K&L Gates > Perth, Australia > Firm Profile
K&L Gates Offices
44 ST GEORGES TERRACE
LEVEL 32
PERTH, WA 6000
Australia
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Firm Profile
- Comparative Guides
K&L Gates > The Legal 500 Rankings
Australia > Intellectual property Tier 2
The full-service intellectual property department at K&L Gates is noted for its capability in patent litigation, portfolio management and trade mark prosecution across the construction, life sciences, sport and technology sectors. Jonathan Feder leads the group and is a key port of call for fashion houses and various other brands for intellectual property enforcement and protection issues. Gregory Pieris is informed on contentious and non-contentious copyright, design, trade mark and trade practices, while Harrison Ottaway is also a key member of the team. All of the individuals mentioned are located in Melbourne.Practice head(s):
Jonathan Feder
Other key lawyers:
Gregory Pieris; Harrison Ottaway; Patrick Sands; Tim Appleby
Testimonials
‘The K&L Gates IP team are very knowledgeable and responsive. We have complete confidence in their ability to look after our worldwide IP portfolio. ’
‘Jonathan Feder is very approachable and is more than willing to offer his assistance – no request or concern is ever unanswered. Jonathan knows his stuff and is extremely personable. Likewise, Jonathan’s team is very helpful.’
‘Harrison Ottaway is equally parts brilliant and personable.’
Key clients
Australian Football League (AFL)
Bounce IP Pty Ltd and Bounce Australia Pty Ltd
Cricket Australia
Directed Electronics Australia Pty Ltd
Jellycat Ltd
L1 Capital Pty Ltd
Pact Group
RDX Works Ltd
RSI North America, Inc.
Sanitarium Health Food Company (Australian Health & Nutrition Association Limited)
Simavita/Smartz
United Petroleum
Verve Projects Pty Ltd
Zeller Holdings Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Successfully acted for Directed Electronics OE Pty Ltd in a commercial litigation matter heard in the Federal Court of Australia regarding the misuse of confidential information, copyright infringement and breach of contract.
- Advising RDX Works Ltd in the filing and prosecution of its trade marks across numerous jurisdictions and on the enforcement of its trade marks and trade mark opposition actions in various countries.
- Advising L1 Capital in relation to a range of intellectual property matters in trade mark portfolio management, global trade mark disputes, trade mark opposition proceedings and UK High Court litigation.
Australia > Banking and finance Tier 3
K&L Gates has traditionally held a strong focus on property financing matters, and is now increasingly leveraging its global expertise to advise on infrastructure and energy transactions in Australia and across Southeast Asia. Alan Maclean in Melbourne is the lead senior partner on property and asset finance, while in Sydney, Richard Gray is noted for project and infrastructure finance. In the same office, Richard Hayes departed in July 2023.Practice head(s):
Jason Opperman; Alan Maclean
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Knowledge, attentiveness and attention to detail.’
‘Engaging and no task is too big or small.’
Key clients
J.P. Morgan
Scentre Management Limited
Work highlights
- Advising J.P. Morgan on the AU$735m financing for InfraBuild Australia comprising an AU$250m asset-based revolving facility and US$325m senior secured bond issuance.
- Advised Scentre Management on a US$1.5bn 144A note issue; an update to €10bn programme and an issue of $HK notes; and a new A$ Medium Term Note Programme.
Australia > Competition and trade Tier 3
K&L Gates is led by Sydney-based Ayman Guirguis who holds the distinction of having served as a senior office at the ACCC. The team is extremely well-versed in private sector and government matters and is engaged in merger clearance, cartel conduct, misuse of market power, and Australian Consumer Law issues.Practice head(s):
Ayman Guirguis
Testimonials
‘K&L Gates assisted us on a regulatory compliance matter in which there was limited scope for innovation. Despite this, K&L Gates were able to share their depth of knowledge based on their own experience with respect to utilising technology that existed within our own organisation. This was invaluable in assisting us to prepare for the actions we needed to undertake. ’
‘Ayman Guirguis is a stand out in this space. Ayman is attentive, highly responsive, knowledgeable, and experienced. Ayman is deeply experienced in liaising with regulators and understands what is required. Ayman’s advice is practical, honest, and succinct, all of which are critical when working to strict timeframes. ’
Key clients
BlueScope Steel
Sinch
ExxonMobil
HP
Visy Industries
Woods Bagot
Emerald Grain
Medibank
Honda Australia
National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA)
Americold
Sigma
Reckitt Benckiser
Arnott’s
Ericsson
Pact Group
Barenbrug
FIFA
GMHBA
Hewitt Cattle
Yumbah
Servier
A2B
Serco
Work highlights
Australia > Dispute resolution: litigation Tier 3
The ‘strong and stable‘ complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution team at K&L Gates is led by Sydney-based Tim Webster. Its expertise spans class actions, Royal Commissions, government inquiries and coronial inquests alongside routine enforcement and Corporations Act matters. In Melbourne, Christien Corns specialises in professional indemnity litigation, with additional experience in media and defamation law. Lucy Williams in Sydney is ‘a leading insurance litigator‘, recommended for her ‘carefully considered advice’.Practice head(s):
Tim Webster
Other key lawyers:
Nicholas Brown; John Kelly; Christien Corns; Lucy Williams
Testimonials
‘Lucy Williams is a leading insurance litigator, a pleasure to work with.’
‘K&L Gates have a very strong and stable litigation team, who provide timely, accurate and commercially focused advice.’
‘Lucy Williams provides carefully considered advice which always covers all of the issues. Her manner is calm, focused and polished; she is never flustered which makes her particularly effective in mediations and in dealing with difficult personalities.’
‘We have worked with Tim Webster. Whilst he leads his team to provide considered legal advice, he ensures that he understands his client’s objectives and provides clear and concise recommendations at each stage of the dispute process.’
Key clients
Honda Australia
The Government of the Kingdom of Spain
James Hardie Industries Limited
Ericsson Australia
Cricket Australia
Americold
LimePay
Quest Software
Contango
AMP
Ernst & Young
Lawcover
Fortius Funds Management
Dyldam Developments
BASF Australia
Energy Resources of Australia Limited
Caledonian Sky Shipping Inc
Morris Property Group
Doma Property Group
Amalgamated Property Group
Rhipe Limited
Work highlights
- Representing the Kingdom of Spain in a landmark litigation that explores the enforceability of The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) arbitration awards in Australia against sovereign States in circumstances where domestic legislation protects the operation of foreign State jurisdictional immunity.
- Representing Cricket Australia in a high-profile dispute with its free-to-air television broadcast partner Seven Network (Operations) Limited (Seven Network) regarding Coivd-19 related force majeure claims made by Cricket Australia under the parties’ significant media rights agreement.
- Acted for a law firm in respect of a claim against it and another firm of solicitors in the Supreme Court of Queensland arising from allegations of mismanagement of an estimated A$1bn estate.
Australia > Infrastructure projects and construction Tier 3
Led by ‘legend‘ Sandra Steele, K&L Gates' Sydney-based team maintains strong front and back-end construction capabilities, participating in significant infrastructure projects and related disputes across Australia. Steele has 25 years’ experience in contract drafting and negotiation, litigation, and uniquely, in security of payment claims. The ‘incredibly knowledgeable and responsive’ Simon Ashworth focuses his practice on PPPs for electricity transmission lines, road, hospitals and defence contracting.Practice head(s):
Sandra Steele
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Competent team led by Sandra Steele. They care about their client and importantly about the outcome.’
‘Sandra Steele. Legend. Always has your back in that she knows the pressures from an internal business perspective given her vast experience in-house. She helps you navigate your business pain-points.’
‘Sandra Steele has a unique ability to advise clients needing front-end and back-end legal services.’
‘Sandra Steele is a leading construction and infrastructure lawyer. She has excellent technical skills, which are paired with a pragmatic and commercial approach. Sandra consistently delivers excellent client services and is a pleasure to work with.’
‘Simon Ashworth stands out – incredibly knowledgeable and responsive.’
‘Simon Ashworth is user friendly and hands-on.’
‘There is a depth of knowledge and skill in the team, led by a technically brilliant, yet personable, partner. The team work collaboratively and are available to pick up where the last person left off, meaning quicker turn-around times. There is a genuine commitment to nurturing and growing the client relationship. This is demonstrated by the team’s responsiveness and curiosity to learn about the business as a whole, not just the specific project.’
‘Having worked for both D&C and O&M parties, K&L Gates are very well placed to understand the other party’s positions and reasons for adopting those positions, enabling a tailored resolution of differences to the satisfaction of both parties. Deep understanding of the contracting nuances in complex infrastructure projects, ensuring the client’s position is protected to the best extent possible.’
Key clients
ABB Australia Pty Limited
CIMIC Group
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd
Cannatrek
Fuchs Lubricants
Mackay Airport
UGL Limited
CPB Contractors
ACCIONA Construction Australia
Ferrovial
Keolis Downer
Hyandai Engineering and Construction
Downer EDI
Spotless
Elecnor Australia Pty
Fletcher Construction Limited
Honeywell
Icon Constructions Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd
Illawarra Retirement Trust
Loreto Kirribilli Limited
Opal Aged Care
Programmed FM
RATCH Australia
Serco Australia Pty Ltd
Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd
Translational Research Institute Pty Ltd
Tenova
Sydney Airport Corporation
Work highlights
- Advising Keolis Downer on the next project in the Sydney Metro portfolio for the operations and maintenance contract for Sydney Metro West, the 24km underground metro railway connecting new and existing stations.
- Advising DMS Maritime on the procurement for the design and Australian build of a fleet of new amphibious vehicles (Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels) for the Australian Army.
- Advising the CPB, UGL and Hyundai joint venture on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone network operator project.
Australia > IT and telecoms Tier 3
K&L Gates is highlighted for its provision of ‘pragmatic and commercial solutions to problems, with a very high level of technical and industry understanding’ in the TMT space. The group has a wide expertise, ranging from transactional, where it advises governmental bodies on matters such as outsourcing, to the strategic, where it carries out risk management and data security work. Cameron Abbott leads the group, handling tech procurement projects and e-commerce transactions. Richard Chew advises clients on emerging tech, Rob Pulham handles privacy and cybersecurity, and Allison Wallace focuses on IP.Practice head(s):
Cameron Abbott
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘We have had exceptional service from K&L Gates for our technology-related legal needs, including competition and general commercial.’
‘Richard Chew has provided outstanding support in relation to technology contracts and regulatory requirements with respect to data privacy, security and emerging areas of technology regulation.’
‘K&L Gates provides pragmatic and commercial solutions to problems, with a very high level of technical and industry understanding.’
‘What differentiates KLG is their commitment to owning the outcome. Instead of providing advice and guidance, the team at KLG have taken ownership and shared responsibility.’
‘KLG are proactive and drive a sense of urgency when needed.’
‘Richard has an unusually high level of IT understanding for a legal professional, allowing him to hit the ground running in discussions with our technical teams and establish credibility immediately with a range of teams in the organisation.’
‘Cameron has remained fully committed to our projects. He brings with him a level of authority and experience unique to this type of complex digital transformation project. He is always contactable but delegates when appropriate.’
‘Rob Pulham provides speciality advice on software, contract terms and arrangements.’
Key clients
Alcidion
BlueScope Steel Limited
CLP Holdings Limited
Dicker Data Limited
Fortytwo24 Pty Ltd
Hydro Tasmania
Inghams Enterprises Pty Ltd
Origin Energy
TasNetworks Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised a state government department on its procurement of a system implementor and software solution for its human resources information system replacement project.
- Acted for BlueScope in its procurement of a system implementor and software vendor for the replacement of its ERP platform.
- Advised a state government department on its procurement of a system implementor and software solution for a digital outpatient management solution.
Australia > Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS) Tier 3
With WHS teams based across Australia, K&L Gates offers clients a national service, which attracts domestic corporates and government agencies alike. The practice benefits from the dual leadership of Paul Hardman, whose focus is on the agribusiness and resources sectors, and Stephen Hardy, whose practice has an emphasis on matters in the property and construction industries. The deep bench includes Alanna Fitzpatrick, who ‘can be relied upon for support in time-pressure situations’ and Dominic Fleeton, who is considered ‘the go-to person for WHS advisory in Melbourne’, both of whom are routinely sought out by clients for advice on safety compliance, investigations and court prosecutions.Practice head(s):
Paul Hardman; Stephen Hardy
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Deep knowledge of the practice area with exceptional commercial overlay, which makes service delivery targeted and timely.’
‘Highly approachable, affable and available: nothing is too much trouble.’
‘The WHS team are practical, outcome focused and very responsive. They have an easy manner and are able to help communicate from Board level right through to entry level operational staff in a way that is accessible. Their ability to get to the heart of an issue quickly and identify risks and both immediate and longer-term practical responses makes them an invaluable extension of my team.’
‘I particularly value the deep industry knowledge that the WHS team at K&L Gates and their specific individual team members have of the agribusiness sector and my business specifically. This makes them stand out from competitors, particularly because they remain price competitive and highly responsive.’
‘Paul Hardman and Alanna Fitzpatrick, in particular, have both invested heavily in learning our business, operations and priorities and bring practical solutions that reflect the needs of our business and strike a balance between legal risk management and the business’ willingness to change.’
‘Paul’s professionalism and candour makes him a go-to for boardroom briefings, in addition to international & institutional shareholder engagement. Paul is exceptional to engage with, and clients are safe in the knowledge he has and continues to build an exemplary team around him to support client needs.’
‘Alanna can be relied upon to support clients in time-pressure situations where it is key to have the ability to step back and remain focused at the strategic level.’
‘Dominic remains the go-to person for WHS advisory in Melbourne for our executive as well as functional teams. His ability to see and share strategic insight to help facilitate next steps for an organisation is strongly recognised within our teams.’
Key clients
Ardent Leisure (Dreamworld Employees)
Commercial Passengers Vehicles Victoria
Victorian Government – Department of Education
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)
Work highlights
- Advising VMIA on a number of WHS-related matters.
- Defended Onsite Rental Group Operations in a prosecution by the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulator.
- Assisted the Master Builders Association of Victoria on compliance with specific aspects of Victoria’s occupational health and safety legislation.
Australia > Labour and employment Tier 3
With employment lawyers based across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, K&L Gates continues to work with clients around the country operating in the education, agriculture and health sectors. Recently, the group has experienced exponential growth of work within the government and public sectors. The practice is co-chaired by Paul Hardman, who advises on workplace investigations and disputes, Stephen Hardy, who specialises in health and safety, and Michaela Moloney, whose practice encompasses both fields.Practice head(s):
Michaela Moloney; Paul Hardman; Stephen Hardy
Testimonials
‘We receive a significant level of partner involvement and direction in matters involving K&L Gates. While the advice they provide is legally correct, they always seek to consider practical solutions.’
‘Good value for money – they do not under or over service.’
‘Pragmatic and responsive. ’
‘Michaela is particularly good at speaking with her clients as equals and working with them in a manner that recognizes the pressures faced by her clients. She is responsive and pragmatic. ’
‘You can pick up the phone, ask a question and get a strategic legal response that is fit for purpose. ’
‘Collaboration is the essential ingredient that makes this firm a true strategic partner. ’
Key clients
Acciona Energy
Australia Football League (AFL)
Australian Professional Leagues (APL)
CBUS Super
CBUS Property
Cricket Australia
EBOS Group
Master Builders Association of Victoria
McConnell Dowell Constructors
Melbourne Victory Football Club
Murrays Australia
Australian Red Cross Society
Victoria University
Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)
Work highlights
- Advising Australian Football League’s legal and HR teams on all aspects of employment, industrial and discrimination law.
- Assisted Immutable in relation to unfair dismissal claims lodged by Professionals Australia, which have been arbitrated by the Fair Work Commission.
Australia > Transport: aviation Tier 3
K&L Gates‘ aviation offering, which is primarily based in Brisbane, encompasses ‘team members who are knowledgeable and approachable‘. At the helm is Tom Young, who ‘has a strong understanding of the drivers for operators within the tourism industry’. The group has undertaken prominent work in the aviation market for airports and aviation clients relating to the aviation industry's recovery from the impact of Covid-19. The group also works on innovative space-based solar power solutions, leveraging the knowhow of its offices across the world. Young is well supported by associate Julie Brown.Practice head(s):
Tom Young
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The teams’ knowledge of the tourism industry separates them from other legal firms. They have unique understanding of the industry and challenges facing operators in our market. They excel at delivering advice in a way that is understandable to SME operators.’
‘All team members at the firm are knowledgeable and approachable. Tom Young has a strong understanding of the drivers for operators within the tourism industry.’
‘The team has developed an excellent understanding of the industry over the years that has helped our business.’
Key clients
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd
Sydney Airport Corporation
Mackay Airport
Brisbane Airport Corporation
TAE Aerospace Pty Ltd
American Express International Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised TAE Aerospace on its acquisition by Australian defence manufacturer ASDAM Operations Pty Ltd.
- Acted for American Express International Inc. on the restructure of PT Garuda Indonesia through its use of the Bankruptcy and Suspension of Debt Repayment Obligation (PKPU) process in Indonesia.
- Advising Brisbane Airport Corporation on its strategic redevelopment plans at the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport.
Australia > Corporate and M&A Tier 4
K&L Gates is known for its national and sector specific expertise across Australia – excelling in education and childcare in Sydney, agribusiness in Brisbane, health and life sciences in Melbourne and sports in Perth – and retains its standing as a go-to mid-market advisor, attracting a wide range of start-ups and fintech companies nationally as well as globally. The team has recently welcomed three new partners, James Lonie, Natalya Hards and Naomi Philp from HWL Ebsworth, into the department. They practice from the Sydney office, while team head Chris Nikou oversees work from the Melbourne office, dealing predominantly with private equity, mergers and acquisitions, franchising and corporate governance.Practice head(s):
Chris Nikou
Other key lawyers:
Daniel Atkin; Harry Kingsley; Adam Levine; Simon Leslie; Naomi Philp; James Lonie; Natalya Hards
Testimonials
‘Their knowledge of their client’s business is the key differentiator. The team takes real interest in understanding the strategies, risk tolerances, competitors and targets. This makes them like an extension of the investment and transaction teams.’
‘I have worked with the team for more than two decades. A key attraction for potential clients is the attention to detail, keen desire to understand the client’s business and their skills in Corporate and M&A areas, having done numerous complex transactions.’
‘Key strengths and capabilities in venture capital financings and venture capital M&A.’
‘Daniel Atkin and Simon Leslie are stand-out partners and experts in venture capital financing.’
‘James Lonie – smartest man in the room and a completely quality individual. He is more than ably supported by Naomi Philp. They are technically above reproach, but more importantly approach each engagement with a commercial sensibility which is often missing in highly technically proficient practitioners.’
Key clients
CIMIC Group Limited
Sedgman Pty Ltd
Freightways Limited
Macquarie Bank Limited
Nura Holdings Pty Ltd
Rex Labs Holdings Pty Ltd
Azure Minerals Ltd
Castle Minerals
Emeco Pty Ltd
AirTree Ventures
Telstra Ventures
Macquarie Bank
Azure Minerals Ltd
Castle Minerals
Blackbird Ventures
Telstra Ventures
Macquarie Bank
Work highlights
- Advised New Zealand Stock Exchange-listed Freightways Limited on its acquisition of the Australian group Allied Transport with operations throughout Australia.
- Advised TAE Aerospace, a global aerospace company, in connection with its acquisition by Australian defence manufacturer ASDAM Operations.
- Advised Smart Urban Properties Australia on the acquisition of the SUPA Technologies, Connecx and Fiber Asset Management businesses.
Australia > Fintech and financial services regulatory Tier 4
K&L Gates’ practice has experience in dealing and interacting with financial services regulators, cross-border transactional expertise and a proven track record of advising fintech clients raging from neobanks to open banking clients on an array of issues. Melbourne-based practice head Jim Bulling has a notable focus on financial product disclosure issues, and Daniel Knight frequently guides fintech start-ups through various regulatory challenges. In Sydney, Kane Barnett is a key contact for clients looking to distribute financial products to the Australian market. Also in Sydney, James Lonie, who joined from HWL Ebsworth in December 2022, is well placed to assist with transactional matters.Practice head(s):
Jim Bulling
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team is well experienced in the area of financial services and related regulation. Their practical experience and ability to proactively engage with the regulator are also features that would make the practice unique and find valuable for potential clients.’
‘The individuals are always keen to understand the business and its needs. This often prepares the business to deal with its strategies and growth plans. Team also has strong practical experience with the industry developments as well as regulator focus areas.’
‘They are always keeping up to date with regulatory changes and also industry developments and have a thorough understanding of the payments landscape.’
‘Daniel Knight is very knowledgeable when it comes to the payments industry in Australia, both in respect of the regulatory regime and the range of businesses and products in the payments space, which is always changing.’
Key clients
Honda Australia
Medibank Private Limited
PaEML Payments Limited
Novatti Group Limited
Zeller
TrueLayer Limited
Intuit Inc.
CoinJar
Australian Ethical Limited
PIMCO Australia Pty Ltd
AXA Investment Managers Pty Limited
Human Financial
Tiger Brokers (AU) Pty Ltd
Care Super and Spirit Super
Resolution Life Australasia (Formerly AMP Life Limited)
AXA Investment Managers Australia Limited
Centuria Property Funds Limited
Centuria Healthcare (Centuria Capital Group)
Real IS
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
DRC Savills
Stafford Capital Partners
AltX
Funding.com.au
Payton Capital
Paspalis Asset Management Pty Ltd
Frollo
SISS Data Services
Sniip
Funding.com.au Pty Ltd
180 Markets Pty Ltd
Payoneer
Rent.com.au Limited
Verrency Holdings Limited
CoinFlip
Bano
Yodlee
Komdu
Square Peg Capital Pty Ltd
Airtree Ventures
Work highlights
- Assisting CARE Super and Spirit Super jointly in their proposed superannuation fund merger via a successor fund transfer.
- Advised Centuria Diversified Property Fund (CDPF) in connection with its A$269m merger with the Primewest Property Income Fund by way of a stapling of units.
- Assisting Selfwealth Limited with new projects and regulatory compliance (including its launch of cryptocurrency trading).
Australia > Real estate Tier 4
With offices in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, the sizeable real estate practice at K&L Gates advises clients across the aviation, energy and resources, healthcare and social and affordable housing sectors. Will Grinter in Melbourne co-leads the team with Sandra Steele; the former is currently engaged in multi-stage, mixed-use urban projects. Samuel Brown and Brisbane-based Damiano Castelli cater to infrastructure projects, while the former also handles transactions and investment fund issues. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Sydney, unless stated otherwise.Practice head(s):
Sandra Steele; Will Grinter
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Responsive and commercial, while still maintaining technical excellence.’
‘Top quality real estate practice. They are able to leverage technology to improve collaboration with clients.’
‘K&L Gates have strong legal skills and a client-focused mindset.’
‘Sam Brown is brilliant. He is very experienced in all types of real estate matters and builds a great rapport with clients.’
‘Will Grinter is one our must trusted advisers – both legal and commercial. His commitment to providing timely and practical advice is second to none.’
‘Will Grinter is a nurturing partner who genuinely cares about the development of the lawyers in his team, creating a positive culture and loyal team who have depth of knowledge regarding each clients’ business.’
‘Will Grinter is our “go to” lawyer on all matters. He understands every aspect of our business and drivers, which means he takes a holistic and very commercial approach to the advice he provides.’
‘Will Grinter is one of the first people we call to sound out new projects, challenges and opportunities with – he always adds a lot of value to the process and helps us shape our strategic direction.’
Key clients
Lendlease Corporation
Americold
Aliro Group
Engie
Aesop
Pathways Health Management
Medlog Australia Pty Ltd
Cairns Airport Pty Ltd
Mackay Airport Pty Ltd
Sydney Fish Market Pty Ltd
Meriton
Vivacity Property
RATCH Australia Corporation
NSW Ports
Port of Brisbane
Brisbane Airport Corporation
Telstra Corporation Limited
Hamton Property Group
Bensons Property Group
National Australia Bank
City of Sydney
Evolution Trustees Limited
Springfield City Group
Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture (Australasia)
Great Southern Waste Technologies
Real I.S.
Atlassian
Schiavello Group
Nutrien Ag Solutions Ltd
Generator Property Management
Munich RE
Opal Aged Care
Centennial Property Group
Canadian Solar
BJCE
Prime Value Asset Management
Keppel Corporation
Bridge Housing
Capella Capital
Mission Housing Australia
Shakespeare Property Group
Lumea
X-Elio
Someva Renewables
Wilson Parking
Franze Developments
Outline Projects
Australia > Restructuring and insolvency Tier 4
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.
Australia > Tax Tier 4
K&L Gates receives plaudits for its ‘very experienced global tax practice', which is 'great for cross-border issues’. The team works closely with the firm's investment funds, real estate and corporate departments to advise on a wide range of matters, including cross-border asset financing investment, corporate tax and international tax. Sydney-based practice head Betsy-Ann Howe is well versed in cross-border international tax and corporate tax matters and is appreciated by clients for her ‘very commercial advice’. Matthew Cridland focuses his practice on indirect tax matters and is considered by a client as ‘one of the country's leading indirect tax and GST lawyers’. Special counsel Leslie Petro is active in tax matters related to inbound and outbound investment, cross-border financing and corporate tax. The team welcomed Stuart Broadfoot in April 2023 from King & Wood Mallesons.Practice head(s):
Betsy-Ann Howe
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Matthew Cridland – Indirect tax and GST partner. Leading practitioner in this field. ’
‘Matt Cridland is approachable, knowledgeable and in my view one of the country’s leading indirect tax and GST lawyers ’
‘Very experienced global tax practice – great for cross-border issues.’
‘Betsy-Ann Howe is a leading tax expert. Always responsive and provides very commercial advice.’
Key clients
Birdeye
Braavos
Bridge Housing
Caleb & Brown
Cancer Council NSW
Energy Matrix Group
Five Elms Capital
Magnis Energy Technologies
The Sale of The Oaks Tavern
Security Matters
Sky and Space
Work highlights
- Advised Birdeye on the tax aspects of a potential acquisition of an Australian company.
- Advised Blackrock Inc in relation to its investment into Pacific Equity Partners Annex Fund II, an infrastructure fund focused on Australia and New Zealand.
- Advised an Australian company on a de-SPAC transaction (a Special Purpose Acquisition Company) whereby the client combined with a Cayman SPAC.
Australia > Energy (transactions and regulatory) Tier 5
K&L Gates' practice is led by Adam Levine, a Perth-based corporate specialist who handles a broad range of M&A and corporate structuring mandates in the energy, renewables and mining sectors. Practice co-head Clive Cachia, based in Sydney, also has deep corporate expertise and ample skill in advising on energy projects, and both in-bound and out-bound investment arrangements.Practice head(s):
Adam Levine; Clive Cachia
Key clients
Shell Energy Operations Pty Ltd
ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd
Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd
Canadian Solar
Gulf Energy Limited
Dateline Resources Limited
Squadron Energy
Energy Matrix Group
Acciona
Elecnor Australia Pty Ltd
RATCH Australia Corporation Limited
Work highlights
- Advising CPB, UGL and Hyundai joint venture on the AU$5bn Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – Network Operator Project.
- Advised Squadron Energy on the purchase of the AU$3bn Clarke Creek renewable energy hub project.
- Advising Wollar Solar Development Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of BJCE Australia) in relation to the development of the approx. AU$282m Wollar Solar Farm.
Australia > Capital markets
K&L Gates > Firm Profile
The Firm: K&L Gates’ Australian operations provide vast knowledge of the Australian legal marketplace across a wide spectrum of industries. With lawyers located in four established offices in Australia’s leading financial and commercial centers—Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney—we act for industry leaders, major corporations, capital markets and venture capital participants, major financial institutions, and governments on groundbreaking legal transactions, both domestically and internationally.
With the extraordinary inbound investment into Australia from the Asia-Pacific region, especially from Australia’s largest trading partners (China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States), we have the resources on the ground to handle local and cross-border matters, projects, and transactions.
Australia Managing Partner: Nick Nichola
Offices
Australia: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. Asia: Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo. Europe: Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, Paris. Middle East: Doha, Dubai. United States: Austin, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Harrisburg, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Newark, Orange County, Palo Alto, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Research Triangle Park, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Wilmington. South America: Sao Paulo.
Comparative Guides
-
Taiwan: Mergers & Acquisitions
Published: April 2024
Authors: Jacqueline FuJoseph TsengYoting Lin
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Mergers & Acquisitions laws and regulations applicable in Taiwan.
-
Taiwan: Employment & Labour Law
Published: April 2024
Authors: Jacqueline FuCecilia Lee
This country-specific Q&A provides an overview of Employment & Labour laws and regulations applicable in Taiwan.
- Intellectual property
Firm Rankings
- Banking and finance
- Competition and trade
- Dispute resolution: litigation
- Infrastructure projects and construction
- IT and telecoms
- Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS)
- Labour and employment
- Transport: aviation