The national class actions practice at Piper Alderman is known for handling competition, consumer, financial services, automotive and securities claims. The team is highlighted for its ‘deep experience’ and ’strategic thinking’, under the leadership of Martin del Gallego in Sydney. Other key figures include 'sophisticated litigation strategist' Greg Whyte, particularly for competition cases; 'diligent, focussed and highly motivated partner' Kate Sambrook for financial services and investor claims; and the 'fearless, commercial and pragmatic' Lillian Rizio for multi-party disputes and insurance matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Kate Sambrook is a diligent, focussed and highly motivated partner whose attention to detail is second to none. Kate delivers high quality work and is approachable.'
- ‘The Piper Alderman litigation and class actions team consistently demonstrates a high level of effectiveness and efficiency. They are highly responsive to client feedback and show a genuine commitment to incorporating suggestions into their approach. Their extensive experience in litigation and complex class actions is evident, and they communicate with clarity, confidence, and professionalism throughout every stage of the process.’
- ‘Greg Whyte is a deep legal thinker and sophisticated litigation strategist. He is playing chess, not checkers.'
- 'Anne Freeman is an exceptional safe pair of hands. You want her in your corner leading the team in any large scale litigation. She is not only calm under pressure, hardworking and across the detail, but is also proactive in managing matters, counsel and clients.'
- ‘The team that I've worked with is exceptionally dedicated and hard working. As the client, you know that they will always be acting in your best interests, to achieve the best practical and commercial outcome. They work collaboratively with counsel and experts to ensure that they are putting the best case forward for the client. They are not only knowledgeable about the law and practice and procedure, but they are also commercial and pragmatic. The team is also proactive - they don't sit and wait for the issue / problem to arise - they can see the problem coming up and proactively manage the issue / problem. This saves time and cost for the client and ensures the efficient progress of litigation to final hearing.'
Key clients
- Woodsford Group Limited
- Litigation Capital Management
- Omni Bridgeway Limited
- Balance Legal Capital
- Burford Capital
- Stillwater Pastoral Pty Ltd
- SLB Investments Queensland Pty Ltd
- Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd
Work highlights
Acted in a billion-dollar claim against Google on behalf of publishers who had websites or apps and sold advertising space using Google’s platforms targeted at Australian consumers.
Acted for the plaintiffs in two class actions (funded by Woodsford Litigation Funding) against Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific and its German parent companies, as well as Isuzu Limited (Japan).
Acted for the plaintiff against IG Markets on behalf of investors who traded contracts for difference (CFDs) with IG Markets.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Martin del Gallego
Other key lawyers
Greg Whyte; Kate Sambrook; Lillian Rizio; Anne Freeman; Kelly Fraser