General Business Law
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Papua New Guinea
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+675 308 4600Chambers Review
Dentons is a global firm with a market-leading presence in Papua New Guinea, frequently advising local government entities on complex regulatory issues. Its team maintains a strong presence in the energy, resources and financial services sectors, and is respected for its litigation capability. It regularly acts for both local corporates and international investors, and is well placed to leverage the resources of an international network in support of local mandates. Notable clients include TWL Energy Ventures, Santos and PNG Sustainable Development Program.
Work Highlights
- Dentons PNG acted for Puma Energy in proceedings commenced by the Bank of Papua New Guinea, in which the bank claimed that Puma breached the terms and conditions of an authority given to Puma to operate an offshore account in Singapore.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons have a team of very strong practitioners with excellent communication and delivery."
"The showed very strong awareness of the commercial context in which advice was being sought, and the structure of their advice also reflected that awareness."
"Dentons have a team of very strong practitioners with excellent communication and delivery."
"The showed very strong awareness of the commercial context in which advice was being sought, and the structure of their advice also reflected that awareness."
Notable Practitioners
Ian Clarke has acted on Papua New Guinea-related matters for over 40 years, many of which saw him based in the jurisdiction. He continues to advise on matters of public policy and those concerning major projects. Ian is a consultant at Dentons' Sydney office.
Erik Andersen specialises in litigation mandates and is a published authority on Papua New Guinea jurisprudence, regularly conducting his own court advocacy in cases covering disputes from many business sectors.
"Erik has a wide level of experience which enables him to form views on a broad range of issues.
"He is an industry-leading practitioner."
Stephen Massa heads the practice and plays leading roles on many of its key mandates, being particularly well known for his financial expertise and handling of resources-related matters.
"He is a very practical lawyer. A very, very good man to have on your side."
Jason Brooks is a Port Moresby-based partner who has a broad dispute resolution practice that includes expertise regarding land, administrative and employment issues.
"I was impressed with Jason Brooks' ability to quickly prepare well-drafted, concise court documents."
Steve Patrick is based in Dentons' Port Moresby office, where he advises on commercial and natural resources matters. He also has experience practising in the Solomon Islands and Australia.
"Steve has a very high level of commercial skills and a very good understanding of the corporate environment, which makes him a first-choice lawyer in regard to complex corporate and commercial work."