Mr James North > Corrs Chambers Westgarth > Sydney, Australia > Lawyer Profile

Working with leading multinational tech companies, Corrs Chambers Westgarth is a go-to advisor for those seeking advice on digital transformation, tech transactions, data protection and data security issues. With over 25 years of experience working in the TMT space, James North leads the practice from the Sydney office, where he often collaborates with James Wallace, who works on tech investments, fintech products and tech platforms. Philip Catania from the Melbourne office has a background in law and computer science, making him a first point of contact for advice on artificial intelligence.

From front-end advisory and transactional matters to investigations, enforcement and remediation work, Corrs Chambers Westgarth‘s fintech and financial services regulatory practice is a popular address for major brands, disruptive fintechs and financial institutions. Digital transformation projects, digital asset related mandates and litigation funding are additional areas of strength for the ‘industry experts’ at the firm. James North, Robert Clarke and Mark Wilks form a leadership triumvirate, with North providing expertise in technology transactions for financial services. Described as ‘at the top of his field’, Fadi Khoury has longstanding experience in advising on the development of financial services regulatory products in the US. Felicity Healy is a key port of call for clients facing regulatory investigations. Superannuation and pensions regulations are some of Michael Chaaya’s sweet spots, while Steven Rice is well placed to advise on BNPL products. Mizu Arda is highlighted for her payments regulatory expertise.

The team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth is noted for its ‘excellent, deep and holistic subject matter expertise’, acting on a range of data and cyber matters for both public and private sector clients. Team head James North in Sydney has particular expertise advising on the data aspects of cross-border M&A transactions alongside a wider information security practice. Also in Sydney, Eugenia Kolivos ‘is an expert in this field‘, advising on privacy reforms, privacy policies and data protection in addition to cross-jurisdictional data protection and overseas data disclosure. Melbourne-based Philip Catania is praised as an ‘absolute expert‘ and has a strong track record on large data breaches, both domestic and international, and bolsters the team’s international expertise providing advice for clients in regards to GDPR compliance. Arvind Dixit in Melbourne focuses on information technology work.

The team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth advises on a spread of high-value corporate transactions and regulatory matters within the TMT space. James North leads the team from the Sydney office, where he handles disputes, privacy issues and reform law mandates, particularly in the online streaming space. Also in Sydney, Adam Foreman acts for clients in the broadcasting and radio sectors. Jim Micallef is noted for being ‘exceptional’.