Ashurst is recognised for its expertise in digital infrastructure and transformation projects, advising on telecoms infrastructure and broader matters relating to the digital economy. The team is led from Melbourne by Emma Butler, who specialises in technology transition, data commercialisation and the adoption of AI. Clare Doneley advises public and private sector clients on procurement and outsourcing transactions, while Amanda Ludlow (now based in the London office) is known for her work on digital infrastructure, privacy and cybersecurity. Rebecca Cope has significant experience in digital infrastructure, telecommunications and data centres, with a particular focus on digital projects and regulatory agreements. Together, the team provides comprehensive advice across IT, telecoms and digital markets.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is made up of excellent legal technicians with great people skills to match. They are driven to add value, deliver outcomes and build lasting professional relationships. They bring their everything, every time and are, without exception, the team we turn to first to support with our most strategic, important and complex work.’
‘Deep expertise which is used in all legal advice for future proofing and avoidance of legal risks where possible. Practical in all advice and very responsive. Ahead of emerging issues such cyber incidents and helps businesses prepare for this.’
‘Clare Doneley - expert in her field, clear communicator, extremely pragmatic and timely with advice. Amanda Ludlow - deep experience in her field, commercial in her advice, forward thinking and a great value adder to in-house leaders.’
‘Emma Butler and her team provide exceptional service - they take the time to understand their clients' businesses and tailor their solutions. They have understood our business at a deep level and have become our trusted partners in the growth of our business. The firm's billing model is great - scope of work, clear cost estimates, and tracking to cost estimates.’
Key clients
- .au Domain Administration Limited
- 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd
- AGL Energy Limited
- AIA Australia Limited
- ANZ Banking Group
- Bank of Queensland
- Carnival
- City Of Melbourne
- Commonwealth Government
- Compare the Market
- Earlypay Exchange
- estateXchange
Work highlights
Advised AGL Energy on its strategic partnership with Kaluza to replace its energy billing platform, including structuring its 51% interest in OVO Energy Pty Ltd through a share subscription.
Advised Macquarie Bank Limited on the redesign and implementation of a unified contractual framework to ensure compliance with operational resilience regulations across more than 20 jurisdictions.
Advised ANZ Banking Group on its AU$4.9 billion acquisition of Suncorp Bank, the largest Australian banking M&A transaction in the past decade.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Erin Kirker
Practice head
Emma Butler
Other key lawyers
Clare Doneley; Amanda Ludlow; Rebecca Cope; Erin Kirker