Dispute Resolution
Global Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 3
Contact number
+61 293 737 700Chambers Review
The A&O Shearman team represents the Australian arm of a renowned international disputes practice focused on superior court litigation, international arbitration and contentious regulatory issues. The team is regularly instructed by blue-chip players in the energy and resources and financial services industries, and is acknowledged as a go-to practice for bet-the-company matters. The team is further singled out for global reach, consistent excellence at all levels of the well-integrated team and particular strength in the handling of energy and resources-related disputes in Western Australia, notably including those subject to arbitration. It is additionally active on white-collar issues and the representation of individual executives. Key clients include Greensill Capital, Eni and Reed Industrial Minerals. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.
Work Highlights
- The firm acted as defence counsel for the lender group in proceedings brought by the liquidator of the bankrupted company NewSat regarding the lender group's withdrawal of funding.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is aware of modern client expectations in large-scale litigation and regularly meets and exceeds those expectations."
"They have exemplary lawyers in leadership positions and are supported by a strong core of senior and junior lawyers."
"They clearly have the expertise and have been able to manage the proceedings efficiently and effectively."
"The team is aware of modern client expectations in large-scale litigation and regularly meets and exceeds those expectations."
"They have exemplary lawyers in leadership positions and are supported by a strong core of senior and junior lawyers."
"They clearly have the expertise and have been able to manage the proceedings efficiently and effectively."
Notable Practitioners
Mark van Brakel is based in the firm's Perth office, often acting on disputes which arise from Western Australia's energy and resources sector and dividing his time between the conduct of litigated and arbitrated matters, many of which have cross-border dimensions.
"He is very strong in the area and has good client communication skills to boot."
"Mark van Brakel is an exceptional lawyer. He has a very strong reputation as one of the leading litigators."
Michael Shepherd offers wide-ranging dispute resolution expertise embracing, among others, the financial services, infrastructure and resources sectors and often applied in the management of regulatory or class action mandates. Based in Sydney, he is noted by clients for his extensive experience of handling both complex and cross-jurisdictional mandates.
"Michael is an outstanding litigator, who is extremely friendly to deal with, strategic and insightful."
David Jenaway focuses principally on disputes in the energy and resources and construction spheres, being both an accomplished litigator and increasingly involved in arbitration mandates. He is based in Perth.
"He is really good - commercial, practical and responsive."
Ranked Lawyers at
A&O Shearman
Australia