Thomson Geer > Canberra, Australia > Firm Profile

Thomson Geer
Canberra
Level 4,15 Moore Street
CANBERRA, ACT, 2601
Australia

Australia > Intellectual property Tier 3

Recently engaged in patent litigation and trade mark portfolio management, Thomson Geer is geared to handle the full spectrum of intellectual property protection and enforcement matters. With over two decades of experience, Peter Le Guay is based in Sydney and handles intellectual property due diligence audits as well as licences and assignments. Josh Simons in Adelaide caters to copyright, design, patent, and trade mark litigation, while Ben Coogan in Brisbane is knowledgeable of competition, consumer, defamation, and media law as well as information technology issues.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Strength in depth, with particular knowledge in trade mark law. The trade mark registration team and litigation department work together particularly well.’

‘Great technical knowledge. They are responsive.’

‘The team is highly capable; they make it very easy to work with them.’

‘Peter Le Guay has exceptional knowledge of global client’s business and brands, as well as strategic vision.’

‘Ben Coogan is a pleasure to work with. He is down to earth and has excellent instincts.’

‘Peter Le Guay is very personable and good at sharing his enthusiasm for excellent client service.’

Key clients

Konami Australia

Reckitt

Department for Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)

Exim Marketing

JSHealth Holdings Pty Limited, JSHealth Vitamins Pty Limited

Sweetshop Green/Hakeem Productions

Coopers Brewery

South Australian Government

Saab Australia

Work highlights

  • Acted for gaming company Konami in a precedent-setting patent dispute involving electronic gaming machines with fellow gaming company Aristocrat.
  • Acting for Reckitt in a dispute over a rival’s dishwashing tablet product which involves allegations of trade mark infringement, misleading and deceptive conduct and passing off at common law.
  • Represented Grenof Pty Ltd and Aquadex Pty Ltd in patent infringement proceedings brought by Calix Limited in the Federal Court of Australia.

Australia > Media and entertainment Tier 3

The team at Thomson Geer is singled out by clients for its ‘breadth and depth in the media and entertainment space’. Leadership is shared between Justin Quill, who specialises in defamation and litigation work; John-Paul Cashen, who is known for his sound pre-publication advice; and Marlia Saunders, who has extensive knowledge of intellectual property and privacy law. Other key practitioners include Samantha McGeoch, Zander Croft and Conor O’Beirne.

Practice head(s):

Justin Quill; John-Paul Cashen; Marlia Saunders

Other key lawyers:

Samantha McGeoch; Zander Croft; Conor O’Beirne

Testimonials

‘The team is very dynamic. They can move fast and can provide considered detailed strategy and advice when required. The team has a good mix of junior lawyers and experienced practitioners to properly service different cases.’

‘Justin Quill and John-Paul Cashen are both excellent media lawyers and litigators with a deep understanding of the media industry and an appreciation for the context in which their clients operate. They are supported by a highly skilled team of lawyers, and good at identifying talent in juniors. Marlia Saunders is an excellent technical lawyer with a good breadth of skills.’

‘The team have expert subject matter knowledge, they are reliable for advice with short lead times, and they are extremely personable. They are a pleasure to work with.’

‘The team have a breadth and depth in the media and entertainment space that is without peer in Australia. They operate seamlessly across all Australian jurisdictions, and have exceptional industry and technical legal knowledge. They understand the pressures faced by media organisations, and in-house media lawyers, better than any other firm in the market.’

‘John-Paul Cashen is the first person I would call in a crisis. He is accessible and responsive, and is capable of managing media content disputes of any size and complexity. Justin Quill knows the Australian media landscape as well as anyone. He handles difficult matters with clear and commercial strategy, and backs up those skills with faultless technical legal advice. Also, a special mention to the associates in the Thomson Geer team – if they want to be, all of them are future Partners in the area.’

‘TG Law has a very talented and stable media law team who know our business intimately and provide solutions to pre-publication and litigation issues, not simply roadblocks.’

‘For media law, hard to think of any private practice team that has depth of knowledge/experience at all levels, and in all litigious and pre-publication areas.’

‘Justin Quill and John-Paul Cashen are our two “go to” media lawyers and we trust them explicitly to handle our defamation/suppression and other media law issues.’

Key clients

ViacomCBS – Network Ten

Nine Network Australia Pty Limited – Channel Nine

The Age Company Pty Ltd and Fairfax Media Publications Pty Ltd (Nine newspapers)

Nationwide News Pty Ltd – The Australian and The Daily Telegraph

The Herald and Weekly Times Pty Ltd – Herald Sun

Leader Associated Newspapers Pty Ltd

The Geelong Advertiser Pty Ltd

HarperCollins Publishers Pty Ltd

Seven Network (Operations) Limited – Channel Seven

Southern Cross Austereo Pty Ltd

Twitter Inc

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Special Broadcasting Service

Thryv Australia Pty Limited

GNM Australia Pty Ltd – Guardian Australia

Rebel News

Mamamia.com.au Pty Ltd

Macquarie Media Limited

Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom

Work highlights

  • Acting for Network Ten in defamation proceedings commenced by former Liberal Party staffer Bruce Lehrmann in the Federal Court of Australia in relation to allegations he raped a colleague, Brittany Higgins, in a minister’s office made in an interview with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project in February 2021.
  • Acted for HarperCollins and author Aaron Patrick in defamation proceedings commenced by Senator Linda Reynolds in the WA Supreme Court in relation to a book entitled ‘Ego: Malcolm Turnbull and the Liberal Party’s Civil War’.

Australia > Native title Tier 3

Thomson Geer advises project proponents across Western Australia on native title negotiations, claims, and commercial agreements, with a strong stable of clients in the mining and energy industries. The team also works with traditional owners, including on innovative agreements with land users involving equity and financing elements. Moving from HopgoodGanim‘s Perth office in January 2023, Paul Harley and Sarah O’Brien-Smith head up the practice.

Practice head(s):

Paul Harley; Sarah O’Brien-Smith

Key clients

Silver Lake Resources Limited

Azure Minerals Limited

Cannon Resources Limited

Abarta Resources Limited

Rox Resources Limited

Falcon Minerals Limited

Nimy Resources Limited

Greenstone Resources Limited

GMA Garnet Pty Ltd

Turee Creek Pastoral Co Pty Ltd

Strike Energy

West Cobar

Peregrine Resources

Avenira Limited

Australia > Capital markets Tier 4

The equity capital markets offering from Thomson Geer advises a range of clients across the energy and resources, healthcare and construction sectors. Sydney-based Sanushka Seomangal is experienced in public and private equity and debt fundraising, while in Brisbane, Matthew Reynolds specialises in the technology sector and Emma Cook is particularly strong in heavily regulated areas.

Other key lawyers:

David Schiavello; Scott Gibson; Emma Cook; Matthew Reynolds; Sanushka Seomangal

Testimonials

‘The team provided strong leadership and a willingness to deal with difficult issues during the capital raising including managing the relationship with regulators.’

‘The team stands out for the leadership, integrity and strength of character of Sanushka Seomangal.’

‘Very commercial, pragmatic, focused on practical outcomes for clients, ability to work cross-border, and value for money relative to larger law firms.’

‘The people are very responsive and capable.’

‘A first-class team to deal with.’

‘Extremely diligent and commercially savvy. Always provide a practical solution.’

‘The team goes above and beyond. Will work through the most difficult situations.’

‘Sanushka Seomangal is very hands-on and always available. Extremely competent, professional and comfortable working on cross-border transactions. Importantly, she is highly creative and develops pragmatic solutions to issues raised by regulators.’

Key clients

Chrysos Corporation

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises

Piedmont Lithium

Red Dirt Metals

Genesis Minerals

Incannex Healthcare

Microba Life Sciences

Kalium Lakes

Southern Palladium

Advanced Recycling Victoria

Work highlights

  • Advising Genesis Minerals Ltd on a A$275 million capital raising, as part of its plan to acquire assets from mining neighbour St Barbara Ltd.
  • Advised Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd on a A$165 million capital raising to acquire the minority interest in its German joint venture and reduce debt.
  • Advised Close the Loop Ltd on raising A$45 million through an institutional placement to help fund its US$66 million acquisition of US companies ISP Tek Services LLC and Captive Trade Corp.

Australia > Infrastructure projects and construction Tier 4

In Thomson Geer‘s Brisbane office, Andrew Kelly has more than 20 years’ experience in front-end construction and engineering matters, both in Australia and in the UK. His practice focuses on advising principals, contractors, sub-contractors, engineers and architects on their bids in relation to residential and transportation development projects, contract documentation, PPP and construction disputes. Franco Aversa is the key figure in Sydney.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Kelly

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Accessible and very competent with a good approach to effectively integrating within a complex in-house working environment (lawyers, project managers, infrastructure end users, governance and administration), which is increasingly rare in the private practice.’

‘Andrew Kelly is the key litigation partner and has a large national practice.’

‘Thomson Geer can be relied on to provide pragmatic, commercially focused advice.’

‘Availability and commitment.’

‘The team is made up of lawyers with excellent technical skills. But more than that, they are very easy to work with – they listen to instructions and give practical but legally sound advice. They are also very cost effective. This is my go-to team for construction matters.’

‘They are across the detail of the subject matter and are able to provide the required support. They are focused on outcomes for the client.’

‘They put clients front and centre, great communication and realistic advice.’

Key clients

St George Community Housing

Richard Crookes Constructions

Acciona Constructions Australia

Pro-Invest Australian Hospitality Opportunity (ST) Pty Ltd

Civil Mining and Construction Pty Ltd

A joint venture between Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Limited (known as the ACACPB JV)

South Australian Government (Department of Infrastructure and Transport)

Bouygues Construction

Quanta Services Australia

Laing O’Rourke

BESIXWatpac

Gamuda Australia

Adelaide Airport Ltd (AAL)

Coopers Brewery

Geelong Port

Work highlights

  • Advising St George Community Housing on its proposed bid, in consortium with Lendlease Development, on the Waterloo Renewal Project.
  • Advised Richard Crookes Constructions in relation to its involvement in the stations, systems, trains, operations and maintenance package PPP for Western Sydney Airport.
  • Advising Acciona Constructions Australia on its bid for the Singleton Bypass project.

Australia > IT and telecoms Tier 4

Thomson Geer is a ‘full-service firm with excellent client service’, entrusted by government bodies, software companies and telcos to advise on all aspects of TMT transactions. Mark Feetham has over 30 years of experience working on media, tech and telecoms matters. He leads the group from the Sydney office and is known for giving expert advice on cybersecurity, smart grids and IoT. Demetrios Christou is another name to note, singled out for his ‘years of experience and excellent knowledge of IT and telecoms’.

Practice head(s):

Mark Feetham

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is able to give excellent ad hoc advice immediately when required. Their knowledge in IT & telecoms is exceptional and second to none. The fees are also very reasonable.’

‘Thomson Geer is a full-service firm with excellent client service.’

‘Dem Christou has many years experience and an excellent knowledge of IT & Telecoms.’

‘My principal contact at the firm is Mark Feetham, who is a top tech transactions lawyer. His client service is excellent.’

Key clients

Chrysos Corporation

Rohde & Schwarz

City of Sydney

South Australian Government – Department of Correctional Services

Hyland Software

NSW Government – Department of Primary Industries

Catholic Healthcare

KindiCare

Work highlights

  • Advises on Australia’s largest outdoor advertising and street furniture contract.
  • Acted for the South Australian Government’s Department of Correctional Services in negotiations with suppliers to deliver a new prisoner management system.
  • Advising on new contractual arrangements for IT products and services provided to icare, the New South Wales government’s workplace injury insurance corporation.

Australia > Real estate Tier 4

Frequently handling leasehold portfolio management issues, property law remains a key component of the practice at Thomson Geer. Adelaide-based Chris Kelly‘s practice encompasses commercial acquisitions and leasings as well as renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Chris O’Shea in Brisbane handles a breadth of hotel and tourism asset transactions in addition to commercial, residential, and retail developments.

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘A very strong real estate team with seamless integration.’

‘The level of service was exceptional.’

‘They are creative in finding solutions to complex problems, and they proactively advise on the pros/cons of each option.’

‘Chris O’Shea is a go-to lawyer for any real estate issues.’

‘Chris O’Shea was excellent in assisting with some complex transaction structures and advising on the pros/cons of each, and alternatives to what the parties had considered.’

‘Chris O’Shea provides clear and comprehensive advice; he is a responsive and reliable asset when it comes to ensuring all details are correct.’

Key clients

Village Roadshow

CSR Building Products

Telstra Corp

Adelaide Airport

ICD Property

Infrastructure NSW

Federation Asset Management

Ramsay Pastoral Pty Ltd, GC Campo Santo Pty Ltd

Estia Health

Work highlights

  • Advised Village Roadshow in relation to the surrender of its existing cinema and office leases and subsequent relocation.
  • Advised CSR Building Products in relation to a land swap arrangement with Chirnside Park Country Club and the redevelopment of the Chirnside Park golf course.
  • Acted for Telstra on the acquisition of around 170 leases.

Australia > Banking and finance Tier 5

Australia > Corporate and M&A Tier 5

Thomson Geer is a go-to for mid-market companies seeking help with acquisitions or divestments from across all industry sectors, from natural resources and agriculture to retail and healthcare. Leadership of the firm is shared between four key partners: Dan Kramer, who acts for private equity funds; Matthew Reynolds, who handles corporate advisory within the energy and resources sectors; Adam Brooks, who deals with mergers and acquisitions; and Michael Bowen, who balances a broad range of domestic and cross-border transactions.

Practice head(s):

Dan Kramer; Matthew Reynolds; Adam Brooks; Michael Bowen

Testimonials

‘Knowledge, practical experience, depth of team and responsiveness.’

‘Matthew Reynolds is well-supported by a responsive and competent team.’

‘The team at Thomson Geer were consistently client focussed, highly responsive, and worked in an extremely efficient manner to secure a positive outcome. Their communication throughout the process was exemplary.’

Key clients

Kirin Holdings Group, Limited

Genesis Minerals

MACA

Incannex Healthcare

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises

Flick Anticimex

Freight Management Holdings

Oklo Resources

Cannon Resources

PACT Group

Biortica Agrimed

Work highlights

  • Advised Japanese food and beverages giant Kirin Holdings on its A$1.85bn proposed acquisition of listed healthcare company Blackmores via a scheme of arrangement.
  • Advised gold company Genesis Minerals on its acquisition of St Barbara’s Gwalia mine for A$614m.
  • Advised Perth-based ASX-listed mining and infrastructure services company MACA on its A$350m takeover by construction giant Thiess.

Australia > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 5

The litigation and dispute resolution team at Thomson Geer was recently bolstered by the arrival of ‘market leader’ Bronwyn Lincoln in Melbourne and the ‘smart, responsive, and strategic’ Scott Castledine in Sydney, from HFW and Clifford Chance respectively. The team acts for clients across a range of industries including the banking and finance, energy and resources and insurance sectors, with work including regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. Jodi Walkom in Sydney is recommended for her ‘wealth of experience‘ and ‘strategic’ approach.

Other key lawyers:

Bronwyn Lincoln; Jodi Walkom; Geoff Brennan; Harold Werksman; John Howard; Stephen Voss; Sylvia Fernandez; Scott Guthrie; Michael O’Donnell; Scott Castledine

Testimonials

‘Jodi Walkom and her team are exceptional. They take the time to understand the situation and any complexities and offer practical and sensible legal advice and support. Jodi has a wealth of experience and is strategic in her approach.’

‘Bronwyn Lincoln is creating a top team focused on international commercial disputes in Australia. Her team has deep big firm/big law experience.’

‘Bronwyn Lincoln is a market leader in international disputes work in Australia. Her expertise in domestic litigation and international arbitration allows her team to help clients resolve legal disputes in a quick, effective and successful manner. Scott Castledine is also a rising star young partner who is smart, responsive, and strategic.’

Bronwyn Lincoln is a standout performer with very deep industry knowledge in insurance litigation.’ 

Key clients

Konami

Grenof Pty Ltd and Aquadex Pty Ltd

BCEG International

McPhersons

Mitsubishi Motors

Dye and Co

ClubsNSW

Work highlights

  • Acting for Mitsubishi Motors in a A$1bn consumer class action in the Federal Court in relation to fuel consumption labelling on certain of its Triton utility vehicles, in parallel to Victorian Supreme Court proceedings which the client has successfully applied for special leave to appeal to the High Court of Australia.
  • Acted for gaming company Konami in a precedent-setting patent dispute with fellow gaming company Aristocrat.
  • Acted for ClubsNSW in a high-profile dispute with a former employee involving whistleblower claims, defamation and parliamentary privilege.

Australia > Energy (transactions and regulatory) Tier 5

Thomson Geer  exhibits deep bench strength in a variety of areas, including M&A and capital raising, as well as the operational aspects of major energy and resources projects. Infrastructure expert Jae Lemin  joined from Eversheds Sutherland, oil and gas specialist Nicholas Antonas joined the team from Johnson Winter Slattery, and Paul Harley and Sarah O’Brien-Smith  joined from HopgoodGanim , bringing their deep knowledge of mining matters. Energy and resources project finance specialist Nicholas Creed joined from Allens. Josh Marchant is a key name within the practice.  

Practice head(s):

Josh Marchant; Jae Lemin; Nicholas Antonas; Paul Harley; Sarah O’Brien-Smith; Nicholas Creed

Testimonials

‘A great understanding of the law and an ability to co-ordinate well with stakeholders to secure an outcome.’

‘Thomson Geer distinguishes itself through a unique blend of innovation, collaboration, and personalized service.’

‘Led by Partner Josh Marchant, the team is defined by its proficiency in addressing client needs and an unyielding commitment to delivering tailored solutions.’

‘Josh Marchant embodies the spirit of client-centric service that sets the practice apart. With an acute understanding of our clients’ goals and challenges. His approach isn’t confined to standard solutions; instead, he delves deep into each case, ensuring that every client receives the attention and customized service they deserve.’

‘Thomson Geer has a commitment to progressive values, such as diversity and environmental responsibility. These aren’t mere buzzwords for but integral to their identity as a practice that seeks to reflect and contribute positively to the community we serve.’

‘They are proficient with client-focused leadership, a collaborative approach that leverages the strengths of the entire firm, and a willingness to innovate in ways that resonate with the modern client’s expectations. Potential clients seeking a firm that not only understands their legal needs but also aligns with their values and aspirations will find a committed partner in Thomson Geer.’

Key clients

Bouygues Construction

Liebherr Australia

92 Energy Ltd

Quanta Services Australia

LMS Energy

Work highlights

  • Advised Nacap on the Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Contract for the design and construction of the Northern Goldfields Interconnect – a 580km gas pipeline connecting the existing Goldfields Gas Pipeline to Geraldton in Western Australia.
  • Acted for heavy equipment supplier Liebherr Australia in negotiating an agreement for the joint development and supply of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric mining haul trucks to Fortescue Future Industries.
  • Advising Bouygues Construction in relation to its bid for the engineering, procurement, construction and operation and maintenance of the the largest solar project in Victoria, the Kiamal 2 Solar Project.

Australia > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 5

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.

Australia > Dispute resolution: arbitration

Thomson Geer acts for Mitsubishi Motors in successful High Court appeal

Thomson Geer has acted for Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited in the High Court of Australia in Mitsubishi Motors' successful appeal against claims it had engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to the contents of a mandatory fuel consumption label affixed to a Triton utility vehicle. 

Thomson Geer appoints two new female Partners for Corporate and IP teams

Thomson Geer has appointed two new Partners to the firm, bolstering its national Corporate and Intellectual Property practice areas.

MEDIA RELEASE | Thomson Geer appoints two Partners to strengthen M&A team

Thomson Geer has bolstered its national mergers and acquisitions team with two new Partners joining the firm.

Energy and Resources team bolstered with appointment of new Partner

Thomson Geer has bolstered its Energy and Resources team with the appointment of internationally recognised specialist Nicholas Antonas as a Partner.