalardo


Other key lawyers:

Chris Prestwich; Matthew Whittle; Tania Cini; Matthew McCarthy


Testimonials

‘High quality both from a technical and commercial perspective.’

‘Matthew Whittle is exceptional, par excellence in my experience. Incredible legal mind who considers commerciality at the forefront rather than a straight litigation stance. I place an extremely high value on his advice and counsel, particularly in complex matters. ’

‘Market-leading technical knowledge. An ongoing commitment to “partnering” with us and ensuring we are working together as a cohesive team to service our client. ’

Key clients

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)


McGrathNicol/OCP Asia


HSBC


National Australia Bank Limited


McGrathNicol


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


ISPT


Work highlights


  • Acting for NAB in a class action proceeding brought on behalf of creditors of Walton Construction.
  • Acting for Michael Owen and Philip Carter (receivers) in all aspects of their role as court-appointed receivers and managers of the assets and undertaking of PCQ.
  • Acting for Deloitte as receivers and managers of the Seasons Ranch entities, a Victorian organic chicken egg farm that entered receivership in late 2022.

Arnold Bloch Leibler

The ‘exceptionally smart and creative‘ practice at Arnold Bloch Leibler is appreciated by clients for its ‘outstanding quality across all levels of the team‘. The group is regularly instructed on a range of matters, including contentious and non-contentious restructuring and insolvency matters, as well as complex disputes and administrative procedures. The practice benefits from the experience of department head Leon Zwier, who acts for administrators, liquidators and distressed corporate groups. Genevieve Sexton focuses her practice on corporate finance transactions and corporate restructures. Ben Mahoney regularly acts for corporations, funds, entrepreneurs and family groups in a range of finance matters. Elyse Hilton and Stephen Lloyd are both key names for litigation and disputes.

Practice head(s):

Leon Zwier


Other key lawyers:

Genevieve Sexton; Ben Mahoney; Stephen Lloyd; Elyse Hilton


Testimonials

‘The litigation team is commercial, expert, strong negotiation and strategic in their advice and guidance. The litigation team were also well resourced and knowledgeable in liquidation and insolvency matters, and were capable of identifying technically relevant solutions to pursue a commercial conclusion. ’

‘They have the following attributes: expert negotiators; articulate; humble; innovative; collaborative and consultative; paid deference to the clients’ expectations and goals; attentive to legal costs.’

‘Exceptionally smart and creative. Outstanding quality across all levels of the team. High levels of confidence in any advice provided from any level.’

Key clients

State of Victoria


MTIA


Arrium Limited


Arrium Finance


Arrium Iron Ore Holdings


Honda Australia


Pure Asset Management


Cbus Property


McGrathNicol


Merricks Capital


King River Capital Management


Clough


Work highlights


  • Advised the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority and the Major Road Projects Victoria, on behalf of the State of Victoria, in relation to the Western Roads Upgrade and West Gate Tunnel projects.
  • Acting for Pure Asset Management in relation to the voluntary administration of Ellume, a manufacturer of digitally enabled medical diagnostic products with a focus on COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
  • Acting for automobile manufacturer Honda Australia in connection with its transition to a new operating model.

Ashurst

With a broad roster of clients, the restructuring and insolvency practice at Ashurst assists debtors, secured creditors and funds. The team’s ‘availability’ and ‘technical skills’ are appreciated by its clients, which turn to it for support across a range of matters, including corporate distress, distressed investing and formal insolvencies. Practice head James Marshall stands out for his extensive cross-border experience in advising offshore investors into Australia and Australian companies with offshore funders and operations. Melbourne-based partner Ross McClymont draws on more than 25 years of experience and acts in large-scale restructurings and insolvency administrations. Emanuel Poulos is well versed in advising financial institutions on bilateral and syndicated loans and asset-based lending structures. Camilla Clemente is also a notable member of the team. All lawyers are based in Sydney unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

James Marshall


Other key lawyers:

Camilla Clemente; Ross McClymont; Emanuel Poulos; Bernie Walrut


Testimonials

‘Availability, technical skills, billing support (understands that invoices cannot be paid immediately), meets deadlines.’

Key clients

Boart Longyear


Toll Holdings


ANZ


Ovato


KordaMentha


McGrathNicol


Deloitte


FTI Consulting


KPMG


Cleanaway (SKM)


Calibre


Work highlights


  • Acted as Australian legal advisors to the RSSG team’s longstanding client, FTI Consulting (Australia), in respect of Christopher Hill, John Park and David McGraths’ appointments as the joint and several administrators of Sun Cable.
  • Advised Washington H. Soul Pattinson on providing A$80m of rescue financing to refinance the existing debt and to fund the working capital requirements of Electro Optic Systems Holdings.
  • Advised the State of Tasmania in relation to the voluntary administration and receivership of Basslink, which owns and operates an undersea cable that connects Tasmania to Australia’s National Electricity Market.

Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz is a popular choice among clients for its ‘collaboration and quality people‘. The team has particular expertise in non-contentious debt restructuring across the retail, energy, mining, construction, government and healthcare sectors. Leading from Melbourne, practice head Nick Poole specialises in financings, workouts, restructurings and insolvencies, with a particular focus on debt trading, distressed asset financing, distressed investing and corporate restructuring. Cameron Belyea has a strong focus on the agribusiness, energy and natural resources industries. Former practice head Timothy Sackar and Jillian McAleese left the firm in August 2023, and Orla McCoy left the firm in July 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nick Poole


Other key lawyers:

Cameron Belyea


Testimonials

‘Collaboration and quality people are two aspects that stand out for me with considering Clayton Utz.’

‘Nick Poole and Paul James: Amazing trust between these Partners who have complementary and adjacent skill sets. Paul also leads the Melbourne Office while Nick is the National Restructuring and Insolvency service line leader. In short, two experienced leaders who are focused on delivering great outcomes for clients and investing in and delivering their people.’

Key clients

FTI Consulting


WBGO Construction Proprietary


Taurus Motor Finance group


Deloitte


AusGroup


Bentley’s NSW


Pricewaterhouse Coopers


The Public Trustee of QLD


McGrath Nicol


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Nomura


Longreach Capital


Work highlights


  • Advising the financier and KPMG partners (as receivers and managers) in respect of the proposed restructuring and ultimately receivership and liquidation of Porter Davis Homes.
  • Advising partners of FTI Consulting as the Australian and New Zealand Administrators of the Jenny Craig weight loss companies in respect of the group’s cross-border insolvency.
  • Advised FTI Consulting partners on all aspects of the administration and sale process, including the negotiation and entry into a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) to effect the sale of the business.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Based across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, the practice at Corrs Chambers Westgarth has an ‘excellent balance of the commercial and technical’ in its approach to restructuring and insolvency matters. The team has particular expertise in advising hedge funds and private equity firms as creditors in bankruptcy situations. Highly regarded Sydney-based practice head Cameron Cheetham is well versed in structuring and implementing distressed financing transactions in the mining, infrastructure, energy, real estate and financial services sectors. Also based in Sydney, Michael Catchpoole specialises in advising on workouts and distressed and special securities investing strategies.

Practice head(s):

Cameron Cheetham


Other key lawyers:

Michael Catchpoole; Abhi Chopra


Testimonials

‘A very strong team who provide sound commercial advice. They offer solutions appropriate to the scale of the issue and collaborate well with other advisors and specialists within their firm.’

‘I know that they have my interests at heart and that they will strive to deliver the best commercial outcome which may not necessarily be the same as the best fee outcome for their firm.’

‘Incredibly collaborative firm.’

‘Cameron Cheetham – very commercial and deals with matters in a way that is entirely focused on reaching the right outcomes. ’

‘High quality, commercial, responsive with a strong depth’

‘Excellent balance of commercial and technical.’

Key clients

BlackRock


Deloitte


Macquarie Bank


KPMG


Laing O’Rourke


M.H. Carnegie


McGrath Nicol


MA Financial Group


Allegro Funds


Infrastructure NSW


Work highlights


  • Acting for an ad hoc group of secured creditors that provided A$350m of secured bonding facilities to support the various projects of the Clough group.
  • Advising Allegro Funds on a debt and equity acquisition of Slater and Gordon.
  • Advising McGrath Nicol on a major formal insolvency, centring on troubles at Dyldam Group, one of Australia’s largest builders and developers of residential apartments.

Gilbert + Tobin

Praised for its ‘commercial, client-first mentality‘, the team at Gilbert + Tobin is regularly seen working on major, high-profile transactions. The team frequently acts for companies and debtors as well as lenders and noteholders. Leading from Melbourne, Peter Bowden ‘has built a strong and growing team‘. Bowden specialises in advising hedge funds, special situation groups, investment banks, and creditors and debtors. Anna Schwartz is also a key practitioner in the team, and specialises in advising lenders and creditors on their credit risk exposure, distressed M&A and restructuring of distressed companies. In a significant move, Orla McCoy joined the team in July 2023, while Dominic Emmett departed the firm in November 2023.

Practice head(s):

Peter Bowden


Other key lawyers:

Colleen Platford; Simon Lynch; Anna Schwartz; Orla McCoy


Testimonials

‘Collaboration and client service. G+T are very focused on doing whatever is required to meet the client’s deliverable timetable and outcome. Understanding the client’s need and working with them to deliver.’

‘Peter Bowden has lit up since joining the G+T team a few years back. His star has continued to rise and he now leads the National restructuring team at G+T. From a Melbourne perspective, he has built a strong and growing team and has recently encouraged Orla McCoy to join from Clayton Utz and has promoted Anna Schwartz to Partner. Two great additions to the partnership.’

‘Best market intelligence in the Australian insolvency community. Commercial, client-first mentality. Innovative, solutions-based thinkers. ’

Key clients

APA


Roofoods


McGrathNicol


Optic Security Group


PAG


Wexted Advisors


Merril Lynch (Asia Pacific)


Oaktree, Elliott, Ares, Deutsche and Davidson Kempner


Apollo, Pennant Park and Broadpeak


Revlon


Aviron Investment Management


ANZ


McGrath Nicol


FTI


EY KPMG


Work highlights


  • Advised APA Group on all aspects, including the complex restructuring, of its $773m acquisition of Basslink.
  • Advised Roofoods in relation to the voluntary administration of its Australian subsidiary Deliveroo.
  • Advises second lien lenders to Camp Australia in relation to the ongoing restructuring of Camp Australia.

King & Wood Mallesons

Experts in solvent and insolvent solutions, the team at King & Wood Mallesons is also recognised for its strength in insolvency litigation. Praised for its ‘quality from graduate to partner', the team is considered 'first class’. The practice regularly collaborates with the firm's M&A, banking, project and real estate groups to provide a broad service to its clients. Recently, the department has been kept busy assisting clients operating in the property, construction and infrastructure sectors. The Sydney-based practice is headed by Tim Klineberg, who is regularly instructed by banks, corporates and insolvency practitioners. Samantha Kinsey is well versed in handling restructuring and insolvency situations in the construction industry, while Tony Troiani is a key name for technical insolvency litigation and director duties issues. Both Kinsey and Troiani are praised for their ‘high-quality advice, service and outcomes’.

Practice head(s):

Tim Klineberg


Other key lawyers:

Samantha Kinsey; Tony Troiani; Sam Dundas


Testimonials

‘Tier 1 team. Have had a exceptional year and have been retained on or around many of the larger matters. Quality, quality, quality from graduate to partner, whether they are working for me or working across the table from me, they are first class.’

‘Samantha Kinsey and Tony Troiani: A complementary partnership. They work extremely well together. Sam has had an exceptional 12 months working on some great deals and matters. Tony and Sam deliver high-quality advice, service and outcomes and have built a team who are all focused on supporting these outcomes.’

Key clients

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu


KPMG


FTI Consulting


Bank of New York Melon


Northern Territory Government


KordaMentha


Australia and New Zealand Banking Group


National Australia Bank


Westpac Banking


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Work highlights


  • Advising Deloitte as the administrators of the Probuild construction group on its restructuring.
  • Advising the banking syndicate owed more than $650m by the Basslink Group.
  • Advising Deloitte as administrators of the Clough Group on its controlled restructure, recapitalisation and sale of the Australian business to the WeBuild Group.

Minter Ellison

Well versed in high-value, cross-border cases, Minter Ellison is regularly seen working on fraud investigations, external administrations and disputes both in Australia and internationally. Sydney-based partner Michael Hughes heads the practice and is well regarded for his capabilities across restructuring, insolvency and related litigation matters. In Melbourne, Catherine Macrae and Brendon Watkins are also key names to note, with Watkins regularly engaged to advise on multi-jurisdictional finance-sector insolvencies.

Testimonials

‘The Restructuring and Insolvency team provide technically accurate and pragmatic advice in an easy to understand way. They get to know their clients’ business and demonstrate this with their practical application of the law, ensuring clients’ needs are the the number 1 priority. ’

‘Michael Hughes has been a trusted advisor over many years. He always goes out of his way to provide first class legal advice whilst always recognizing our business needs and priorities. Our Board recognise Michael as an an expert in his field providing excellent guidance in every situation. Michael has frequently made himself available at short notice and long into the evening. I would highly recommend Michael to other organizations for his exceptional services. ’

‘Minters across the board is very client-focused and industry savvy. They always apply a commercial lens and provide useful and timely reporting and invoices. Particularly strong at working with multiple departments including in-house legal and customer-facing teams, and very effective at senior and executive briefs’.

‘Melinda Smith (Brisbane) is a stand out leading a large team of senior associates, lawyers and paralegals to appropriately staff consumer debt recovery. Caitlin Murray and Michael Hughes (Sydney) are also execeptional and responsive, appropriate across detail and delegating to a large team.’

‘I’d mention Brendan Watkins, Catherine Macrae and Nick Anson. Brendan has been a high performing and highly regarded legal advocate to the insolvency & Restructuring sector or over 20 years and continues to deliver outstanding services. Catherine is a relatively new partner who has been part of the Minters team for many years. She has made an immediate impact for Minters in the market, picking up some quality engagements. Nick continues to bring enormous experience and knowledge to every situation with years of restructuring, M&A and distressed advisory to his private and public clients.’

Key clients

Avolon Aerospace Leasing


BDO


BWX Limited


Careers Australia Group


Cyber Intelligence Tech (CyberTech)


Deloitte


Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (now Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action)


Dr Michael Frege of CMS (Germany)


Ernst & Young


HRL Limited


Kajima Corporation and group of companies


KPMG


Ladder Capital


Moula Money


National Australia Bank (NAB)


Rio Tinto


State of Victoria


Westpac Banking Corporation and Westpac New Zealand


Work highlights


Norton Rose Fulbright

With geographic reach across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, the restructuring and insolvency practice at Norton Rose Fulbright is commended for its ‘world-class knowledge and experience in insolvency law and practice’. Its strong insolvency litigation team covers a range of disputes and regularly appears in the Australian higher and federal courts. The team is led by Sydney-based partner Alex Mufford, benefiting from his experience handling large-scale restructurings. Steven Palmer is singled out for his ability to be ‘very strategic and always focused on the best commercial outcome’. President of the International Insolvency Institute, John Martin draws on more that 30 years of experience and has significant expertise in cross-border insolvency. Scott Atkins is also a key member of the team, who ‘leads discussions around the world on the key policy issues and developments in insolvency law’.

Practice head(s):

Alex Mufford


Other key lawyers:

Steven Palmer; John Martin; Scott Atkins; Lee Pascoe; Rod Bretag


Testimonials

‘World-class knowledge and experience in insolvency law and practice.’

‘Scott Atkins is at the forefront of and leads discussions around the world on the key policy issues and developments in insolvency law.’

Rod Bretag is a senior and experienced insolvency law practitioner with a fountain of knowledge and experience in the area. ’

Key clients

Asian Development Bank


Ernst & Young Australia


PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia


McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust)


General Motors Holdings


General Motors Holden Australia NSC


General Motors Holden Australia and New Zealand


Cor Cordis


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu


Australia and New Zealand Banking Group


Grant Thornton Australia Limited


KPMG International Limited


KordaMentha


McGrathNicol


National Australia Bank


Bank of America


Westpac Banking Group


Bank of New York Mellon


Kroll Australia


FTI Consulting


Work highlights


  • Advised the Government of Bhutan on insolvency reform in the remote Himalayan kingdom.
  • Represented General Motors Holdings (GM) in relation to the decision made to exit Holden vehicles sales, engineering and design operations in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
  • Advised Certes CT in its capacity as the security trustee in connection with the enforcement of Australian securities over Griffin Coal Mine.

Herbert Smith Freehills

The team at Herbert Smith Freehills advises on a range of domestic and cross-border restructurings and distressed situations. Its clients stem from an array of sectors, including finance, mining, transport, energy, TMT and real estate. The Sydney-based team is headed by Paul Apáthy and benefits from his significant experience assisting clients in distressed situations. Mark Clifton is also a key member of the team; he draws on more than 25 years of experience advising stakeholders in restructuring and insolvency matters, including administrators, liquidators and secured and unsecured lenders.

Practice head(s):

Paul Apáthy


Other key lawyers:

Nikki Smythe; David John; Mark Clifton


Key clients

Allegro Funds Management


Bain Capital Credit (Australia)


Camp Australia


(The) Carlyle Group


China Sichuan International Investment


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Deloitte Financial Advisory


Ernst & Young


FTI Consulting


Goldman Sachs Special Situations Group


Keppel Infrastructure Fund Management


Korda Mentha


KPMG


National Australia Bank (NAB)


OCP Asia


Orion Resource Partners


PwC


Speedcast International


SRG Global


TOR Investment Management


Westpac Banking Corporation


Work highlights


  • Acted for AWE Perth as creditor in the administration of Clough, and counterparty to a very significant contract.
  • Advised SRG Global on the successful completion of its acquisition of WBHO Infrastructure out of voluntary administration.
  • Advising Acciona Construction Australia in relation to the administration of Clough Group.

Johnson Winter Slattery

Working on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, the restructuring and insolvency practice at Johnson Winter Slattery is praised for being ‘highly responsive and commercial in its advice’. The team has particular expertise in debt finance and dispute resolution. The practice also has ample experience acting for insolvency practitioners in disciplinary proceedings and for insolvency accounting firms in reputationally relevant matters. Based in Sydney, Joseph Scarcella leads the practice and is well versed in large-scale corporate insolvencies. Brisbane-based partner Peter Smith is a seasoned commercial litigator and ‘known and respected by all market participants‘.

Practice head(s):

Joseph Scarcella


Other key lawyers:

Paul Buitendag; Peter Smith


 


Testimonials

‘Highly responsive and commercial in their advice.’

‘Peter Smith has long experience in the insolvency profession. Known and respected by all market participants.’

Key clients

Deloitte


FTI


New Hope Corporation


PwC


Grant Thornton


Earlypay


Cathro and Partners


Worrells


Work highlights


  • Advised Deloitte before its partners were appointed as the administrators of Probuild, on its ability to accept the appointments.
  • Advised the administrators of FYI Consulting on various aspects of the administration.
  • Acted as counsel for three former directors of two former subsidiaries of New Hope in proceedings brought by the liquidators of two former subsidiaries of New Hope Corporation.

Baker McKenzie

The team at Baker McKenzie is commended for its ‘strong technical capabilities in insolvency’. The team’s cross-border capabilities mean it is well equipped to handle international insolvency recoveries and multi-jurisdictional disputes. Maria O’Brien heads the practice from Sydney and has notable experience acting for insolvent companies, their external administrators and creditors. Gavin Rakoczy is described as ‘an up-and-comer and someone to watch in coming years‘, and Brisbane-based partner Ian Innes has extensive experience in acting for financial institutions, insolvency partitioners and creditors and is a ‘solid technical lawyer‘.

Practice head(s):

Maria O’Brien


Other key lawyers:

Gavin Rakoczy; Peter Lucarelli; Ian Innes


Testimonials

‘Strong technical capabilities in insolvency and also strong capabilities across other practice areas.’

‘Ian Innes is a solid technical lawyer.’

‘Intelligent and friendly lawyers who get to the right answer.’

Key clients

Sev.en Global Investments (7GI)


Sev.en Gamma a.s.


Virgin Australia – Former Directors


AP Eagers


Astora Women’s Health (Astora)


Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft


McGrathNicol


Garuda Indonesia


Innovation Structured Finance


KordaMentha


Former directors and CFO of Arrium Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted for Elizabeth Bryan (former Chair) and Paul Scurrah (former CEO) in defence of a class action against them and Virgin Australia Holdings in the Federal Court of Australia.
  • Acting for three former directors and the estate of the late former Chair of Arrium in their defence of a securities class action commenced on behalf of Arrium shareholders.
  • Advising 7GI and Se.ven Gamma concerning its equity and debt interest in Callide, following the appointment of administrators to the Australian entities which operate Callide.

Dentons

The restructuring and insolvency practice at ‘well-regarded firmDentons possesses significant expertise in domestic and international banking and financial services. With a practice covering a broad range of industries, the team has expertise in distressed retail, mining, agriculture, energy, real estate, construction and aviation matters. Melbourne-based partner John Stragalinos draws on more than 28 years of experience and works on a range of insolvency administrations and workouts. Experienced litigator Claire Petersen is based in Brisbane and Tim Sherrard oversees the practice, which welcomed Brendan Holden in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Tim Sherrard


Other key lawyers:

John Stragalinos; Claire Petersen; Kon Tsiakis; Justin Bates; David Mcintosh


Testimonials

‘John Stragalinos (Partner) and Silvanna Larobina (Special Counsel) are a great team who genuinely care about meeting their clients’ needs. Very collaborative and well regarded by their clients. Always giving of their time and knowledge.’

‘Dentons is a well-regarded firm in restructuring and insolvency in Australia.’

The key partners with whom I work are Kon Tsiakis, Ryan Hennessey and John Stragalinos. They are well-regarded in Victoria as experienced insolvency and restructuring lawyers, in which they have significant expertise and experience. They have a good client base, and it is a pleasure to work with the team at the firm, whose skills extend beyond legal expertise to commerciality, professionality and courtesy.’

‘Fintan O’Conor and Campbell Hudgson are standouts, complementing each other’s practices, leading a team of excellent senior associates (and drawing from the national practice in need) and providing timely support and excellent reporting.’

Key clients

Barry Kogan & Others as Receivers and Managers


T.M Lewin


PriceWaterhouse Coopers


KPMG


BNY Mellon


Permanent Custodians


Cottee Jersey Group


Work highlights


  • Advising the receivers and managers on all aspects of the realisation (on behalf of secured creditor Naplend) of a real estate portfolio comprising 100+ residential and commercial sites.
  • Acting as administrator of the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust to assist the community living on trust property with a mandate to increase proper governance and investigate various issues.
  • Assisting directors of Angela List intertwined with disputes in Ghana and St Kitts Nevis about ownership and control of multinational mining companies, interests and concessions.

Hall & Wilcox

The ‘technically and strategically excellent’ restructuring and insolvency practice at Hall & Wilcox has a significant reach throughout Australia, with a presence in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. The team is regularly instructed on informal restructurings under the protection of the safe harbour against insolvent trading, formal restructures though voluntary administration and deed of company arrangement. Leading from Sydney, Mark Petrucco draws on more than 26 years of experience. Scott Butler leads from the Brisbane office and is a key name for turnarounds and restructurings, while Wayne Kelcey leads from Melbourne. The ‘very commercial and strategicHector West leads from Perth. Adrian Lasky is also a key contact.

Practice head(s):

Mark Petrucco; Scott Butler; Wayne Kelcey; Hector West


Other key lawyers:

Megan Scott; Ann Watson; Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu


Testimonials

‘Hall & Wilcox’s Insolvency & Restructuring Team is one of Brisbane’s leading restructuring practices with a team that has a demonstrated history of delivering solutions for complex insolvency problems.’

‘Hall & Wilcox’s Brisbane team is led by Scott Butler and Ann Watson. Scott’s experience and technical ability ensure he is focused on delivering workable real-world solutions that can be implemented. Scott ensures that all options are explored to deliver a balanced commercial outcome that is acceptable to all parties. Ann’s experience allows her to bring legal expertise across the spectrum of distressed matters reflecting an ability to identify pragmatic solutions for lenders, creditors and company stakeholders.’

‘Very commercial advice, however they are technically and strategically excellent as well.’

‘Hector West – very commercial and also strategic in how he approaches issues.’

Ebenezer Assibey-Bonsu – great communicator with great attention to detail

Key clients

William Buck Australia


PwC


Korda Mentha


McGrath Nicol


Grant Thornton


Cor Cordis


BDO Australia


Moore Australia (part of the Moore Global Group)


BRI Ferrier


FTI Consulting


Nostra Homes


Work highlights


  • Acting for PwC as liquidators of the Hastie Group in claims totalling $156m against 16 of Australia’s largest building groups.
  • Advised Richstone Plumbing, a large commercial plumbing business, on the pre-planned restructure and sale of the business via voluntary administration and court approval.
  • Advising Nostra Property Group on its agreement to acquire Porter Davis’s multiple dwelling business following the collapse of Porter David.

Jones Day

Utilising its global reach, the restructuring and insolvency team at Jones Day is regularly instructed on international workout transactions and multi-jurisdictional reorganisation and bankruptcy proceedings. Praised for its ‘technical excellence with a commercial overlay‘, the Sydney-based team has experience in handling refinancing, distressed and solvent corporate acquisitions and insolvency matters. Heading the team, Roger Dobson has experience in representing major banking syndicates, offshore funds holding substantial debt positions and companies experiencing financial distress. Katie Higgins is well versed in debt restructurings, workouts and insolvency-related matters. Maria Yiasemides is a well-regarded litigator and has experience handling corporate collapses and reorganisations. Kane J. Kersaitis is also a key member of the team. Lucas Wilk left the firm in May 2023.

 

Practice head(s):

Roger Dobson


Other key lawyers:

Katie Higgins; Maria Yiasemides


Testimonials

‘Very easy to work with. Technical excellence with a commercial overlay that is able to look forward strategically to help with framing the advice and assistance being sort.’

‘Roger Dobson – Within the top echelon of practitioners in the market. Katie Higgins – Technical excellence at the top of the market. Maria Yiasemides – Maria is committed to the best possible outcome and to seeing things through to get that outcome. Kane Kersaitis – Exceptional client commitment. Kane tries to play through all scenarios and work with us to consider them.’

‘Roger Dobson is an excellent lawyer who possesses those unique attributes of being whip smart, yet down to earth, commercial and client focused. We have worked with Roger on complex litigation which involved a number of domestic and international internal stakeholders. Roger’s ability to distil complicated legal concepts and processes in a clear, concise and calm manner is very much appreciated.’

‘Jones Day has a very connected global practice and deep specialty in restructuring and insolvency, with great depth of talent locally. Very good strategic insight – which can make the world of difference.’

‘Roger Dobson is an industry great, and highly respected. Always a source of wise counsel and insight – thoughtful and balanced. Katie Higgins is a rising star. Incredibly hard working, totally across the issues and a great communicator.’

Key clients

KordaMentha


Wexted Advisors


FTI Consulting


McGrathNicol


Work highlights


  • Acts for Richard Tucker of KordaMentha in his capacity as former Scheme Administrator of Tiger Resources in proceedings in the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

Colin Biggers & Paisley

Praised for its ‘technical expertise, availability and responsiveness’, the restructuring and insolvency practice at Colin Biggers & Paisley regularly advises directors, corporations and restructuring professionals. The team has particular expertise in construction, property, mining and retail sectors. Scott Hedge has regularly advised on and enforced securities on behalf of financial institutions and co-heads the practice alongside Peter Harkin. Stuart McKenzie is praised for being ‘calm and technically excellent.’ Ece Mustafa-Ay and David Grant are both key contacts for litigation, and Lisa Chapman is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Scott Hedge


Other key lawyers:

Peter Harkin; Stuart McKenzie; Ece Mustafa-Ay; David Grant; Lisa Chapman


Testimonials

‘Technical expertise Availability and responsiveness.’

‘Stuart McKenzie – calm, technically excellent, good written skills.’

‘The NSW team is very strong in the restructuring and insolvency space, with high-calibre partners backed by very strong senior associates and associates. ’

Key clients

Scentre Group (Westfield)


Grant Thornton


KordaMentha


KPMG


Deloitte


McGrathNicol


Vincents


PwC


Hayes Advisory


Bentleys


Cor Cordis


Moelis Australia


BRI Ferrier


Work highlights


  • Acted for Shan Ngai in a proceeding commenced in the Federal Court of Australia to bring a derivative claim against him.
  • Acted for William Buck as receivers appointed by the Federal Court over a managed investment scheme with real property and monetisable assets.
  • Acted for SV Partners, the liquidators to Vivid Technology.

DLA Piper

At DLA Piper, the restructuring and insolvency practice is regularly tasked to advise on cross-border special situations, workout and restructuring transactions. Taking advantage of its international reach, the team’s strategic focus is on international and multi-jurisdictional restructuring situations, acting for both debtors and creditors, across an array of industries. Melbourne-based partner Lionel Meehan leads and is adept at handling the workout and nationalisation of banks and the wind-down of strategic government investment businesses. The team welcomed partner Naomi Moore in May 2023, who is a key name for special situations, distressed debt and private credit.

Practice head(s):

Lionel Meehan


Other key lawyers:

Naomi Moore; Alison Eather


Key clients

Swiss Bankruptcy Office


Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission


Worldline (France)


Liberty Mutual Insurance


Allianz Australia Insurance (Allianz)


Bothar Boring


Alteris Private Capital / Commencer Capital / Genesis


Fiduciary (Alteris)


Playup, Playup Australia and Playup


Interactive


Fan Technologies


Avenir Management Company (New York) (Avenir)


McGrath Nicol


Work highlights


Gadens Lawyers

The ‘commercial, effective and strategic’ restructuring and insolvency practice at Gadens Lawyers is regularly instructed by distressed entities, financiers and insolvency practitioners across Australia. The team has recently been busy handling safe harbour appointments across a variety of industry sectors. Sydney-based partner James Roland leads the practice and frequently assists ASX-listed and unlisted corporate groups. Robert Hinton brings significant expertise in advising and acting for banking clients and administrators, liquidators, receivers and creditors.

Practice head(s):

James Roland


Other key lawyers:

Robert Hinton; Scott Couper; Cassie O’Brien


 


Testimonials

‘Commercial, effective, strategic.’

Key clients

Aston Chace


Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)


Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)


Australian Taxation Office (ATO)


Australian Unity


BDO


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Cor Cordis


Dye & Co


FTI Consulting


KPMG


PricewaterhouseCoopers


Westpac


Work highlights


  • Acted for the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) in relation to its debt exposure to a group comprising four large hotels with complex ownership and operating structures.
  • Acting as legal adviser to the liquidator Shane Deane in all aspects of the liquidation administration of the Waratah Group.
  • Acted for and advised the Directors of the Atlas Group in relation to their duties and obligations arising out of a shareholder impasse relating to the sale of the international gaming business.

Ironbridge Legal

Trevor Withane in Sydney and Laura Coleclough in Melbourne lead the Ironbridge team which is noted for the traction it has made in the market in a short period of time. Withane is credited for being at the heart of the firm's 'high end' services, especially for contentious insolvencies, liquidations and related actions. Coleclough’s background which includes Court of Appeal and Supreme Court actions in London, brings further strength to the group, while senior associate, Patrick Gallego is highly rated for his insolvency and general litigation skills.

Practice head(s):

Trevor Withane; Laura Coleclough


Other key lawyers:

Patrick Gallego


Testimonials

Under Trevor Withane’s leadership, Ironbridge has in a very short period of time built itself up to be a leading litigation and insolvency boutique in the Sydney market. The firm offers the kind of high-end expertise, and ability to handle large and complex matters, that would usually be associated with much larger firms, yet without so many of the overheads that come with such large firms.’ 

‘The stand-out of the firm is unquestionably its principal, Trevor Withane. As a boutique firm, Trevor does have a substantial direct involvement in every matter, and it is both his personal expertise – and his quite high personal profile within the sector – that brings in his significant personal client base. He has a rare combination of excellent technical skills, a strong commercial nous, and an easy-to-deal-with personality that makes him so good to work with. Otherwise, I would also give special mention to Patrick Gallego, who is an excellent practitioner developing the same combination of technical skills, commerciality, and personability as Trevor.’

Key clients

PwC


Deloitte


Cor Cordis


WLP Restructuring


SV Partners


Creative Property Holdings


Rodgers Reidy


Marcello Russo


Merchants Advisory


Raft Consulting


Work highlights


  • Acting for PwC as liquidators of The Co-Op Bookshop, launching mothership insolvency unfair preference proceedings against 29 defendants.
  • Acting for a group of sophisticated investors, who sought to enforce judgment debts and non-judgment debts against Corvus Coal Pty Limited following the institution of winding up proceedings.
  • Acted for Andrew Barnden in relation to an application for the winding up of Capital T so that the voluntary administration of Capital T could be continued.

K&L Gates

Making use of its global platform, the restructuring and insolvency practice at K&L Gates handles large-scale cross-border insolvency matters. Commended for its ‘extremely high calibre of talent’, the team is well equipped to handle contentious and non-contentious work, on both the debtor and creditor side. Based in Sydney, practice head Jason Opperman is praised for being ‘technically very strong, responsive and very client focussed’. Stephen Hume brings additional expertise thanks to his specialist banking, insolvency and commercial litigation knowledge.

Practice head(s):

Jason Opperman


Other key lawyers:

Nicole Ward; Andrew Chambers; Alex Smith; Stephen Hume


Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge, accessibility and engagement at partner level. Great strategic ability and client-oriented approach.’

‘Depth of talent, extremely high calibre of talent with very personable partners.’

‘Jason Opperman: technically very strong, responsive and very client focussed. Alex Smith: Pragmatic and very commercial advice. Kathryn Smith: Technically very capable and highly commercial. ’

‘Alex Smith’s Sydney Restructuring and Insolvency presence on a file is always excellent. Her advice is accurate, practical and is delivered succinctly.’

‘A collaborative approach with the client and the K&L Gates multi-disciplinary legal offering can draw on the broader expertise that is often required on a complex restructuring or insolvency.’

‘Stephen Hume, Andrew Chambers, Nicole Ward: They are easy to work with and collaborate on engagements to deliver the best outcome for the client.’

‘The team at K&L Gates are extremely responsive and have a depth of resources available to address any problem at any time.’

Key clients

KPMG


Administration of Virgin Australia – JP Lease, Aviation, Chorus Aviation, Stellar Aviation, and Lunar Aviation


DVT Group


Westpac


RIVI Opportunity Fund


American Express International I


American Express Travel Related Services Company


JSKS Enterprises


Hayes Advisory


Grant Thornton Australia


Mahindra Group


American Express (Thai)


Work highlights


  • Advising KPMG as administrator of Halifax Investment Services on a complex multi-jurisdictional winding up of assets and 10,000 investors.
  • Advising five aircraft lessors on their administration: JP Lease, Aviation PLC, Chorus Aviation, Stellar Aviation and Lunar Aviation, which equates to around a third of the Virgin Australia fleet.
  • Advising the deed administrators/liquidators to four ASX/NSX-listed entities in the life sciences industry.

Maddocks

The practice at Maddocks covers a wide range of restructuring and insolvency matters, including voluntary administration, receiverships, liquidations, security enforcement and recovery strategies. Clients include directors, insolvency practitioners, financial institutions and creditors. Melbourne-based partner Marelda Hibberd  heads the team and regularly acts for banks and non-bank lenders in the recovery of corporate and commercial debts. Danielle Funston and Sam Kingston are active members of the team in the Sydney and Melbourne offices, respectively.

Practice head(s):

Marelda Hibberd


Other key lawyers:

Danielle Funston; Sam Kingston


Testimonials

‘Client focused. Outcome driven.’

‘Danielle Funston is very responsive and able to accommodate the different time zones in which we operate. She ensures she keeps a watching brief over her colleague contribution which gives me the comfort that the advice is joined up and addresses my strategic business outcome targets.’

‘Sam Kingston – very balanced, great advice, worked very well with our team.’

Key clients

STA Travel


Commonwealth Bank of Australia


Deloitte


McGrathNicol


PriceWaterhouseCoopers


FTI Consulting


Besix Watpac


Pitcher Partners


Grant Thornton Australia


RSM Australia


PCI Partners


KPMG Australia


Work highlights


  • Advising the liquidators of STA Travel, the operating subsidiary in Australia for the International STA Travel Group that filed for insolvency in Zurich, Switzerland in 2020.
  • Acting for secured creditor CBA and appointed receivers FTI Consulting over the national food distribution business, In2Food Group.
  • Advising the liquidators of Mali Nominees, and assisting with their investigations into breaches of the Corporations Act 2001 and the Aged Care Act 1997.

Mills Oakley

A ‘specialist insolvency team with a depth of talent', the restructuring and insolvency practice at Mills Oakley is experienced in advising on disputes arising out of competing security interests, employee entitlement arrangements and the administration of managed investment scheme interests. The team has been busy handling the increased number of construction company collapses in Australia. Based in Melbourne, ‘highly respected and highly trusted‘ practice head Stuart Lewin represents lenders, creditors and government departments in a range of formal insolvency matters. Ariel Borland handles both contentious and non-contentious insolvency work and is ‘very switched on and dedicated’.

Practice head(s):

Stuart Lewin


Other key lawyers:

Ariel Borland; Darren James


Testimonials

‘A large diverse and quality team that services a broad client base. The team is led by Stuart Lewin who is a highly regarded legal / commercial advocate. Highly respected and highly trusted.’

‘Stuart Lewin, Ariel Borland and Darren James are the key partners in the Melbourne-based Mills Oakley team that we work with. Our professional relationship is based on high-quality advice and outcomes over an extended period. They understand the importance of high-quality and timely advice and advocacy that is required in the restructuring and insolvency sector.’

‘Specialist insolvency team with a depth of talent.’

‘Ariel Borland is a specialist insolvency partner who is very switched on and dedicated.’

Key clients

KPMG


FTI Consulting


Olvera Advisors


McGrathNicol


Cor Cordis


O’Brien Palmer


Korda Mentha


Grant Thornton


Timbercorp Finance (in liquidation)


Vince & Associates


Hall Chadwick


Work highlights


  • Advising liquidators appointed by the complex debt team at the ATO over eight companies in a corporate group.
  • Advising administrators and now deed administrators of Ellume, a manufacturer and supplier of medical testing products, including COVID-19 testing products in Australia and the US.
  • Assisted BRI Ferrier following the collapse of the largest independent plumbing sub-contractor in Victoria.

Piper Alderman

The restructuring and insolvency practice at Piper Alderman is praised for its ‘depth of knowledge, attention to detail and understanding of the strategies that may be employed by opponents’. The team has been handling matters from a broad range of industries and geographies, including high-profile crypto-currency collapses, the administration of a gold miner and the navigation of bankruptcy trustees. Melbourne-based partner Michael Lhuede heads the practice and regularly appears before the courts in a range of contentious matters. Based in Adelaide, Mike Hayes has insolvency experience across of range of industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail. Mark Doble joined the team in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Michael Lhuede


Other key lawyers:

Mike Hayes; Mark Doble


Testimonials

‘The practice has a breadth of expertise across a range of services. Staff and partners are proactive and responsive.’

‘The partners are knowledgeable and proactive. They have a wealth of experience and are commercial in their approach. Cheryl Weston is a good example as she has great experience in insolvency and corporate restructuring. Her friendly approach puts clients at ease and her commercial approach ensures clients receive advice that maximizes their position. ’

‘Highly experienced and knowledgeable in the area of practice; extensive network of contacts both interstate and overseas, providing great assistance to clients requiring legal services in geographically distant locations; wide areas of practice within the firm, allowing “one-stop shop” facilities where expertise is required in overlapping areas of the law.’

‘Mike Hayes & Antony Disciscio: both extremely knowledgeable in insolvency law and practice, both very approachable and willing to provide initial advice at no cost, both prepared to “go the extra mile” to assist the client and achieve a good result, also both very nice people with good values outside of the professional environment.’

‘Trust, effectiveness, competitive fees, knowledgeable and commercial.’

‘A diverse, close-knit team of extremely good lawyers always concerned for their clients’ needs and the best service possible.’

‘Cheryl Weston is a stand out partner for her professionalism, prompt attention to a matter, ability to meet deadlines on time, attention to clients’ needs, value for fees paid and willingness to listen to and respect the client.’

‘The practitioners at Piper Alderman are specialists in the field of insolvency with deep knowledge of the law and provide practical advice. It is clear that they work in a collaborative manner.’

Key clients

Attorney General’s Department


BRI Ferrier


Chifley Advisory


Dye & Co


Grant Thornton


Hall Chadwick


Integra Advisory


John Canavan


KordaMentha


Nicola Garrett & Samuel Renauf


O’Brien Palmer


SV Partners


Westburn Advisory


Vince & Associates


Work highlights


  • Acting for the administrators of FTX Express and FTX Australia, both part of the FTX Group.
  • Acting for the administrators appointed to Balmaine Gold by providing all insolvency, corporate, commercial and environmental law advice arising out of the appointment and the ongoing operation of the mine.
  • Advised the administrators of Digital Surge (DS) in connection with the administration of DS.

Allen & Overy LLP

The Sydney-based restructuring and insolvency practice at Allen & Overy LLP handles both contentious and non-contentious aspects of restructurings. The team regularly represents a range of debtors, creditors and insolvency practitioners. The team is headed up by David Walter, who is commended for his ‘relevant commercial and industry knowledge‘ and experience in advising stakeholders in both informal restructurings and formal insolvencies. Counsel Heather Sandell is also a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

David Walter


Other key lawyers:

Heather Sandell


Testimonials

‘The team run by David Walter has a lot of relevant commercial and industry knowledge and is always reachable to assist with insolvency-related matters in the banking and finance context. The advice received is always timely, relevant and straightforward.’

‘David Walter – highly commercial.’

‘Flexible with timing of billing as the matter progressed over an extended period of time. Suggestions from the A&O team added value to progress the matter through to resolutions.’

Key clients

NewSat lending group


Credit Corp


Forum Partners


Greensill Capital


Investec


Todd Gammel


Work highlights


  • Advised Greensill Capital on one of the biggest global bankruptcy cases in recent years.
  • Advised Credit Corp on its acquisition from Collection House Group of a book of New Zealand defaulted and charged-off receivables.
  • Advised NewSat/Jabiru, which went into receivership in 2015 and was subsequently placed into liquidation.

Banton Group

Boutique firm Banton Group operates from Sydney and regularly advises clients on cross-border mandates and the investigation of potential actions on behalf of insolvency practitioners. The team includes internationally qualified lawyers with key experience in working on multi-jurisdictional restructuring and insolvency matters. Founding partner Amanda Banton heads the team.

Work highlights


Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance utilises its global presence to assist clients in complex and cross-border transactions. By partnering with its market-leading funds and private equity practice, the team advises clients on distressed lending solutions and loan to own strategies. The team has a particular focus on natural resources and energy-sector assets. Perth-based team head Mark Gillgren has specialist expertise in the mining and oil and gas sectors. David Clee operates from the Sydney office and has particular experience in the real estate and financial services sectors.

Practice head(s):

Mark Gillgren


Other key lawyers:

David Clee


Work highlights


  • Advised Webuild on the restructure and acquisition of the Australian and PNG business of the Clough Group out of insolvency.
  • Advising DTT and DTC in their defence of a class action brought in the Federal Court of Australia by the shareholders of Hastie Group.
  • Advised an ad-hoc group of lenders to Boart Longyear on its debt-for-equity swap transaction under which $830m of debt and accrued interest owed by BLY and its subsidiaries was cancelled in exchange for BLY equity.

Hamilton Locke

Hamilton Locke advises clients on a broad range of issues arising from corporate distress. Practice head Nicholas Edwards is a key name for insolvency advisory on a host of contentious and non-contentious matters. Zina Edwards focuses her practice on growing credit fund and alternative lender markets. Recent arrival Mark Schneider utilises his financial services expertise to assist financial institutions and private equity and distressed debt funds.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Edwards


Other key lawyers:

Zina Edwards; Mark Schneider; Monty Loughlin; Kassandra Adams; John Poulsen; Brit Ibanez


Testimonials

‘Great combination of technical and commercial acumen. They don’t sit on the fence when giving advice. Good turnaround times and good value for money.’

‘Zina Edwards is a highly experienced subject matter expert in secured lending deals. Zina gets into the details and nuances of a transaction and is a trusted advisor.’

‘Nick Edwards and Mark Schneider are both very highly regarded lawyers for their commercial approach and ability to assist in delivering an outcome.’

Key clients

QIAGEN GmbH


Cor Cordis


Ankura


McGrathNicol


FTI Consulting


Deloitte


Olvera Advisors


Pok Hong


Work highlights


  • Advised Chris Hill and Joseph Hansell in their capacity as voluntary administrators of Tribe Brewing Group on the successful restructure.
  • Advised the joint and several voluntary administrators and liquidators of the Lloyd Group of Companies.
  • Advised Quentin Olde and Liam Healey in their capacity as voluntary administrators of Coffex on the successful sale of the business as a going concern and restructure of the company.

Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells takes full advantage of its global reach to assist clients in multi-jurisdictional insolvency matters. The team’s workload includes a range of matters, ranging from debt-to-equity swaps, distressed debt trades and non-performing loans. Scott Harris leads the team and draws on 30 years of experience, with notable expertise in the real estate, transport, agribusiness and mining sectors. Bryan Paisley advises both lenders and borrowers on financings, including leveraged acquisition finance transactions and distressed refinancing.

Practice head(s):

Scott Harris


Other key lawyers:

Bryan Paisley; Shane Wallace; Lisa Mazor


Key clients

Kansai Electric Power


Litigation Trustee of Speedcast International


BDO Australia


RSM Australia


McGrathNicol


Work highlights


  • Acting for Kansai Electric Power in relation to its majority ownership stake in the Bluewaters Power Station, a privately owned coal-fired power station in Collie, Western Australia.
  • Acting for the Litigation Trustee appointed to administer certain assets held for the benefit of certain unsecured creditors of Speedcast in Speedcast’s US Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.
  • Acting for Andrew Sallway and Helen Newman in their capacity as liquidators of MB Australia (in liquidation), which operated Max Brenner stores in Australia.

Jackson McDonald

Based in Western Australia, Jackson McDonald is frequently tasked with advising clients on business restructurings, funding solutions and debt recovery issues. Practice head Dan Butler leads the team from Perth and has significant expertise in insolvency law.

Work highlights


McCullough Robertson

McCullough Robertson has particular expertise in cross-border insolvency matters. The firm draws on diverse industry expertise, with clients operating in a range of industries, including natural resources, renewable energy, finance, pharmaceuticals and agribusiness. David O’Farrell leads the practice and focuses his practice on strategies for appropriate risk mitigation and value enhancement. Katrina Pagey is a key name for bank recoveries, non-lending disputes and equitable relief.

Practice head(s):

David O’Farrell


Other key lawyers:

Katrina Pagey; Rachel Zargorskis; Rob Dickfos


Testimonials

‘Broad range of services and great depth within each specialisation.’

‘David O’Farrell – highly intelligent and gets to the right answer, in a commercial way.’

Key clients

Elution Metals


PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)


McGrathNicol


Hough Consolidated


SurePact Holdings


Work highlights


  • Acting for Hough Consolidated in its highly publicised $56m acquisition of Ellume, a COVID-19 rapid antigen test manufacturer.
  • Acting for Surepact Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary to restructure its affairs by implementing a safe harbour restructuring plan and subsequently the appointment of voluntary administrators.
  • Advising liquidators of Global Merces Funds Management on complex issues about distribution of the funds of the schemes, including entitlement to receive payment for their remuneration.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Renowned for its expertise in multi-jurisdictional disputes and restructurings, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a popular choice for contentious restructuring matters, acting for a range of foreign banks, private clients and insolvency practitioners. Beau Deleuil heads the team and has a particular focus on the mining and natural resources sectors in his practice. Elan Sasson is a key name for complex commercial litigation, strategic workouts and insolvency disputes.

Practice head(s):

Beau Deleuil


Other key lawyers:

Elan Sasson


Key clients

Softbank Vision Fund in connection with liquidation of Greensill Capital


Liquidator of Newsat


Liquidator of BrightAU Capital


Special Purpose Liquidators of ACN 154 (ABC Refinery)


Receivers of West88 (receivers and managers)


Dongwha Australia


Department 13 – U.S. liquidation of Department 13 Inc


KKR in connection with Genesis Care


ICICI Bank Limited as lenders of Griffin Coal


Work highlights


  • Representing SoftBank Vision Funds in the multibillion-dollar Greensill liquidation and associated claims threatened against SoftBank by Credit Suisse.
  • Representing Rahul Goyal and Jennifer Nettleton as joint and several special purpose liquidators of ABC Refinery.
  • Representing the appointed liquidator of Newsat in prosecuting a multibillion-dollar claim in the Victorian Supreme Court against a consortium of lenders in connection with collapse of Newsat.

Thomson Geer

Thomson Geer stands out for its significant cross-border insolvency expertise and focus on the financial services sector. The firm is regularly seen assisting in some of Australia’s largest insolvency matters. Michael Barrett is a key name for commercial litigation and has particular expertise advising banks and other financial institutions. Neil Hannan is well versed in commercial dispute resolution and regularly appears before the Supreme and Federal Courts. Nora Minassian is active in contentious and contested security enforcement and loan recovery, including across the retail and commercial sectors.

Other key lawyers:

Michael Barrett; Neil Hannan; Nora Minassian; Michael O’Donnell; Nick Curran; Scott Guthrie


Testimonials

‘Practical concise advice.’

‘Nora Minassian is a standout partner to work with. Nora displays considerable commercial acumen in advising clients, and is always conscious of client risk specific to the relevant industry.’

‘The Thomson Geer Restructuring and Insolvency Practice is probably the best resourced in the Adelaide market place. The leader, Michael O’Donnell, has vast experience and has developed a team around him of highly competent Senior Asociates and Associates. Michael also adopts a very commercial approach to endeavouring to settling litigation at the earliest possible time. If settlement is not possible he is up for the fight.’

‘Available at all times.’

‘Strong technical ability.’

‘Attention to detail, flexible, commercial and pragmatic.’

‘The team is diligent in their work, and remains cognisant of specific client needs and risks unique to the industry in which the client operates.’

Key clients

Dye & Co


Evolution Traffic Management


Directors of Salt Lake Potash


Balmaine Gold


Work highlights


  • Advised the liquidators of the IPO Wealth Group of Companies on an unregistered managed investment scheme with a deficit of $80m.
  • Assisted the directors of Evolution Traffic Management with the pre-administration planning, preparation and presentation of a restructuring proposal for consideration by creditors of the company.
  • Advising the directors of Salt Lake Potash in relation to a proposed deed of company arrangement and creation of a creditors trust for Salt Lake Potash and six subsidiaries.