Dispute Resolution

Herbert Smith Freehills' vast practice covers the fullest range of disciplines and is much appreciated by clients for combining great regional depth with an integrated global capability. The firm acts for both foreign and domestic household-name clients on the most complex and high-profile commercial litigation and regulatory investigations and is widely regarded as a market leader in the class action space. It is further noted for the full integration of its arbitration capability with the firm's international offering in the region and for the increasing use of alternative legal services and legal project management teams to augment and streamline the representation of clients across Australia. It readily draws upon expertise from across the firm to provide crisis management support in emergencies. Key clients include Google, Santos and Marsh & McLennan.

"The team is very approachable and always available."

"Herbert Smith Freehills has demonstrated impressive skills in handling complex matters with a combination of legal skill and strategy."

"All team members are technically well skilled."

Herbert Smith Freehills represented multiple Uber entities in five class-action lawsuits filed by licensed taxi drivers and owners, as well as hire car drivers and owners, across the states of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.

Jason Betts is widely acknowledged by both clients and fellow lawyers as a leading class action defence lawyer who is noted for strength in shareholder class actions.Sydney-based, he also acts extensively on regulatory investigations and prosecutions. "Jason Betts of Herbert Smith Freehills is fantastic." "Jason Betts is the most in-demand litigator in New South Wales. He's extremely good."

Damian Grave is an experienced adviser with over 25 years' hands-on experience of commercial litigation. He is particularly respected for his insights into class action defence and third-party litigation funding. "I really appreciated Damian's honest and open communication style. Damian's leadership from the top ensured that we had open and direct engagement with all members of the team, and that the Herbert Smith Freehills team understood the key drivers for us as client."

Luke Hastings commands widespread recognition in the regulatory litigation space, with a much-prized familiarity with the inside workings of both banks and regulatory authorities informing his strategic insight. He is based in Sydney. "Luke Hastings is knowledgeable and a calm and steady influence at Herbert Smith Freehills."

Andrew Eastwood specialises in contentious regulatory issues, particularly those affecting players in the financial services sector.He is based in Sydney. "Andrew is an impressive operator with a very solid understanding of financial services law and enforcement behaviour. His ability to simplify an issue and communicate a view is superb."

Anna Sutherland leads the Herbert Smith Freehills Australian dispute resolution team from the Sydney office, uniting this role with that of co-head of the firm's global disputes teams. She enjoys a high reputation for her combination of assured case management with a strong focus on client care and communication.

Cameron Hanson handles both commercial disputes, notably including class actions, and regulatory investigations from the Sydney office, being particularly well known for his work for financial services sector clients and additionally active in the energy and resources space. "Cameron has the outstanding ability to get across details of complicated litigation, does what has to be done and makes good judgement on the conduct of matters." "Cameron Hanson is a fantastic litigator."

Leon Chung is based in Sydney and offers experience across an impressively broad range of commercial disputes, regulatory proceedings and a variety of alternative dispute resolution processes. His range of experience includes advising on consumer and competition law, as well as on a variety of commercial arbitrations. "Leon Chung has a broad and diverse list of clients and has the ability across all his matters." "Leon Chung is a top litigator. He can bring his ability to bear on a wide variety of matters."