White-Collar Crime & Corporate Investigations
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9225 5000About
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills
Fraud is estimated to cost US$4.23 trillion worldwide. The risk of falling victim to fraud and other white collar and corporate crime raises significant reputational risks for companies and individuals, not least of which is the potential exposure to highly damaging civil, criminal and administrative sanctions,
Acting in such complex and sensitive matters requires more than an understanding of the legal issues. It calls for a strategic and seamless approach, the ability to deal with a range of different law enforcement agencies and regulators, advising on contentious and non-contentious aspects and related issues such as public relations, shareholder communications, insurance and employment issues.
Our world-class corporate crime and investigations team specialises in global white collar crime compliance and investigations work in more than 40 countries across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the US.
We work on clients' most significant cases, whether in terms of size, complexity or sensitivity, with a particular specialism in those involving multiple jurisdictions, regulators and law enforcement bodies.
We can help you with all aspects of corporate criminal matters including defending companies, senior executives and employees in prosecutions or enforcement actions. We advise on settlements with prosecutors and regulators, asset tracing and recovery, and also associated disputes including contentious employment proceedings.
Chambers Review
Herbert Smith Freehills commands general market endorsement as one of the leading players in this space, drawing on its combination of national and regional experience and global capability. The law firm advises businesses and individuals subject to investigations and actions brought by the Australian Federal Police and Independent Commission Against Corruption, as well as full risk identification and compliance services. The team forms part of one of the largest white-collar crime practices in the Asia-Pacific region and is especially highly valued for its expertise in China-related mandates, underpinned by constant interaction with the firm's leading Greater China anti-corruption practice.
Work Highlights
- Herbert Smith Freehillsrepresented a former senior employee of Shell in long-running criminal proceedings in Milan in relation to his alleged involvement in an international conspiracy to bribe Nigerian public officials.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"In addition to being technically very strong lawyers, HSF is able to deliver concise and pragmatic advice consistently. The can take very complex problems and make them relatable."
"The firm is made up of technically excellent lawyers whose deep legal knowledge and commercial understanding is well complemented by the ability to look at issues from all angles."
"In addition to being technically very strong lawyers, HSF is able to deliver concise and pragmatic advice consistently. The can take very complex problems and make them relatable."
"The firm is made up of technically excellent lawyers whose deep legal knowledge and commercial understanding is well complemented by the ability to look at issues from all angles."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Eastwood maintains a broad practice and has experience acting for clients in relation to foreign bribery matters and criminal proceedings commenced by regulatory bodies.
"Andrew Eastwood is a pleasure to work with and makes my job as an in-house lawyer easy. He is highly skilled, responsive and understands the commercial realities of our organisation."
Anna Sutherland acts for an impressive clientele including major corporates, whom she assists in relation to a range of matters, such as investigations and criminal exposure.
Elizabeth Macknay is an established figure in the market who acts for clients on a range of matters relating to corporate crime and investigations, frequently representing clients in the energy and resources sector.
"Elizabeth is a lawyer with an excellent preparation, international vision and incomparable professional and human availability. She is a great leader."
"Elizabeth Macknay has excellent legal knowledge and is always willing to bring her vast experience to bear in her pragmatic, dependable advice."
Jacqueline Wootton advises on regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, as well as assisting clients on contentious matters.
"Jacqueline Wootton possesses excellent legal knowledge and a strong ability to analyse an issue from all sides, inspiring confidence in her advice."
Leon Chung regularly acts for international companies, their boards and senior executives as part of a comprehensive corporate crime and investigations practice. He is particularly well placed to advise on corruption investigations and sanctions regimes.
"Leon's ability to unpack the issues and advise efficiently was impressive. He instilled confidence with his sharpness and calm demeanour."
Ranked Lawyers at
Herbert Smith Freehills
Australia
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Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills