About

Provided by Clayton Utz

The Clayton Utz team have been consistent in their strategy to be the first call for the aviation industry to deliver practical wrap around advice for challenging projects in this highly regulated environment.

The success of their vision is demonstrated year on year by the increasing breadth and depth of the instructions they receive and the long-standing relationships they have built with clients including Western Sydney, Canberra, Moorabbin, Avalon, Essendon and Brisbane Airports.

The team has continued to be sought out for the most complex airport infrastructure projects because they understand the full lifecycle of the specific aviation considerations for a project - from initial business case, approach to market, aeronautical pricing, commercial recovery, approvals and tenure strategies, delivery to operations.  

The depth of the teams experience means they are not using client time to upskill. They are called upon to respond to emerging and urgent matters - as demonstrated by the work in responding to intervention from regulators, emerging pollution matters and changes in the regulatory landscape.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Aviation - Australia
1
Band 1
What the team is known for

Clayton Utz maintains a practice with longstanding experience in the aviation industry offering a comprehensive service to international and domestic airports throughout Australia. The law firm's expertise encompasses domestic and international air services agreements, as well as terminal services agreements, airline pricing agreements and airport conditions of use. Its legal team also advises on the development of aviation infrastructure. Clayton Utz's major clients include Commonwealth and state government departments, which it advises on aviation services and airport construction and infrastructure matters, including environmental and planning aspects. 

Work Highlights

Provided by Clayton Utz
  • Clayton Utz advised the Victorian government on the development and negotiation of agreements with both the Commonwealth and Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) and the provision of strategic advice in respect of the development and operation of a new rail link on the airport site.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
1
Andrew Leece
1
Band 1

Andrew Leece is a pre-eminent practitioner who represents airlines and government bodies as well as both domestic and international airports. He demonstrates a wealth of experience advising on a wide range of issues, encompassing terminal services agreements, airline pricing agreements and various airport infrastructure-related issues, including land access questions.

"Andrew is a really good operator and understands subject matter unique to the airport space, which puts him in an excellent position to negotiate."

"We have received excellent support from Andrew and his team."

"Andrew provides a high level of service and coordination of team to manage our issues."

"Andrew has outstanding knowledge of the aviation industry."

James Kendal
2
James Kendal
2
Band 2

James Kendal advises a range of airports on property, pricing and services agreements as well as construction and regulatory matters. His other clients include airlines, state governments and corporates.

"James is a very good adviser who is reliable and technically strong."

"James is a very approachable lawyer with good technical skills."

Ranked Lawyers at
Clayton Utz

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Australia

Aviation

1
Andrew Leece
1
Band 1
James Kendal
2
James Kendal
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by Clayton Utz

Andrew Leece

Head of Department

Chris Slocombe

Damien Gardiner

Karen Trainor

Michael Richardson

Nick Thomas

Sarah Jones

Industries

Provided by Clayton Utz

Construction, Infrastructure and Project Finance

Government