Clifford Chance is recognised as a strong force in the international arbitration practice, both in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region, with the firm having a dedicated investor-state arbitration practice, as well as experience in international commercial arbitration. The team is regularly involved in elements of international arbitrations that are originated by other offices within the firm’s networks. Kate Apostolova joined as an international partner in 2024 from Mayer Brown, with expertise in cross-border commercial arbitration and international litigation matters, and has an established reputation in Singapore and Hong Kong. Cameron Hassall is active in commercial cross-border litigation and arbitration, while Spencer Flay has helped mediate, arbitrate and litigate disputes across the globe. Julia Dreosti and Robert Tang were both promoted to partner in May 2024, with Tang being a specialist in arbitration and litigation in construction and infrastructure as well as TMT sectors, while Dreosti’s experience extends to contentious matters across the aerospace and defence sectors. Joshua Banks, based in Perth, is recommended for arbitration proceedings under ICSID, ICC, SIAC, UNCITRAL and LCIA.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Clifford Chance have an investment treaty arbitration practice that is unique in the Australian market. No other firm can compete with their practice in that area.’
‘Kate Apostolova and Elliot Luke are great to work with. ’
‘A key credential of Clifford Chance that makes it unique in Australia is its capacity to advise on and deal with country risk issues in a wide range of jurisdictions where Australian companies operate -in particular Africa and South America.'
'The advice provided is always clear and practical providing comfort and confidence to companies investing in such jurisdictions and enabling sound investment strategies based on efficient due diligence. On a general basis Clifford chance’s knowledge of local corporate registration and legislation requirements in both Africa and South America has proved to be most useful.’
‘Kristian Maley is solid and precise in providing sound and clear advice in formulating responses in respect of BIT issues and negotiating key issues with third parties.'
‘Kristian Maley is a stand-out Counsel who is knowledgeable in both legal and commercial aspects of arbitration disputes.’
‘Cameron Hassall is a clear market leader. Very user-friendly, very strategic, and very clever.’
‘Very strong in construction law experience. They have always delivered our work on time and within the budgets quoted.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Kate Apostolova; Spencer Flay; Cameron Hassall
Other key lawyers
Julia Dreosti; Robert Tang; Joshua Banks; Elliot Luke; Kristian Malley