With offices in Sydney and Perth, multinational law firm A&O Shearman specialises in domestic and international commercial disputes, with sector strengths in the energy, mining and natural resources sector. Mark Van Brakel leads the dispute resolution team and acts in superior court litigation in a range of disputes, including engineering and project-related cases, as well as corporate, director and shareholder disputes. Michael Shepherd represents domestic and international clients in commercial litigation and contentious regulatory matters, and David Jenaway has a focus on litigation in the oil and gas sector. Heather Sandell is noted for her specialism in insolvency litigation, including acting for various stakeholders, as well as insolvency practitioners and unsecured creditors.

Allens regularly acts in high-profile and high-value disputes and investigations in the Australian market. Team members represent clients in landmark litigation, including challenges in key projects in the Asia Pacific region, as well as disputes within the corporate, commercial and regulatory spaces in Australia. Andrew Maher heads the disputes and investigations team in Sydney, and has a diverse practice covering commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement, class actions and royal commissions. Belinda Thompson specialises in large-scale financial services litigation, as well as product liability litigation, and Ross Drinnan has vast experience in complex commercial disputes. In significant developments, Sonia Millen joined the firm, and Kirsty Prinsloo, Tarsha Gavin and Kenneth Imako were promoted to partner.

Ashurst’s dispute resolution group continues to be instructed in investigation and enforcement matters, as well as disputes in the financial services, energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Team members regularly act for ASX companies in ‘bet the company’ litigation, with head of the Australian dispute resolution and global class actions practice Ian Bolster recognised for his experience in commercial litigation. Nicholas Mavrakis represents domestic and foreign corporate and banking clients in litigation, as well as in investigations undertaken by Australian regulatory bodies including ASIC, the ATO and the ACCC. Andrew Carter is highlighted as ‘an able and intelligent litigator‘, and Rani John is often involved in commercial litigation for corporates, alongside matters concerning alleged bribery of public officials. Wen-Ts’ai Lim acts for blue-chip clients and has acted in high-profile, ‘bet the company’ cases.

Noted for its ‘deep bench and significant experience across the full range of high-end commercial dispute resolution work in Australia', Clayton Utz provides a full service to both domestic and international clients within dispute resolution. Its team members are able to assist in a broad range of work, from competition litigation to financial services matters, product liability and commercial litigation. Greg Williams leads the commercial litigation practice and has a track record in handling disputes for clients in a variety of sectors, including pharmaceutical, automotive and banking. Ross McInnes assists clients navigating consumer litigation, as well as crisis management and regulatory investigations and enforcement, while Scott Grahame represents clients in workplace investigations and mass consumer remediation programmes. Alexandra Rose advises clients in high-stakes litigation across the health, consumer goods and automotive industries, and Katie Wood is noted for her litigation advice to clients in the banking and financial services sector.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth’s commercial litigation practice is led by Mark Wilks, who stands out for his experience in leading his team in ‘bet the company’ disputes. The team works with a range of clients, from global corporates to banks, energy and natural resources companies, as well as government entities. The firm works closely with other firms in the US and UK to assist in cross-border disputes that require advice on aspects of Australian law. In Perth, Kirsty Sutherland specialises in large-scale disputes in the energy and natural resources industries, while Simon Johnson represents a range of blue-chip clients in the technology and financial services sectors. David Anthony specialises in corporate and commercial disputes, and is the head of diversity and inclusion at the firm. Frieda Chan is noted for her competition litigation expertise.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’ disputes practice is well regarded for its depth of experience in ‘bet the company’ litigation, as well as commercial litigation involving a variety of sectors and areas, including AI, energy transition, private capital and cryptocurrency. Situated in Sydney, Anna Sutherland leads the practice and covers high-profile corporate and regulatory advisory work, as well as commercial disputes and crisis management. Jason Betts is noted for his litigation experience in product liability matters, as well as corporate distress liability issues, while Damian Grave is experienced in litigation matters both in Australia and the UK. Luke Hastings is a key advisor to high-profile banking clients, and Elizabeth Macknay advises domestic and international clients in the mining and natural resources sectors. Ante Golem heads the Perth disputes team and advises major oil and gas clients on disputes. Juliana Warner left the firm in July 2024.

Noted for its ‘strong sense of teamwork, strong legal knowledge and extensive practical experience’, Arnold Bloch Leibler continues to act in high-profile commercial litigation and ‘bet the company’ disputes. Leon Zwier heads the practice and has been involved in a number of matters advising corporations, governmental entities and leaders on all sides of the political spectrum. Justin Vaatstra is experienced in commercial disputes, shareholder litigation and intellectual property disputes, while Teresa Ward focuses on financial and commercial disputes. Elyse Hilton acts for public and private companies, as well as high-net-worth individuals in the Supreme, Federal and appellate courts, and Susanna Ford specialises in corporate litigation and corporate regulatory inquiries. In team developments, Raphael Leibler and Ben Friis-O’Toole were promoted to partner.

Led by David McCredie, who is noted for his expertise in product liability litigation and commercial disputes, Baker McKenzie is experienced in acting for global and local companies across a wide range of industries, with particular depth in healthcare and life sciences, IT, telecoms, financial services and consumer goods. Alex Wolff is a seasoned dispute resolution practitioner, and Mark Chapple has over thirty-five years' experience in litigation. Paul Forbes handles technology and telecoms cases, including in relation to privacy and cybersecurity, while Georgie Farrant has a focus on litigation within the financial services industry.

Gilbert + Tobin has been involved in numerous corporate and commercial disputes, with the team having acted on matters involving large claims for local and international clients. The team has also been active in regulatory investigations and enforcement, with practice head Richard Harris assisting large corporates and boards through investigations, as well as disputes and litigation. Colleen Platford specialises in all aspects of commercial litigation. Janet Whiting leads the disputes and investigations practice in Melbourne and advises a range of clients, including global corporations and ASX top 50 companies, as well as governments and regulators. Crispian Lynch is active in commercial litigation and class actions, and Antonia Garling is noted for her experience in ASIC and ACCC regulatory investigations and commercial disputes.

Hall & Wilcox acts from six offices in Australia, and its commercial dispute resolution team is noted for the full service provided to clients, from commercial litigation, including contractual and banking and finance disputes, to employment disputes. Mark Petrucco leads the practice and, alongside Graydon Dowd, acts on behalf of a number of national and international clients in high-profile commercial litigation and disputes in the financial services sector. Penelope Ford handles construction and project disputes for a range of commercial and government clients, and Hamish McNair is a name to note for his experience as a commercial litigator, as well as handling corporate and trust disputes.

The ‘excellent‘ dispute resolution team at Johnson Winter Slattery is well regarded for its expertise in ‘bet the company’ and other significant disputes across Australia, especially in the corporate, regulatory, insolvency, competition and tax areas. Team members are active in high-profile litigation for corporates and government regulators. Robert Johnston leads the team in Sydney and is noted for his expertise in commercial and insurance disputes. One client notes that Paul Reidy and Joseph Scarcella 'are elite’. Tom Jarvis has acted in corporate and commercial litigation, and has appeared before Royal Commissions and public inquiries on behalf of Government bodies. Felicity Karageorge and Nicholas Briggs are names to note.

Recognised for its ‘depth of knowledge and experience,’ Jones Day advises global and national companies, including directors and officers, in litigation matters, as well as in connection with regulatory enforcement actions, particularly by ASIC, APRA, AUSTRAC and the AFP/CDPP. The team benefits from its integration with the firm's global disputes practice, which enables the office in Australia to assist in matters across the globe, ranging from major commercial disputes to IP litigation. John Cooper leads the global disputes practice and is the partner in charge of the Brisbane office, and has a focus on claims and litigation for clients in a variety of sectors, including natural resources and manufacturing. John Emmerig handles litigation for multinationals and Australian companies, including advising on ‘bet the company’ cases, and Holly Sara is noted for her expertise in corporate disputes and litigation. Sally Stitz is a name to note for her experience acting for clients in the financial services and energy sectors.

Led by managing partner Matthew Swinn, King & Wood Mallesons is experienced in commercial, regulatory and corporate litigation across a range of industries. Team members have advised on ‘bet the company’ matters for clients, as well as regulatory and class action litigation. Moira Saville is active in class action litigation, and is noted for being a ‘highly trusted adviser on class actions and large-scale litigation’. Alexander Morris is skilled in commercial litigation, and Domenic Gatto handles high-stakes disputes for major corporates. Emma Costello is skilled in multi-faceted litigation and has assisted high-profile government clients. Eleanor Atkins and Mikkeli Godfree are also names to note.

Minter Ellison‘s dispute resolution practice covers a full range of services, from assisting in commercial and regulatory disputes to advising clients on commissions of inquiry and litigation relating to intellectual property, competition, tax, insurance and insolvency. Team members are also experienced in representing clients on both sides of public inquiries, with James Beaton skilled in regulatory investigations and commissions of inquiry. Ross Freeman represents clients in ASIC and ASX investigations, alongside civil penalty proceedings. ‘Standout litigator‘ Beverley Newbold handles cross-border corporate disputes and acts for ASX-listed and government-owned companies, and Glen Ward represents clients in ‘bet the company’ cases and is experienced in regulatory defence matters.

Norton Rose Fulbright‘s litigation department is sector focused, handling domestic and cross-border litigation for a range of industries, including energy, mining, financial services, infrastructure and technology. The firm is focused on five key areas within dispute resolution, from contentious regulatory matters and investigations to class action defence and commercial litigation and restructuring, with Jack Pembroke-Birss handling commercial litigation for clients in the financial services, energy and natural resources sectors. In government litigation, the team has assisted government agencies in defence of investor-state claims. Tamlyn Mills and Peter Cash handle international arbitration award enforcement. Grant Bonner is recognised for his experience in commercial dispute resolution and his expertise in large-scale litigation.

Clifford Chance’s litigation and dispute resolution practice specialises in multi-jurisdictional litigation, as well as regulatory investigations across the world. In particular, team members are skilled in ‘business critical’ litigation, acting for a range of clients, including corporates, professional advisers and individuals, in litigation in the Federal and Supreme Courts in Australia and in international courts. Spencer Flay handles litigation within projects and construction, and Naomi Griffin is experienced in commercial litigation and parliamentary enquiries. Donna Wacker is regarded for her work acting for financial institutions and individuals in large-scale, cross-border litigation, including audit negligence claims, and Julia Dreosti handles cross-border litigation in a variety of sectors, including aerospace and defence. Alexandra Zhu is noted for her litigation expertise in the energy, natural resources and infrastructure industries, as well as leading the REACH (Race Equality and Celebrating Heritage) Network in Australia.

Clyde & Co LLP is skilled in litigation and dispute resolution across a range of sectors, from insurance to maritime to construction. The firm acts for both insurers and insured companies, which enables team members to manage stakeholder interests, and allows the team to suggest solutions. John Moran is recognised for his experience in cyber security and incident response, and Gareth Horne handles commercial litigation in both Australia and New Zealand. Luke O’Kane's broad practice includes professional indemnity claims and complex personal injury cases. Ernest Van Buuren provides dispute resolution advice for offshore oil and gas matters, as well as marine insurance, while Melissa Tang is noted for her cross-border expertise.

Led by commercial litigation specialist Liam Prescott, DLA Piper’s team includes lawyers based in four offices in Australia who collaborate with each other in all areas of commercial disputes, investigations, insurance litigation and construction disputes. The firm’s global status enables it to handle disputes for both Australian and international clients, with the Australian offices working closely with other DLA Piper offices across the globe on matters involving Australian law. Gitanjali Bajaj is the Asia Pacific co-head of international arbitration and the regional lead for the firm’s India group in Australia. Tricia Hobson handles multi-party litigation, cross-border disputes and investigations.

Led by Paul Evans, HFW‘s disputes team handles matters across key sectors in Australia, from construction, energy and commodities to insurance and shipping. Michael Maxwell and Peter Sadler handle high-value dispute resolution matters for national and multinational clients, while Jo Delaney and Nick Longley are experienced within international arbitration, under all major arbitral rules both in Australia and in international courts. Founding partner Gavin Vallely handles contentious and non-contentious matters dealing with oil and gas installations, as well as international trade, and Stephen Thompson specialises in various types of commercial litigation. Grant Covington and Paul Hopwood are also key practitioners.

K&L Gates advises companies on multi-party commercial litigation, as well as class actions, Royal Commissions, government inquiries and coronial inquests in all state and federal courts. Based in Sydney, Tim Webster leads the litigation and dispute resolution team, and is well regarded as ‘an effective commercial negotiator‘. In Melbourne, Christien Corns regularly acts in professional indemnity, tort and defamation cases. Lucy Williams defends a large portfolio of claims for a number of institutional clients.

Noted for its ‘strong litigation practice with strong skills in general commercial litigation as well as insolvency and restructuring’, Mills Oakley is regarded for its work representing large and mid-cap ASX-listed businesses, private businesses, high-net-worth individuals and government bodies. In commercial disputes, the firm covers a wide variety of sectors for both national and international clients, with Sydney-based partner Taline Chater, who recently joined from Minter Ellison, experienced in all aspects of commercial disputes in the financial services and construction sectors. Andrew Brown in Victoria leads the team and has a track record representing clients before the High Court of Australia, as well as the Federal Courts, while Ariel Borland is skilled in both civil disputes and insolvency matters. Kathryn Edghill represents clients in ACCC investigations and prosecutions. Sophie Cleveland also recently joined the firm from Minter Ellison.

The ‘excellent litigation department‘ at Piper Alderman is experienced in national and cross-border litigation, as well as disputes arising from a range of industries, including financial services, insurance, energy and natural resources. Martin del Gallego is noted for his experience as a commercial and class actions litigator, and Greg Whyte, the Brisbane leader for the dispute resolution and litigation team, is experienced in multi-party cases, with a focus on corporate and insurance disputes. Anne Freeman has notable experience in litigious matters for clients, with a focus on advising companies on contractual obligations and possible actions against contracting parties under legislation including the Corporations Act.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is skilled in business litigation, with team members acting for both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial disputes and large-scale class actions. Its areas of expertise include contract, insolvency, restructuring, director’s duties and product liability claims. Michelle Fox is the founding partner of the firm’s Australia offices, and she represents large companies in commercial litigation, including mass torts and product liability. Damian Scattini is a class actions and commercial litigation specialist, and Andrew Corkhill focuses on litigation matters involving financial transactions and instruments. Elan Sasson is noted for his international practice in commercial litigation and insolvency disputes.

Aptum Legal focuses on commercial and taxation disputes and litigation, with Nigel Evans having appeared as counsel in all stages of commercial disputes in state and federal courts. Michael Buscema leads the firm's tax disputes practice and brings notable experience from his time at the Australian Tax Office, where he led a team of debt recovery specialists active both domestically and internationally.

The dispute resolution team at Bird & Bird handles a range of services for leading clients, from disputes for technology companies to arbitration proceedings for international sports clients and institutions, and contentious matters affecting the communications and life sciences sectors, among others. The firm benefits from the cross-border collaboration between its Australia and London teams on a number of cases, making it well placed to assist clients in multiple time zones. Jonathon Ellis is experienced in corporate and commercial disputes, and Julie Cheeseman assists clients in the technology and telecoms sectors. Other key individuals include Jane Owen, Brianna Quinn and Rebecca Currey.

Gadens Lawyers continues to act at the forefront of litigation funding matters in the Australian market, with the firm acting for high-profile litigation funders, as well as offering other dispute-related services, including in regulatory investigations and prosecutions. Kathy Merrick advises a number of private sector and government clients, and is focused on corporate and commercial litigation. Edward Martin specialises in acting for different types of corporate structures and professionals, and Patrick Walsh, who leads the disputes and investigations team, is specialised in acting for a range of individuals in litigation.

The ‘capable and strategic’ litigation team at Lander & Rogers is skilled in navigating a broad spectrum of disputes. In insolvency matters, practitioners including Greg McKenzie, who heads the commercial disputes and insolvency division, act for a variety of clients including public companies, financial institutions and insolvency practitioners. Property litigation is another area of focus, in which the team advises ASX-listed property corporations and landlords. In commercial disputes, head of the dispute resolution practice Johnathan Quilty is experienced in negotiating settlements for local and international organisations for alleged breaches of consumer codes, corporations law and common law claims. Lily Nguyen and Grant Levy are also key contacts.

The Maddocks dispute resolution and litigation team is experienced in advising corporate and government clients across litigation, investigations and inquires, with the firm’s reach spanning Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Timothy Atkin is skilled in advising clients in commercial and corporate disputes of all sizes, as well as representing clients in disputes arising under the Corporations Act, including in director liability and shareholder actions. Rosalie Byrne is noted for her expertise in government and commercial litigation, and Michelle Dixon handles a broad range of litigation and inquiries. Erin Hourigan is also a name to note.

McCullough Robertson is active in representing clients in contentious matters across Australia. Team members regularly act for corporate and government entities in litigation in the superior courts of Australia, as well as acting for clients in relation to investigations, clearance or enforcement by regulators such as the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Guy Humble heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution team and is skilled in handling commercial disputes in the natural resources sector, as well as cases involving telecommunications and consumer law. Jason Munstermann leads the Sydney commercial litigation and regulatory investigations team and acts for corporations and government entities. Tim Case and Michael Lucey are also key practitioners.

Thomson Geer‘s disputes team is skilled in multi-party and multi-jurisdictional litigation, including before the Federal Court of Australia, Royal Commissions, tribunals and arbitral institutions. Bronwyn Lincoln is an experienced litigator and is the director of ACICA and the Australian Disputes Centre, while Jodi Walkom is regarded for her expertise in commercial disputes, including litigation involving multiple stakeholders. John Howard represents clients in all aspects of business, property and company law disputes and investigations, and Sylvia Fernandez is noted for her ability to handle high-stakes litigation in the Supreme Courts. Stephen Penrose, Richard Wilenski and Yin Fang recently joined the firm.

The Queensland-based litigation practice at Cooper Grace Ward is led by Rocco Russo and is noted for its ‘deep team credentials based on a mix of lateral hires and home-grown talent‘ and its ‘particular expertise in high-stakes litigation and complex tax matters’. The firm handles litigation for national and international businesses and high-net-worth individuals across Australia. Miranda Klibbe is regarded for her disputes practice servicing clients across wide-ranging industries and jurisdictions. Graham Roberts is also a key contact.

Deutsch Miller specialises in corporate litigation and dispute resolution for a range of clients in professional services. Mark Deutsch excels in litigation and dispute resolution for private clients, as well as family companies and trusts, while Shane Anderton’s strengths lie in advising clients in corporate, commercial and financial services litigation. Chris Stevens is another key practitioner in the team, which recently expanded with the hire of Rosemary Kanan.

Boutique litigation firm Ironbridge Legal continues to advise clients on high-profile disputes across Australia. The team is co-led by Trevor Withane in Sydney and Laura Coleclough in Melbourne. Withane’s legal practice spans London and the Asia Pacific region, and he is sought out to advise on matters for clients including corporates, boards, lenders and insolvency practitioners. Coleclough’s expertise originates from her experience in the disputes practices at both Dentons and Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP; she handles arbitration, mediation and litigation for clients in the financial services sector. Patrick Gallego, Jacqueline Ma and Radith Kahn are also key names.

Standing out ‘due to its proactive and informative approach’, Perth-based firm Jackson McDonald represents clients in the full range of disputes, covering multiple sectors, including energy and natural resources. The firm is noted for its representation and advisory services on all state and federal court matters, with practice head Eva Lin experienced in commercial litigation, as well as being the developer of the online tool ‘Llama’ to manage high volumes of instructions from institutional clients. Matthew Reid advises on disputes related to land development and transactions, alongside retail leasing, land use and occupancy. Marcus Pullen recently joined the firm. Jade Olynyk is also a key contact.

Boutique firm McCabes is led by Andrew Lacey, who is experienced in advising a range of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, large companies and SMEs in corporate and commercial litigation, and was responsible for establishing the firm's litigation and dispute resolution group. Chiara Rawlins has acted for major manufacturers, engineering companies and education providers, while Guy Lewis is a name to note owing to his experience in estate and IP disputes.

Moray & Agnew handles disputes across Australia, with experience in test cases and multi-party disputes for clients in industries spanning from mining to manufacturing to property. In Sydney, Baron Alder and Stephanie Bainat are skilled in acting for professionals in contentious proceedings, with Alder acting in commercial disputes and defamation claims and Bainat regularly advising clients in the insurance sector. Mark Brothers, Daniel Coloe and Ian Denham are key names from the firm.

Led by managing partner and corporate commercial disputes specialist Graeme Slattery, Squire Patton Boggs routinely acts in shareholder and corporate litigation, as well as real estate property disputes. Benefiting from working as part of a global law firm, the team is able to collaborate with other offices within the firm’s network on cross-border matters that may involve Australian law for international clients. Cris Cureton and Greg Steinepreis are key practitioners in the department.

White & Case is led by Brad Strahorn in Sydney and acts for clients in a variety of disputes in the infrastructure, transportation, energy, and oil and gas industries. As noted by one client, Jared Muller and David Opperman 'make a formidable disputes team’. Kate Perumal is experienced in formulating strategies for large disputes. Lee Carol is routinely involved in matters relating to disputes arising out of Australia’s infrastructure projects such as the Gorgon Project, as well as advising investors and sovereign states on investment protection under bilateral and multilateral treaties.