Allens maintains its standing at the top of the Australian disputes market, acting in some of the country’s most significant and reputationally sensitive litigation. Andrew Maher leads the group and balances a busy practice spanning commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement, class actions and royal commissions, often at the forefront of matters with a significant industry impact. Belinda Thompson is highly regarded for her work in financial services disputes and complex product liability litigation, while Ross Drinnan brings extensive experience in large-scale commercial cases. Peter Haig is noted for steering major corporate investigations, and Kim Reid continues to advise on high-value class actions and regulatory challenges. Clients describe the team as ‘highly commercial' and 'proactive’.

Regarded as ‘the goldilocks of firms‘ by one client, Ashurst’s disputes bench is trusted to handle the largest, most complex matters across financial services, class actions and high-stakes commercial litigation. Practice head Ian Bolster is active in market-shaping class actions and major fraud proceedings. Nicholas Mavrakis is a go-to for investigations and follow-on litigation in the financial sector; clients praise him as a ‘great litigator’. Andrew Carter is a name to note for regulatory and corporate investigations, and John Pavlakis leads heavyweight class action defences and multi-party claims; one client says he is ‘always 10 steps ahead in litigation’. The team’s financial services depth is reinforced by Felicity Healy’s contentious regulatory expertise, while Wen-Ts’ai Lim and Catherine Pedler handle complex, large-scale commercial disputes.

Clayton Utz continues to be a leading force in high-stakes litigation, handling some of the most complex commercial, regulatory and class action disputes in the market, underpinned by the breadth of its national bench. Greg Williams steers the practice and is widely known for his role in market-defining disputes, while Jonathan Slater and Alexandra Rose are key figures in regulatory and corporate litigation. Katie Wood is commended for her ability to manage large-scale matters, and Tobin Meagher is noted for his 'excellent attention to detail, very good responsiveness and all-around diligence'. The team is highlighted for its ‘great depth of talent to call on’.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth fields an impressive litigation team, which regularly handles high-stakes disputes across numerous sectors. Charles Scerri KC brings significant courtroom expertise to the team, which is led by Mark Wilks, described as one of the country’s most prominent litigators, with a reputation for steering the largest and most sensitive commercial disputes. The highly regarded Kirsty Sutherland excels in Western Australian energy and natural resources litigation, while Simon Johnson is a standout figure in technology and financial services disputes. Anna Ross brings expertise in regulatory and public law litigation; David Anthony leverages financial services expertise in high-value corporate disputes; Alicia Salvo specialises in restructuring and insolvency litigation, navigating distressed-debt matters; and Frieda Chan is active in technology and media disputes.

Gilbert + Tobin’s disputes and investigations team is recognised as one of Australia’s strongest litigation practices, handling some of the most complex and strategically significant matters in the market. Richard Harris leads the group and is highly regarded for commercial disputes and regulatory investigations, praised for his ‘depth of experience, knowledge and strategic advice’. Colleen Platford is a trusted adviser on high-stakes litigation, described as ‘the person you want on your team for any bet-the-company litigation’, while Crispian Lynch ‘inspires confidence’. Janet Whiting continues to act in market-defining disputes in Victoria, cementing her reputation as a go-to practitioner for complex, multi-party proceedings.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP’s disputes team remains a dominant force in complex commercial and class action litigation across Australia. The practice is led by the highly regarded Ante Golem, whose expertise spans large-scale corporate disputes and shareholder actions. Specialist Jason Betts is noted for his defence of some of the country’s leading class actions, regulatory investigations and product liability cases. Damian Grave brings three decades of experience in high-profile corporate and regulatory matters, while Anna Sutherland is trusted by boards to navigate the most sensitive litigation. Cameron Hanson regularly acts in multi-party class actions and high-stakes investigations, and Leon Chung handles critical disputes for leading corporates.

King & Wood Mallesons excels in high-stakes commercial litigation, class actions and regulatory inquiries, acting for clients in the financial services, technology and public sectors. Practice head Matthew Swinn leads a cohesive national team, including Domenic Gatto, who defends clients in major corporate litigation, and Moira Saville (praised as the 'best of the best' by a client) and Alexander Morris ('one the best commercial litigators in Australia'), who handle financial services class actions. Emma Costello manages public inquiries, while Ben Kiely focuses on telecommunications disputes.

A&O Shearman is regularly instructed on complex cross-border litigation and arbitration. Clients commend the group’s ‘excellent partner-level practitioners’. The Perth-based Mark Van Brakel is widely recognised for handling ‘bet-the-company’ disputes in the energy and resources sector, and co-managing partner David Jenaway is described as a ‘market-leading litigator’. In the Sydney office, Michael Shepherd is prominent in high-profile trials and regulatory investigations. The team was bolstered by the arrival of Amy Middlebrook from Baker McKenzie in February 2025, expanding its financial services and class actions capability.

Arnold Bloch Leibler is a go-to firm for complex commercial disputes, with a particularly strong reputation for shareholder litigation. Leon Zwier is a central figure for politically sensitive and high-stakes matters, and Elyse Hilton focuses on large-scale commercial litigation, class actions and complex corporate, competition and IP disputes. Raphael Leibler has experience in domestic and cross-border disputes, acting for corporates and high-net-worth individuals, and Jonathan Milner is highlighted for managing clients and counsel ‘superbly’. Justin Vaatstra 'stands out for his sharp commercial judgement'.

Baker McKenzie's Australian dispute resolution team focuses on large-scale litigation, with a balanced focus on commercial disputes, class actions and regulatory enforcement. The group is led by David McCredie, noted for his track record in shareholder and franchise disputes. Mark Chapple is a go-to practitioner for high-stakes litigation, while Georgie Farrant is trusted for her handling of sensitive regulatory matters and investigations. Helen Joyce is respected for her work in competition and consumer enforcement, while Alex Wolff brings extensive experience in white-collar criminal law and corporate investigations. Paul Forbes and Ryan Grant add depth in class actions, technology disputes and cyber-related matters.

Johnson Winter Slattery is noted as 'commercial, efficient and proactive in driving matters forward towards resolution'. Robert Johnston is a market heavyweight with four decades of experience, regarded as a trusted strategist in class actions and commercial litigation. Paul Reidy is central to the firm’s reputation, leading on some of the most significant matters in the market. Mark Easton is sought after for company-critical disputes, praised as ‘a real-world lawyer with a tactical brain who really comes through on the big and important matters’. James Love also stands out for high-stakes litigation.

Jones Day’s disputes practice in Australia is known for handling high-value litigation and regulatory matters. John Cooper in Brisbane brings decades of experience in complex natural resources and infrastructure disputes. Annie Leeks is commended for her work in high-stakes commercial litigation. One client noted that ‘the team, led by Annie Leeks, comprises both Brisbane and Perth lawyers who are responsive, transparent and provide tailored solutions’. Daniel Moloney left the firm.

Minter Ellison’s disputes group is recognised for its ability to manage complex and sensitive litigation, including class actions, regulatory enforcement and precedent-setting litigation. Ross Freeman is regarded as one of the country’s leading litigators, with deep experience in commercial disputes and regulatory proceedings. Beverley Newbold is widely praised as a go-to adviser for major corporate disputes and class actions. James Beaton has established himself as a leading figure in regulatory litigation and inquiries, while David Taylor is recognised as a pre-eminent class action specialist.

Norton Rose Fulbright’s Australian disputes team handles a balanced caseload of complex commercial litigation, class action defence, international arbitration and high-stakes regulatory enforcement. The practice is sector-led across consumer markets, energy and resources, financial services, infrastructure and technology, and is routinely engaged on cross-border, precedent-shaping matters. The team is noted for striking ‘a perfect balance between short-term tactical and longer-term strategic intent‘. The group is led by Cameron Harvey; other standouts in the team include Dylan McKimmie for energy and resources disputes and arbitration, Tamlyn Mills for international arbitration, and regulatory specialists Andrew Riordan and Kim MacKay.

Clifford Chance fields a litigation team known for handling complex, high-value and often cross-border disputes. The ‘professional, responsive and commercial‘ group is led in Australia by Cameron Hassall, with deep experience in commercial litigation and arbitration, particularly across energy, infrastructure, aviation and banking. Naomi Griffin is a standout in class actions, regulatory investigations and commercial disputes, with experience before Australian superior courts. In July 2025, the team was strengthened by the arrival of Brad Woodhouse from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, who brought two decades of experience in high-stakes class actions spanning financial services, product liability and professional negligence.

DLA Piper is equipped to handle complex disputes, with a particular specialism in insurance cases. The team is noted for delivering ‘straightforward, practical advice often within very tight timeframes’. The Brisbane-based Liam Prescott leads the practice, with a focus on multi-jurisdictional disputes, while Melbourne’s Kieran O’Brien brings specialist expertise in class actions and cross-border litigation. Gowri Kangeson handles high-stakes commercial disputes, and the Sydney-based Gitanjali Bajaj is prominent in international arbitration and complex litigation.

Hall & Wilcox maintains a strong disputes presence across Australia. Practice head Mark Petrucco is widely respected for insolvency and financial services litigation, while chief executive partner Graydon Dowd continues to be sought after for complex commercial disputes. Kathryn Howard is highlighted as a ‘first-class lawyer and excellent strategist’, and David Dickens is commended as ‘highly intelligent, diligent and careful’. Penelope Ford brings significant expertise in natural resources and projects disputes. Recent changes include the arrival of Scott Harris from Hogan Lovells in April 2025 and the departure of Tom McMahon in January 2025.

K&L Gates’ ‘incredibly thorough and capable’ litigation and dispute resolution group is highlighted for its strength in handling complex commercial disputes, class actions, regulatory investigations and Royal Commissions. The practice is led by Tim Webster in Sydney, praised for his ‘outstanding command of the issues’. Lucy Williams is noted for defending professional indemnity and regulatory claims, while Christien Corns has a notable track record in commercial and defamation disputes. In Perth, Nicholas Brown is recognised for his expertise in white-collar criminal law, cybercrime and managed investment scheme litigation.

Mills Oakley maintains a strong position in commercial disputes and insolvency litigation, handling complex and high-stakes matters across Australia. Clients highlight the team’s ‘deep understanding of litigation-related issues’. Andrew Brown in Melbourne leads the team and has a track record representing clients before the High Court of Australia, as well as the Federal Courts. The highly regarded Bernice Ellis is especially experienced in insolvency litigation and partnership and shareholder disputes. Stephen Dickens navigates insolvency and banking disputes with governance-focused advice, while Ariel Borland excels in insolvency litigation. Taline Chater secures strategic settlements in corporate disputes, and Darren James handles class actions and arbitration. January 2025 saw the departure of senior partner Stuart Walter.

Piper Alderman’s disputes team specialises in high-stakes commercial and regulatory litigation across the financial services, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, acting for ASX-listed firms and global corporates. The team is noted as having ‘incredible depth at all levels’. McKenzie Moore excels in financial regulation and cross-border litigation; Gordon Grieve navigates high-profile corporate and energy disputes; and Louise Gehrig handles estate and commercial litigation. National head Martin del Gallego brings expertise in complex shareholder and insurance disputes, leading a group that continues to expand, with notable arrivals including Paul Venus from Holding Redlich, and former Squire Patton Boggs partners Brent Henderson, Cris Cureton and David Starkoff.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP stands out in high-stakes business litigation, handling complex commercial disputes and class actions for both plaintiffs and defendants. Practice head Michelle Fox leads a national team, with Damian Scattini managing plaintiff-side class actions and Beau Deleuil defending corporate litigation, being praised for providing ‘thoughtful, balanced’ advice. The highly regarded Elan Sasson handles contentious insolvency matters. The firm’s strength lies in its focused litigation approach, navigating high-profile regulatory and corporate disputes across the private equity, automotive and energy sectors.

Clyde & Co LLP’s litigation practice is recognised for its strength across insurance, construction and commercial disputes, with a focus on complex, high-stakes matters. Gareth Horne leads on insurance litigation and class actions, while Ernest Van Buuren brings unique marine expertise as a lawyer and master mariner. Matthew Smith is active in large infrastructure disputes, and Jenny Thornton is noted for professional indemnity and directors’ and officers’ work. The team expanded in May 2025 with Janine Clark joining from Kennedys, with considerable expertise in personal injury claims, third party property damage and coverage disputes. James Rigney is also noted.

Gadens Lawyers is led by seasoned litigators with deep experience across regulatory proceedings, class actions and commercial disputes. Patrick Walsh is noted for his standing in complex litigation and arbitration, while Rebecca Laban has a notable track record in disputes in the financial services sector. Simon Theodore is recognised for his work on class actions and commercial disputes, and Kelly Griffiths is highly regarded for regulatory enforcement matters. Clients praise the team for its ‘strong technical skills' and 'deep understanding of litigation issues and excellent efficiency’.

HFW’s dispute resolution practice is noted for its strength in large-scale litigation and arbitration, with depth across class actions, corporate disputes, insolvency and regulatory investigations. Paul Evans remains a central figure, handling high-value commercial litigation in competition, natural resources and governance matters. Jo Delaney is recognised for cross-border arbitration expertise, while Maurice Thompson is sought after for complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes in shipping, commodities and biosecurity. Clients praise the group for its ‘strong technical skills’ and describe David Suttner, who regularly acts in sophisticated commercial disputes and advisory work, as having ‘a strong commercial mindset’.

Maddocks’ dispute resolution and litigation practice draws on the strength of its senior partners. Gina Wilson is highlighted for 'being across the detail while maintaining focus on the key issues’; she specialises in contractual disputes, competition litigation, regulatory disputes and enforcement, property-related disputes and administrative litigation. The Canberra-based Rosalie Byrne is renowned for her skills in government and commercial litigation. Norman Lucas also offers extensive experience across complex commercial and regulatory disputes, and Shaun Temby is described as ‘exceptional’, particularly in matters involving restrictive trade practices and consumer law matters. Michelle Dixon remains a trusted figure in inquiries and investigations, with particular expertise in investigations and administrative law disputes.

McCullough Robertson’s litigation and dispute resolution group handles high-stakes disputes and regulatory matters nationwide, with a strong alternative dispute resolution focus. The team is led by Guy Humble in Brisbane and Jason Munstermann in Sydney. Peter Stokes adds strength in complex regulatory and commercial disputes. Clients highlight the group’s ‘pragmatic, commercial lens’ and praise Munstermann as ‘very responsive, proactive and engaged’.

Thomson Geer’s litigation team is highlighted for its ‘exceptional strategic approach’ and ‘depth of experience across the team’. Sylvia Fernandez is noted for her ability to ‘develop strategies for dispute resolution and to execute those strategies effectively‘. Jodi Walkom is described as ‘an exceptional talent’ with a growing practice, while Marlia Saunders, Justin Quill and John-Paul Cashen are recognised leaders in media litigation. Recent 2025 additions include partner Mandi Jacobson from Hogan Lovells, bolstering the group’s regulatory and life sciences expertise.

Aptum Legal's team focuses on complex commercial and tax disputes, led by litigation specialists Nigel Evans and Michael Buscema. Buscema leverages his deep tax expertise in high-value disputes, while the 'extremely intelligent’ Evans brings broad commercial litigation expertise. David Adason, now also a practice head, plays a central role in the firm's major litigation mandates. Clients highlight the firm’s ‘strategic thinking from the start’.

Cooper Grace Ward’s litigation group operates from Queensland and specialises in complex, high-value disputes, covering corporate, property, insolvency and professional negligence cases, among others, and acting for national and multinational clients. Rocco Russo is described as ‘a very effective operator’. The team is praised as ‘very well organised and operating as a unit’, able to deliver ‘very focussed and well-structured briefs’. Miranda Klibbe is active in large-scale commercial and property litigation and is highly regarded by clients.

Deutsch Miller specialises in commercial litigation, with notable expertise in cases involving trusts, fraud, and the gaming sector. Practice heads Mark Deutsch, who has experience in multi-jurisdictional corporate and trust litigation, and Shane Anderton, who navigates financial fraud and regulatory disputes, lead a Sydney-based team. Chris Stevens manages fraud litigation; Chris Langby defends breach of confidence claims; and Rosemary Kanan advises on regulatory disputes. Maggie Chen joined from J Stephens & Associates in 2025, strengthening the team’s corporate disputes offering.

Giles George, a boutique powerhouse, specialises in high-stakes cases with reputational risk, including defamation, misconduct and complex commercial litigation. Rebekah Giles focuses on both commercial and sensitive criminal law matters. Patrick George navigates defamation cases and complex commercial disputes. Special counsel Jeremy Marel is active in commercial and insurance litigation, with particular expertise in defamation and media law.

Hamilton Locke’s litigation practice is led by Brit Ibanez, who specialises in business disputes, including trust and estate conflicts. Sophie Uhlhorn, who joined from Corrs Chambers Westgarth in February 2025, brings additional antitrust expertise to the team, and Tim Grave navigates multifaceted regulatory probes, while Chris Hood handles high-profile commercial litigation in Western Australia. The Sydney-based Eric Braun specialises in complex contractual, technology and corporate disputes, including cross-border cases.

Holding Redlich stands out for its sector expertise in real estate, renewables and transportation. Greg Wrobel, practice group leader, specialises in complex commercial and corporate litigation, with a particular specialism in regulatory disputes, commissions of inquiry and administrative law. Martin Deutsch handles property and leasing disputes, while Howard Rapke advises on litigation involving all forms of commercial issues, with notable experience advising companies and individuals on insurance cases.

Ironbridge Legal handles high-value insolvency disputes and has 'made a large impact on the insolvency litigation landscape over the last five years'. The team is also equipped to handle a broad range of contractual disputes. Practice head Trevor Withane leads the Sydney-based team, with Patrick Gallego managing insolvency litigation and Radith Khan handling commercial disputes.

Jackson McDonald excels in complex commercial litigation, handling defamation, anti-competitive conduct, misleading representations, public examinations, and workplace safety cases. Eva Lin leads the Perth dispute resolution team, managing disputes in the superior courts related to energy and financial services. Marcus Pullen is active in high-stakes litigation in the Supreme Court and Federal Court.

Kennedys’ litigation practice is renowned for its global expertise in navigating complex insurance disputes, with Matt Andrews leading the Australia-based team. Nicole Wearne leads on major coverage claims, and Penny Taylor is active in complex appeals. Llinos Kent, dual qualified in Australia and England and Wales, acts for domestic and international clients. The team's expertise extends to health and care litigation and defamation matters, particularly for high-profile individuals and businesses.

KHQ Lawyers handles a range of commercial work and is a popular choice for accounting firms. Nahum Ayliffe specialises in complex restructurings and Paul Welling regularly handles contentious corporate matters. Yudi New acts in commercial litigation for a broad range of clients. Christina McElwain’s May 2025 arrival from Gilbert + Tobin strengthens the firm’s insolvency expertise.

Macpherson Kelley ‘s litigation team stands out for its ‘commercial approach to matters‘. Nathanael Kitingan regularly advises on multifaceted restructurings, while Chris Frawley‘s experience extends to contractual disputes, intellectual property concerns and shareholder cases. Daniel Wignall specialises in crypto tracing in debt recoveries, and Stefanie Orlando has experience in disputes across a broad range of sectors, including financial services and agribusiness.

McCabes excels in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, handling breach of contract claims, insolvency proceedings, corporate law disputes, property conflicts and intellectual property cases. The team is jointly led by Andrew Lacey, who has expertise in complex commercial and corporate disputes, Chiara Rawlins, who specialises in breach of contract and competition disputes, and Foez Dewan, who handles corporate and estate disputes.

Moray & Agnew adeptly handles complex disputes involving insurance, construction and defamation issues. Led by Ian Denham, Phil Keays, Richard Midgley, Sazz Nasimi, Patrick Kaluski, Megan Palmer and Sarah Hammond, the Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, and Newcastle commercial disputes team excels in class actions, property disputes and insolvency matters. It is highlighted for its 'focus on achieving sensible commercial outcomes for clients'.

White & Case excels in high-value, cross-border litigation, focusing on complex disputes in the infrastructure, energy and technology sectors. Practice head Brad Strahorn leads the team, with Kate Perumal handling construction litigation, Lee Carroll active in international arbitration, and Ashleigh Cole specialising in infrastructure disputes. Charlie Rae joined from Clifford Chance in January 2025, bringing cross-border dispute experience in energy, resources, infrastructure, aviation and manufacturing cases.