Ashurst is a leading force in Australian class actions, acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in shareholder, financial services, consumer and employment disputes. The practice is distinguished by its role in shaping key procedural developments, including challenges to conventional positions on common fund orders and group costs regimes. The Sydney-based Ian Bolster, head of the practice, is recognised as one of the country’s foremost class actions specialists, praised for bringing ‘exceptional insight into legal strategy and practice’. John Pavlakis is noted for his deep expertise in shareholder and consumer class actions as well as disputes against government entities, while Nicholas Mavrakis is active in financial services and regulatory disputes. Mark Bradley is increasingly active in complex commercial and financial services cases. Sally-Anne Stewart and Ellena Cavell are names to note at the senior associate level.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent at explaining the process and their role in supporting me, working together and who in the team was best suited to provide particular services, ensuring efficient and quality service was provided. Adapting to my circumstances and respecting and valuing my contribution and capability was critical to the process - hence working with me as a team.’
‘Ian Bolster was the lead Partner, and provided consistently first rate advice and support. He has an exceptional insight into legal strategy and practice as well as technical issues, and provides practical real world advice and experience. Ian is very approachable and brings a great sense of humour and calm to challenging situations.'
'Judy Reid was incredibly diligent and helpful in guiding me through the process. She has great attention to detail and helped me understand much of the technical legal aspect of the case to guide and support me through the process.’
Key clients
- Rio Tinto
- The Commonwealth Government of Australia
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- Woolworths Group
- Commonwealth Government of Australia
- BMW Australia
- KPMG
- Westpac Banking Corporation
- NSW Government
- McDonald's
- McGrath Nicol
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Work highlights
Acted for Plus500AU in relation to a consolidated class action alleging a range of contraventions including unconscionable conduct, misleading or deceptive conduct, false or misleading statements, and breach of contract.
Acted for Rio Tinto in a class action alleging it is responsible for sexual harassment, harassment on the grounds of sex, sex discrimination and pregnancy discrimination spanning over 20 years by employees of subsidiaries and contractors.
Acted for Optus in the cyber breach class action brought on behalf of current and former customers whose personal information was allegedly affected by the data breach in September 2022.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Ian Bolster
Other key lawyers
John Pavlakis; Nicholas Mavrakis; Mark Bradley; Sally-Anne Stewart; Ellena Cavell; Judy Reid