Event information
The Legal 500 is delighted to formally announce the inaugural GC Summit Australia, taking place on 19th March 2024 in Sydney.
In association with our partners for this event, the event will include a series of sessions covering a variety of cutting edge and up to date topics for discussion, such as:
- Creating an ESG Roadmap: Reporting & disclosure obligations – How ready is your company?
- Managing cross-border disputes
- Opportunity in complexity and volatility – getting deals done in Australia
- Beyond the General Counsel role: charting a purposeful career path
- The impact of artificial intelligence on the legal world
- Building an effective governance programme
- Data: from compliance to capitalization
- Managing internal investigations
- Navigating an ever-changing employment landscape
Drawing on the vast experience of our highly accomplished speakers, this event will provide practical, hands-on advice to all in-house counsel.
It is a must-attend event for any in-house lawyers in Australia looking to reach the next level of their professional development.
Agenda
12.00pm – 1.00pm Registration
1.00pm – 1.05pm Opening Remarks
- SooJin Yoon, global general counsel, Jarden Investment Bank
1.05pm – 1.55pm Litigation Trends 2024 and the Strategic Role of General Counsel
This session will explore trends in the realm of litigation in 2024. Our thorough review will include ESG considerations, the evolving landscape of cyber security and data breaches, and complex supply chain disputes. Our speakers will provide insights into the strategic role General Counsels play in managing litigation risks and costs for their businesses.
- Trevor Withane, partner, Ironbridge Legal
- Laura Coleclough, special counsel, Ironbridge Legal
- Kelly Rigby, partner – forensic consulting, Grant Thornton Australia
- Gihan Wijeratne, head of legal, Ingenico
- Tony de Govrik, general counsel, Probus South Pacific
1.55pm – 2.25pm Fireside Chat: Bribery & Corruption and the trends facing companies in Australia.
- Dennis Miralis, partner, Nyman Gibson Miralis
- Allan Cohen, senior research editor, The Legal 500
2.25pm – 3.15pm The Changing Face of M&A
This session focuses on how the patterns of completing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are beginning to change around the world. The topics to be discussed include the impact on M&A of megatrends such as the rise of ESG, regulatory and compliance focus and international tensions, changing deal dynamics and power balances, and the ever expanding role of GCs in M&A transactions.
- Hannah Biggins, partner, Allens
- Adrian Amer, partner, Allens
- Simon Lewin, group general counsel & company secretary, Vocus Group Limited
- Richard Bell, chief legal & risk officer, AUB Group Limited
3.15pm – 3.35pm Coffee Break
3.35pm – 4.25pm Navigating an ever-changing employment landscape
The Australian employment landscape has undergone some seismic shifts in recent years, with yet more changes on the horizon. In this ever-evolving environment, and significant consequences for non-compliance, it is crucial for general counsel to remain informed about regulatory changes and technological developments reshaping their workforces. This session will focus on key employment law updates, including the recent amendments to the Fair Work Act and provide insights into potential legislative shifts. Our expert speakers will also explore the evolving role of AI in employment dynamics. While AI holds promises of efficiency and innovation, its implementation raises questions about job displacement and workplace ethics.
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Stephen Hardy, partner, K&L Gates
- Leila Moddel, special counsel, K&L Gates
- Leeanne Sharp, corporate counsel and business and policy advisor, Nutromics
4.25pm – 4.55pm AI, Data and Tech Projects – Planning, collaboration, governance and the role of GCs and in-house teams
The rapid emergence of generativ,e AI, the continuing evolution of cyber threats and data protection regulation, and drive for ‘business transformation’ through technology are creating opportunities (and also threats) for business across all parts of the Australian and global economy. There are many examples of failures and incidents in tech and data which illustrate that planning, collaboration within (and between) organisations, governance and having robust legal advisors involved are critical to identifying and managing risks in these areas. The aim of this session is to arm you with all the important information you need to be informed, including:
- What are the key risks around AI, data and tech projects
- Why planning, collaboration and governance are key to identifying, managing and minimising these risks
- How and why GC’s and in-house teams are well positioned to be key influencers and stakeholders that can drive their organisations to improve across their practices and performance across planning, collaboration and governance.
- Nicholas Boyle, partner, DLA Piper
4.55pm – 5.45pm Creating Synergies Between Law Firms and In-House Counsels
This panel discussion aims to explore the successes and pitfalls encountered by general counsels as they adapt to the ever-changing legal landscape. Our panellists will share insights into fostering a successful partnership between private practice and in-house practitioners, in light of GCs’ expectations, and provide practical solutions from both perspectives.
- Moderator: Anna-Athanasia Dervenis, senior vice president and legal counsel, Brookfield Properties
- Michelle Antonio, mediator, Resolution Institute and the Law Society of Western Australia
- Ashley Kerr, general counsel, BetCloud
- Michael Guilday, general counsel and head of property, Sydney Fish Market
5.45pm – 5.50pm Closing remarks
- Amy Spira, head of legal – group corporate and deputy company secretary, Domain
5.50pm – 7.00pm Drinks and canapes
Speakers
Allan Cohen, senior research editor, The Legal 500
Allan has a vast amount of experience and knowledge in his role as Senior Research Editor at The Legal 500. His earlier career encompassed teaching Political Science at prestigious international universities in Asia and undertaking research and analysis for various leading think tanks in Paris.
In addition to his academic contributions, Allan has provided consultancy services to members of the European Parliament and diplomats, offering his expertise in the field of international relations. This multi-faceted background positions him to lead the editorial teams at The Legal 500, where he oversees the publication of research reports on the global legal industry and plays a key role in organising significant content-based events.
Trevor Withane, partner, Ironbridge Legal
Trevor is a home-grown Allen & Overy lawyer, who trained and spent about 7 years at A&O in London, before spending time as a Senior Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya and then moving to the Commercial Bar as a Barrister. This pedigree and English law qualification (in addition to his Australian law standing) enabled Trevor to compete for top-tier work, and helped him garner a reputation for being an ‘international lawyer’ in Australia.
Trevor is ranked in The Legal 500 Australia and Doyles Guide New South Wales for litigation, and has built a reputation for being a thought leader in insolvency litigation in Australia, and a go-to lawyer for complex disputes and conflict referrals.
Trevor is regularly sought out to advise boards – and is known for his hands-on approach, attention to detail and speed at which he can deliver considered and dependable advice. This has led to Trevor and Ironbridge Legal becoming go-to lawyers for PwC, Deloitte liquidators, Bosch and other household names.
Dennis Miralis, partner, Nyman Gibson Miralis
Dennis Miralis is a leading Australian defence lawyer who specialises in international criminal law, with a focus on complex multi-jurisdictional investigations and criminal prosecutions. His areas of expertise include bribery and corruption, global tax investigations, proceeds of crime, anti-money laundering, worldwide freezing orders, cybercrime, national security law, Interpol Red Notices, extradition and mutual legal assistance law.
Dennis advises individuals and companies under investigation for economic crimes both locally and internationally. He has been involved in matters of interest to all major international investigative and regulatory agencies, including the DOJ, FBI, IRS, SEC, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.K.’s SFO and NCA. Dennis has significant experience in all matters involving investigations and prosecutions by the AFP, ASIC, ACIC, AUSTRAC, ATO, the CDPP and all state agencies including the NSW Police State Crime Command and NSWDPP. Dennis also specialises in matters involving the New South Wales Crime Commission, Independent Commission Against Corruption and Royal Commissions.
SooJin Yoon, global general counsel, Jarden Investment Bank
SooJin Yoon is the Global General Counsel at Jarden Investment Bank. SooJin is a skilled investment banking lawyer with particular expertise in capital raisings and corporate advisory, regulatory management, risk management and compliance. SooJin is an experienced professional having worked in academia, private law practice and a global investment bank. SooJin has a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Hons.) and a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Hons.) from the University of Sydney. She also has a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney.
Amy Spira, head of legal - group corporate and deputy company secretary, Domain
Amy Spira is an in-house corporate and commercial lawyer with practice interests in corporate governance and mergers and acquisitions in the media and technology sectors. In recognition of her achievements in law, business and leadership, Amy was named as the 2019 ACC Corporate Lawyer of the Year, was recognised as a 2020 In-House Leader by Australasian Lawyer and was named on the GC Powerlist Rising Stars in 2022.
In her current role as Head of Legal – Group Corporate and Deputy Company Secretary at Domain, Amy leads a team of industry recognised corporate lawyers and governance professionals to shape and deliver Domain’s corporate development and governance agendas. She is also a passionate supporter of women in the technology sector and acts as a mentor to several young women forging paths in areas spanning UX design, digital marketing and engineering.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney and has also undertaken advanced legal studies at the New York University School of Law. She has previously worked in private practice at Allens and in-house at Transurban Limited.
Hannah Biggins, partner, Allens
Hannah Biggins is a partner at Allens specialising in public and private M&A and governance, risk and compliance. Hannah is a core member of Allens’ public M&A, corporate advisory and ESG working groups. In particular, Hannah works closely with clients in the mining & resources, retail, agribusiness and food & beverage sectors.
During her time at Allens, Hannah has had the opportunity to work on secondment at BHP, Vicinity Centres, Shell and Tabcorp.
A list of Hannah’s recent M&A and corporate and ESG advisory experience is available here
Adrian Amer, partner, Allens
Adrian Amer is a partner at Allens specialising in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets and corporate advisory (listed and unlisted entities). Adrian is a core member of Allens’ equity capital markets and private capital working groups.
Adrian commenced his career in Australia and joined the Allens team in 2018 after a four-year stint in the United Kingdom, where he first studied at the University of Cambridge and then worked in London in the M&A and Capital Markets team of Slaughter and May. During that time, he also had the opportunity to work across Europe (including alongside Linklaters) as a consultant to Ørsted, Denmark’s largest energy company and owner of the world’s largest offshore wind farms.
A list of Adrian’s relevant M&A and ECM experience is available here.
Stephen Hardy, partner, K&L Gates
Stephen Hardy is a partner in the firm’s Labour, Employment, and Workplace Safety practice. He is an established practitioner who represents Australian and international clients on a variety of employment matters. These include human resources, industrial relations, executive, business protection and complex compliance related matters, the employment aspects of mergers and acquisitions, workplace restructuring and business transformation. This work is undertaken for clients across a wide range of industries including banking and financial services, insurance, retail, transport, waste management, manufacturing, information technology, leisure, media and entertainment, property, and professional services.
Stephen is well-known for his experience across the breadth of labour and employment related matters and also has a specialist workplace health and safety practice leading high profile and sensitive safety investigations, responding to workplace crises, establishing and auditing safety systems, defending prosecutions and appearing at coronial inquests.
Michelle Antonio, mediator, Resolution Institute and the Law Society of Western Australia
Michelle Antonio, a former General Counsel and senior dispute resolution expert, was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2004. With over two decades of legal experience, including 15 years in-house of which 8 were as General Counsel in ASX and SGX companies, she has a wealth of dispute resolution expertise.��
Michelle has held senior legal roles in commercial businesses spanning the mining, construction, and energy sectors, as well as in senior government positions. Her global engagement and instruction of law firms were integral aspects of her roles before transitioning to a career as a commercial mediator.
In 2009, Michelle pursued her Masters of Laws at the University of Melbourne, further enriching her legal dispute knowledge. She initially completed her mediation training in 2017 while serving as General Counsel of an international mining contractor. Recently appointed to the panel of mediators for the Resolution Institute and the Law Society of WA, Michelle’s expertise and commitment to alternative dispute resolution are widely recognised. She achieved NMAS accreditation in 2023, solidifying her status as a skilled mediator.
Ashley Kerr, general counsel, BetCloud
Ashley specialises in helping companies navigate the complex wagering and media landscape, with a particular focus on growth phase companies. Ashley has extensive wagering and media experience and has held roles across the sector in Australia and internationally, including at PlayUp Limited (as Global General Counsel) and at Tabcorp Limited. His areas of expertise include wagering and media law, capital raisings, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Ashley was listed on the Australian GC Powerlist in 2023 and is currently the General Counsel for BetCloud, a high-growth data and technology wagering solutions company.
Simon Lewin, group general counsel & company secretary, Vocus Group Limited
Simon Lewin is currently head of legal, risk and regulatory affairs at Vocus Group Ltd. He has been recognized in The Legal 500’s GC Powerlist Australia in both 2022 and 2023 and has been noted by the Australasian Lawyer’s In-house Leaders Report as an industry leader. He is also a current member of the ACC’s GC100.
Simon is an experienced lawyer with a demonstrated history of working in-house across a number of large-scale sectors, including previous roles with Mondelez (previously Cadbury). Prior to that, Simon worked for a number of years at a leading private practice firm and developed skills in corporate advisory, M&A and strategy development, Information Technology and competition regulation.
Richard Bell, chief legal & risk officer, AUB Group Limited
Richard is currently the Chief Legal & Risk Officer at AUB Group Limited and a member of the Group Executive.
Over 15 years of experience both in private practice at top-tier law firms and in senior leadership positions with large ASX listed companies with growth focused strategies means Richard’s skills set is well-suited to managing the complexity involved with innovative, customer-centric growth companies operating in highly regulated markets – both globally and locally – requiring a trusted advisor to collaborate and partner with the business on key strategic and growth initiatives.
2019 Australasian Law Awards Finalist: Australian In-house Lawyer of the Year Award, which recognises in-house innovation, quality and excellence.
Richared was also recognised as one of Australia’s best in-house counsel in the Australasian Lawyer’s inaugural In-house Leaders list and is a member of the Australian GC 100.
Laura Coleclough, special counsel, Ironbridge Legal
Laura has practised as a disputes lawyer for over 10 years, starting in a small city firm and then working at international firms such a Dentons and more recently Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, practising in the latter for 6 years.
Laura has extensive experience in disputes (including arbitration, mediation and litigation). Her recent experience includes acting for a well-known consumer body in the UK who intervened in court proceedings before both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of England and Wales, in the Philipp v Barclays Bank case. The case has featured in The Lawyer’s “Top 10 Appeals of 2023” and seeks to clarify an important point of banking law relating to the scope of a bank’s duty to individual consumers who are victims of authorised push payment fraud, which is a growing problem globally.
Laura’s clients have included banks and financial institutions, consumer bodies, insurers, insolvency practitioners, retailers, technology companies and, on occasion, high net worth individuals.
Anna-Athanasia Dervenis, senior vice president and legal counsel, Brookfield Properties
Anna is Senior Vice President, Legal Counsel at Brookfield Properties and director of Brookfield Properties in Australia’s operating entities. She brings extensive industry experience with a background in commercial property development and funds management, leading a team of lawyers in the provision of legal services to the business and delivery of key assets in Australia’s real estate portfolio.
Anna’s commercial acumen, collaborative approach and understanding of real estate help drive the business to success. In addition to her legal responsibilities, she was part of the team that helped pioneer Brookfield Properties in Australia’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan and has been part of the Reconciliation Working Group since its inception in 2022.
Anna holds a bachelor’s degree of Commerce (Finance) LLB from the University of New South Wales, is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has held various committee positions with the Property Council of Australia since 2017 from regulatory review committees and, more recently, with NSW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is also recognized by her peers in Doyle’s Guide as a leading in-house lawyer in the Australian real estate market.
Michael Guilday, general counsel and head of property, Sydney Fish Market
Michael is a purpose driven Chief Legal Officer, Executive Leader, Board Member and Governance Professional, with multidisciplinary expertise across several different industries and sectors.
Michael is currently General Counsel and Head of Property at Sydney Fish Market. As member of the Executive Group, he is responsible for the Legal and Property Functions at Sydney Fish Market, including executive level strategic decision making in relation to commercial, operations, legal and ESG aspects of the iconic Sydney Fish Market.
Prior to his current role, Michael held senior in-house legal and governance positions with Lendlease Corporation, Cbus Super Fund, Commonwealth Bank and Goodman Group; where he has been responsible for leadership within high performing legal functions and providing high quality legal and governance advice to operational businesses and Boards.
Leila Moddel, special counsel, K&L Gates
Nicholas Boyle, partner, DLA Piper
Nicholas is an experienced Partner who specialises in legal issues relating to the design, development, and use of technology. He has experience acting for and advising a range of clients on projects involving the digital transformation of businesses, procurement, design and implementation of complex IT systems, commercialisation of intellectual property and data protection and cyber-security related matters.
With a knack for tech and a background in forensic science, Nicholas brings unique experience to his role as an adviser which helps him guide complex problems towards positive outcomes.
A list of Nick’s experience can be found here. If you are looking for more information in relation to AI, please reach out to Nick or visit our focus page here.
Leeanne Sharp, corporate counsel and business and policy advisor, Nutromics
Leeanne Sharp is a highly experienced executive-level corporate counsel and business and policy advisor. She is currently the Head of Legal at MedTech company Nutromics, where she leverages her deep experience in delivering practical and innovative legal and corporate business solutions while directing persuasive contract, project and dispute resolution negotiations and strategies.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Leeanne obtained her Masters of Law from the Columbia Law School and was admitted to the NY Bar. She has acquired subject matter expertise across different organisations, industries and jurisdictions, including start-ups, listed entities and government organisations both in Australia and overseas. She has governed and successfully accomplished several multi-million dollar legal-side projects involving infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and intellectual technology, construction, and healthcare.
Leeanne is a strategic thinker who is passionate about adding value to organisations and making legal concepts accessible and understandable to team players and stakeholders.
Kelly Rigby, partner - forensic consulting, Grant Thornton Australia
Kelly is a Partner in the Forensic Consulting team at Grant Thornton Australia and leads the Investigations and Asset Tracing practice in Australia. Kelly works closely with senior executives, boards and their legal counsel to navigate complexities of fraud, corruption, employee misconduct and regulatory enquiry.A forensic expert, Kelly specialises in complex financial investigations and asset tracing, having led a number of high profile civil and criminal investigations across a broad range of industries and the public and private sectors. She has led large teams on complex forensic accounting matters involving the analysis of large volumes of electronic data, reconstruction of accounting records and the quantification of loss. She has extensive experience in high profile restructures and insolvency appointments, particularly identifying and tracing assets and the flow of funds.Kelly previously worked at a ‘Big 4’ firm, CBA and for the NSW Crime Commission pursuing confiscation and investigation of the proceeds of organised crime. Kelly’s experience in the financial services sector involved roles in financial crime investigations, conduct risk and internal audit where she worked closely with compliance, legal, audit and risk committees.
Gihan Wijeratne, head of legal, Ingenico
Gihan is currently the Head of Legal & Company Secretary (Australasia) for Ingenico (Apollo portfolio company), a global leader in payments infrastructure. Gihan has expertise across technology, financial services, and corporate sectors. He believes there is considerable opportunities for GCs to unlock value and succeed in the prevailing environment of change and uncertainty. Such times present Legal leaders with opportunities to demonstrate their ability to think and act as effective business leaders.
Tony de Govrik, general counsel, Probus South Pacific
Tony de Govrik is a senior corporate lawyer with over 40 years post admission practical experience in the areas of companies and securities industry law, regulation of the securities industry, commercial law, corporate governance and company secretarial practice. This includes 19 years with the Australian Stock Exchange (“ASX”) in various positions – the last of which was Chief Legal Officer and Group Company Secretary. During his employment with ASX he was seconded for 2 years to the London Stock Exchange to gain international experience.
Post ASX Tony has been contracted to a number of listed public companies in the role of in-house counsel and company secretary. He has also had a lengthy involvement with the Association of Corporate Counsel Australia (formerly Australian Corporate Lawyers Association) – a professional association for in-house legal counsel – where he acted for over 13 years in various capacities including as National President for 3 years, General Counsel, Company Secretary and Director of Legal Affairs & Communications. Tony is presently General Counsel and Company Secretary for Probus South Pacific Limited and an adjunct lecturer in the Masters of Applied Law Program (In-house Practice) at the College of Law. He currently serves as a member of the Law Society’s In-house Corporate Lawyers Committee and is a former NSW Law Society Councillor.
In association with...
Ironbridge Legal is an award-winning top-tier boutique firm specialising in commercial litigation and insolvency. The firm has established a strong presence in both Sydney and Melbourne but handles legal work across all States and Terrorties in Australia. Ironbridge Legal’s market-leading capabilities are built on its founding partner’s prior experiences including in handling complex cross-border disputes and transactions as a former accountant and Magic Circle lawyer, providing advisory services to leading international businesses in England, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.
The team at Ironbridge Legal includes lawyers admitted in England & Wales, Hong Kong, and Australia, with experience advising in high-profile, strategically important, and complex legal matters. They are renowned for their professional expertise, underscored by their dedication to client focus and care and a genuine commitment to excellence, ensuring that the outcomes delivered exceed clients’ expectations.
Nyman Gibson Miralis is an international award-winning criminal defence law firm based in Sydney, Australia. Established for over 55 years we are market leaders in all aspects of general, complex and international criminal law and are widely recognised for our involvement in some of Australia’s most significant criminal cases.
In the field of domestic and local criminal law our reputation has been built on the principles of delivering the highest quality legal service in every type of criminal case for over half a century, including leading cases in the High Court of Australia and the Court of Criminal Appeal. We are experts in assisting companies and individuals the subject of white collar and corporate crime investigations and prosecutions. We specialise in matters involving money laundering, complex fraud, domestic and foreign bribery, insider trading, embezzlement, taxation offences, and other dishonesty offences, which are prosecuted by the ATO, ASIC, CDPP, AUSTRAC, ICAC, AFP and State Police.
