Corrs Chambers Westgarth advises clients on a wide range of complex matters, including corporate and commercial issues, energy and natural resources projects, real estate purchases and litigation. The practice is led from Brisbane by Vaughan Mills, who is highly regarded for her expertise in the oil, gas and natural resources sectors. Recently promoted partner Ryan Warokra focuses on regulatory work, and Lisa Paka frequently advises on corporate governance and compliance. The team also includes recent hire Emmanuel Asigau, an experienced litigator, and associate Gertrude Tamade, who has acted in proceedings before both the National and Supreme Courts.
Leading firms in Papua New Guinea
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Praxisleiter:
Vaughan Mills
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ryan Warokra; Lisa Paka; Emmanuel Asigau; Gertrude Tamade; Tobias Hill; Antony Lepere
Referenzen
‚The team demonstrates an excellent understanding of the legal, tax and wider socio-political environment in their areas of operation. They combine strong individual expertise with genuine teamwork and are proactive and innovative in finding solutions.‘
‚Their strengths lie in professional skills and expertise, effective use of technology, and strong collaboration.‘
‚Vaughan Mills has a comprehensive grasp of all relevant issues. He is innovative, participative, and readily available.‘
Kernmandanten
Newcrest Mining and Harmony Gold
Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited
TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited
PNG Forest Products Limited
Wafi Mining Limited
Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources
National Superannuation Fund Limited
Nambawan Super Limited
Lihir Gold Limited
PNG DataCo Limited
PNGX Group Limited
International Finance Corporation
Barrick (Niugini) Limited
Bank of Papua New Guinea
Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
Heduru Moni Limited
Kumul Consolidated Holdings
Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Fletcher Building on complex workplace investigations, including allegations of bullying, harassment, serious misconduct, and health and safety concerns.
- Acting as strategic employment advisers to Fonterra, including conducting independent investigations into complex and sensitive workplace issues, in collaboration with PwC’s specialist teams.
- Acting as sole employment law adviser to GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand since July 2022, supporting the Australian-based HR team and providing advice on all employment matters arising from its New Zealand operations.
Dentons
Dentons’ Papua New Guinea practice is led by Wavie Kendino Leki, who is highly regarded for her work in finance, corporate and commercial matters. Steve Patrick oversees the commercial and energy practice, while Erik Andersen stands out as a litigator, regularly acting in complex cases. Ethel Goina focuses on civil litigation, with particular strength in commercial disputes. Recent addition Jason Brooks is recognised for his combined litigation and advisory capabilities.
Praxisleiter:
Wavie Kendino Leki
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ethel Goina; Patrick Steve; Erik Andersen
Referenzen
‘Very experienced and skilled litigation partners and team. Very experienced and skilled corporate and commercial team. ’
‘The litigation team, partners Erik Andersen and Jason Brooks, are the most experienced, successful and skilled team in the jurisdiction now.’
‘The recent appointment of Wavie Kendino Leki as the Managing Partner for Dentons PNG has been a real game changer.’
Kernmandanten
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Westpac Banking Corporation
ExxonMobil
TotalEnergies
Asian Development Bank
Independent State of Papua New Guinea (The Government)
Central Bank of Papua New Guinea
International Finance Corporation
Kumul Petroleum Holdings
Origin
Kina Securities Limited
Aon
Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited
PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd
Moni Plus (Heduru Moni Limited)
PNG Ports Corporation
High Arctic Energy Services
Dye & Durham
Clifford Chance
Jackie Gao
ED&F Man Holdings / PNG Coffee Exports
ING and Societe Generale
Mineral Resources Development Company
Arran Energy/TransWonderland group
Cummins
Santos
National Fisheries Authority
Coca Cola Europacific Partners
MiBank (Nationwide Microfinance Limited)
NCSL (Nasfund Contributors Savings & Loans Society Limited)
Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited
PNG Power
Latter Day Saints Church
Baker McKenzie
Orica Singapore Pte Ltd
Dulux Group PNG Pte Limited
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Bougainville Copper Limited
Grand Columbia Limited
Comrade Trustees Services Limited
Niusky Pacific Limited
DHL Global Forwarding (PNG) Limited
ABT Associates Pty Ltd
Tzen Plantation Limited
Tzen Niugini Limited
Hachiko Efficiency Services Pte Ltd
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Credit Corporation (PNG) Limited
Finance Corporation Limited
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising PNG Ports on complex negotiations with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission for the 2025–2029 Regulatory Contract, which governs pricing, capital and operating expenditure across PNG’s declared ports.
- Acted for Puma Energy in high-profile disputes concerning fuel supply and offshore account issues, including successfully resisting interim orders and securing discontinuance of Central Bank proceedings.
- Advising TWL Energy Ventures/Arran Energy on commercial and licensing disputes concerning major condensate-rich gas fields in Western and Gulf Provinces.
Allens
Allens’ Papua New Guinea group regularly advises multinational clients on significant projects and transactions in the country. The team is particularly strong in banking and finance, as well as energy and natural resources. Richard Kriedemann leads the group and is noted for his expertise in public company takeovers and schemes of arrangement. Paul Brittain advises financial institutions and corporates on a wide range of finance matters. Sarah Kuman has specialist experience in regulatory requirements for hydropower and other power generation projects, while Kenneth Imako is a seasoned litigator with a focus on commercial disputes.
Praxisleiter:
Richard Kriedemann
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Paul Brittain; Sarah Kuman; Kenneth Imako
Referenzen
‘Their in-depth knowledge of the legal system and political environment.’
‘The team is tailored to the client not just by specialist skill set for the matter but also in fostering good working relationships and this is where the firm stands out among the other firms I have worked with in our industry.’
‘I’d highlight the ability of Kenneth Imako to properly consider all options available and the path to success without exerting authority over client preferences. He has built a good team through his mentoring.’
Kernmandanten
Niu Power Limited
Chevron USA Inc.
Export Finance Australia and Asian Development Bank
BSP Financial Group Limited
ANZ
NICTA
Newmont
Kenmore group of Companies
Puma
BP Exploration Operating Company
Nabawan Super
Bank of PNG
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising NiuPower on recovering and restructuring amounts owed by PNG Power under a long-term power purchase agreement.
- Acted as PNG counsel to Chevron USA on its advance payment and forward sales agreement with Kumul Petroleum Holdings, enabling the latter to acquire an additional 2.6% stake in PNG LNG from Santos.
- Defending BP in a claim brought by customary landowners from Andabare Valley, Hela Province, alleging environmental damage caused by historical operations inherited from BP’s successors.