Allens Arthur Robinson has one of the leading practices in commercial litigation and dispute resolution in Australia and the Asian region. Many of our litigation partners are recognised as world leaders in their field and market research shows that our accomplished litigation practice has 'put airspace between itself and its competitors' (Chambers Global – The World's Leading Lawyers).
With more than 220 lawyers across the region, our highly qualified team has proven experience in litigation before Australian federal and state courts and specialist tribunals. In Australia's highly regulated commercial environment, our specialists can help you identify regulatory risks and respond appropriately.
We act in some of Australia's most significant disputes, including class actions, competition cases, takeover disputes, and public and private investigations (including by ASIC, the ASX, the ACCC, the ATO, APRA and Royal Commissions). We frequently assist with the Australian component of major international disputes, and have the capacity to conduct matters in jurisdictions throughout Australia and the Asian region.
Some of our recent high-profile cases include:
- AWB – Taskforce investigations following the Cole Inquiry into the UN Oil-for-Food Program, as well as Australian and US class actions;
- Rio Tinto – defending applications for third-party access to its Pilbara rail infrastructure;
- Aristocrat – Australia's largest shareholder class action to be brought to trial (and settled);
- Amcor – ACCC investigation into alleged cartel behaviour;
- News Ltd/FOXTEL – C7 litigation;
- KPMG – investigations/proceedings emanating from the $300m collapse of the Westpoint Group; and
- ANZ – various aspects of the Opes Prime collapse.
We appreciate that our clients' first priority is to manage and minimise risk. Our aim is to give clients a thorough and clear assessment of their position, the various options available, and a recommendation on how best to achieve a timely, commercial and cost-effective solution. We employ sophisticated electronic systems and databases and make use of extensive paralegal resources to achieve significant efficiencies for our clients.
We work with our clients to adopt the most appropriate course of action. Where litigation is unavoidable, we pursue it rigorously, innovatively and efficiently. We have also been at the forefront of mediation and alternative dispute resolution in Australia.
Our relationship focus
We strive to build strong relationships by getting to know our clients. We use our extensive resources to stay abreast of relevant issues and to keep our clients informed.
Our approach is to provide straightforward advice and regard our clients' interests as a priority at all times. We clearly scope all new matters with you, so that we both know what is expected in terms of legal advice, time frame and costs. We appreciate that clients are increasingly under budgetary pressures and keep you informed.
Principal practice areas
We have a depth and range of experience across many areas, including:
- administrative law
- arbitration
- banking & financial services (including consumer credit)
- class actions
- shareholder class actions
- product liability actions
- other representative proceedings
- commercial and contractual disputes
- competition law/trade practices
- construction and building
- corporate social responsibility
- corporations law
- continuous disclosure
- applications under the Corporations Law
- examinations by liquidators and administrators
- securities litigation
- breach of directors' duties
- defamation and media law
- environment & planning
- fraud
- corporate insolvency and restructuring
- workouts and restructures
- asset recovery
- general insolvency advice and litigation
- insurance and professional indemnity
- intellectual property
- public inquiries
- royal and special commissions
- coronial inquests
- product liability
- resources & energy
- regulatory investigations and compliance
- ASIC/ASX investigations
- APRA, ATO, ACCC investigations
