K&L Gates > Brisbane, Australia > Firm Profile

‘The team has great depth of experience. They are practical in their approach.’

‘Harrison Ottaway has a sensible, commercial and practical approach to matters that require a legal and commercial lens. ’

‘The K&L Gates IP team has a genuine customer service mentality. The K&L Gates team has demonstrated endless patience as we resolve the issues.’

‘Jonathan Feder offers both high level strategic advice and is willing to get his hands dirty when the need arises.’

‘Very responsive, experienced, understand clients’ needs, partners very available.’

‘Alan McLean – very responsive, meets timeframes, available to clients.’

‘The team has broad knowledge in the area and provide a pragmatic approach to issues. ’

‘Ayman Guirgis’ knowledge and connections in the area makes him a good go to person in this field. His background in government and private allows for an understanding of the regulator and its concerns. ’

‘The K&L Gates competition team have a genuine interest in understanding the environment in which the client operates, and providing pragmatic, commercial advice. Unlike other firms, who can get bogged down in “ideal world” scenarios, K&L Gates offer fit for purpose legal advice.’

‘Ayman Guirgis is approachable, pragmatic and engaged.’

‘Tim Webster is sophisticated and very astute. He is an effective commercial negotiator who is able to readily identify the strengths and weaknesses of any case.’

‘Christien Corns is energetic and a very good leader. He is very calm under pressure and can pull large legal teams together at short notice to deal with any crisis.’

‘Stephen Hume is very intelligent who has a knack for identifying the key issues in complex problems and coming up with simple solutions.’

‘Angus Groves is a star on the rise with a keen legal mind. He is both a trusted ally in the trenches and a worthy adversary.’

‘K&L Gates is without peer in terms of its standards of excellence from partner level, down to graduate level. The firm’s partners are incisive and creative, and always commercially minded. The firm always dedicates appropriate resources to each matter, and works collaboratively across its different practice areas.’

‘The firm has no weak spots. The partners always give frank and fearless advice, and will work very hard to protect their clients.’

‘Christien Corns is a proactive problem solver who comes with solutions and recommendations to litigation. He stays ahead of the process and keeps the interests of his client at the centre of his decision making and recommendations. He is a sound sounding board, open to challenge and challenging clients, leading to pragmatic decision making and a strong relationship built on trust.’

‘Christian Corns is an exceptional lawyer who is sharp, considered, responsive and very down to earth.’

‘Simon Ashworth is a standout partner. Technically proficient and responsive. Pragmatic in his advice and ensures he understands the objectives of the business. ’

‘The partners and lawyers take the time to understand your business so that they have greater context to deliver targeted and relevant advice. We have a longstanding relationship with Simon Ashworth who is a key external service provider to our business.’

‘K&L Gates’ construction team is very capable and well regarded.’

‘Sandra Steele is an outstanding construction lawyer and partner. She is eminently knowledgeable, practicable and pragmatic, Sandra’s contractor-side experience means she understands my drivers and goals, and those of our clients. Sandra is client-focused and keeps me well informed. She is well regarded by her clients and peers alike.’

‘Sandra Steele provides industry leading advice. She is pragmatic, technically brilliant and a pleasure to work with. ’

‘Sandra Steele’s client first attitude sets her aside from other partners. Sandra provides excellent client service. ’

‘K & L Gates has a great humanly approach to managing construction disputes. All the clients I have recommended using them have only come back with amazing reviews and feedback as to the teams legal approach. The partners manage their clients with an approach which makes them feel valued and well regarded, no matter how small the value of the dispute is. The teams strengths lies in their unique understanding of the reality of construction sites and applying this knowledge to solving complex construction disputes.’

‘Sandra Steele within the business unit stands out as she is easy to talk to, has an amazing approach to brainstorming unique dispute resolution strategies while considering key drivers. This approach means that the client feels like they are being well looked after and their best interests are at heart of the lawyers engagement and not simply a means of accruing legal costs. Sandra and her team have been commended for their amazing commitment to her clients, including going above and beyond in avoiding litigation where possible and resolving disputes expeditiously.’

‘The K&L Gates team offer exceptional commercial insight alongside excellent technical legal skills. Their understanding of ICT project dynamics and the commercial market provides a real point of leverage for clients in complex matters.’

‘K&L Gates’ are unique in their deep knowledge and experience in dealing with top-tier software providers, and their approach to driving for the best value-for-money approach in negotiations on behalf of their customer.’

‘Their bespoke approach and methodology to direct and navigate clients through complex IT transformation sourcing activities makes them stand out.’

‘Cameron Abbott is exceptional in leading negotiations and strategizing in how best to drive for the best commercial outcome. Cameron is well supported by Allison Wallace.

‘Frank and fearless advice was provided by Cameron Abbott and Allison Wallace. Their negotiating skills are exceptional.’

‘Stephen Hardy and the K&L Gates team provides incredibly high quality legal advice.’

‘The team are leaders in their field. They have exceptional knowledge of the relevant law and communicate advice and practical recommendations clearly.’

‘Alanna Fitzpatrick and Paul Hardman have excellent knowledge of the law, a rare ability to communicate clearly and effectively to clients of varying expertise and are always accessible, even on short notice.’ 

‘Stephen Hardy and his team have provided exceptionally commercial, tailored advice. Their availability, commercial nous, technical acumen and overall understanding of our business context is second to none.’

‘Stephen Hardy and Leila Moddel do great work.’

‘K&L Gates provides tailored, timely, actionable and strategic employment advice. They partner with their clients, helping them stay ahead of regulatory changes with proactive education. ’

‘Michaela Moloney is a strategic operator in the employment space. Her approach to matters is based on a sound understanding of her client’s business and stakeholders and goes beyond advice and includes actionable strategies tailored for the specific context.’

‘Michaela Moloney is both a technically accurate and commercially minded lawyer, and a good communicator.’

‘K&L Gates are responsive to the needs of government clients.’

‘I value Michaela Moloney’s ability to give practice advice that takes into account the context and pressures her clients face. Her advice is not narrow or overly technical, but aimed at helping clients move forward with regard to sometimes complex considerations involving multiple competing interests.’

‘We appreciate their helpful and professional approach. The team provides sound legal advice and have shown a proven commitment to understanding our individual business needs.’

‘The team at K&L Gates appreciate the unique position of our business, and the practical limitations it faces as it operates and undertakes development opportunities. K&L Gates brings a practical approach to balancing both our needs and those of contracting parties.’

‘Sandra Steele brings significant in-house experience that is not often seen at her level in the legal market. Sandra is aware that the client’s business needs may change abruptly, and is able to pivot to accommodate those changes with speed and pragmatism.’

‘We have worked with the K&L Gates’ corporate and M&A team on many matters over many years. They are a polished and highly skilled team with sophisticated experience and a strong business sense.’ 

‘The two main partners with whom I deal are Natalya Hards and James Lonie. Both are exceptional on Corporate and M&A matters.’ 

‘When dealing with Natalya and James, I know that there is genuine concern for my personal and business welfare, not just for the legal task at hand.’

‘Busy VC practice experienced in advising the investor and company side.’

‘The Team is led by a partner who has both accounting and legal qualifications and experience. This gives the Team a high level of commercial understanding.’

‘The Team is led by Russell Lyons and his level of commercial experience creates a great foundation for the team and gives the client comfort.’ 

‘Adam Levine and Ben Kiernan-Green are personable, efficient and responsive. ’

‘K&L Gates is my most trusted legal advisor, with carriage of the vast majority of my Corporate and M&A matters.’ 

‘K&L Gates has a strong team of legal professionals offering a diverse range of financial services and regulatory services to us. Over the last 12 months, a number of the lawyers have worked on our matters, and we found them to be dynamic, innovative, and proactive. We always enjoy working with the team and appreciate their collaborative approach to every matter.’

‘The partner’s attends the meetings, negotiates, and manages the matter as if their own. K&L Gates is my most trusted legal advisor.’

‘The team has deep international knowledge, which is very unique in the Australian market, which tends to be more domestically focused.’

‘They have an abundance of in-house and commercial experience. From the outset of an engagement, K&L Gates thinks about the commercial implications of their work and how it can best be implemented on the ground.’

‘James Lonie is a brilliant mind and has assisted the business in establishing an appropriate governance framework, launching funds, and structuring the business. I have been fortunate to work with James on a number of complex transactions over the years.’

‘Our collaboration with Ravi Jayemanne over the years has been nothing short of exceptional. His standout quality is his commitment to responsiveness and attentiveness, ensuring that our needs are not just met, but anticipated. Ravi’s blend of legal acumen, commercial savvy, and dependable execution makes him our preferred “go-to” for investment-related matters.’

‘Kane Barnett has been excellent with his depth of knowledge and also his broader contribution to the industry through working groups and industry associations. He is regularly referred to by fellow lawyers from other firms for his insight.’

‘Matthew Watts is professional, pragmatic, and a true business partner and advisor. He stands out well ahead of his industry peers. Matt’s deep technical knowledge and his ability to adapt that to his clients’ context really well make him exceptional.’

‘They show a strong commitment to understanding and meeting our needs. They understand the complexities of our business and offer innovative solutions. The team is very knowledgeable and lean on other practice areas of the firm to ensure our interests are properly protected.’

‘K&L Gates has a significant international presence, which allows us as their client to cooperate with them across continents. Through their local partners and practices, clients get an international reach and relevant local advice at the same time. Especially for cross-border real estate transactions, K&L Gates is a very experienced and helpful partner.’

‘The key reason we continue to use KLG for all our legal requirements is our relationship with Will Grinter.’

‘Will Grinter understands our business, our projects, and our commercial drivers in detail, such that his advice is always commercial and strategic. We do not make any key decisions or strategic moves without seeking Will’s counsel first. He is more than a lawyer, he is a trusted business adviser and wise sounding board.’

‘Chris Wille and the team are professional, approachable, and understanding. Chris always makes himself available to answer queries and gives support to ensure a transaction is completed efficiently and smoothly.’ 

‘Samuel Brown does an excellent job, his knowledge in the real estate sector is outstanding. He is very experienced but also knows his limits, which is very reassuring in times when specialist knowledge in other areas is required.’

‘Samuel Brown and his real estate team in Sydney are good lawyers in the property and development space. He is experienced in complex transactions and has a good project management mindset, allowing him to manage client and external stakeholders in an effective and timely manner.’

‘Andrew Chambers has good industry knowledge and understands bank requirements. Nicole Ward excellent in dealing with sensitive customer issue and understands bank requirements well.’

‘Excellent lead partner in Jason Opperman. He has outstanding commercial acumen, legal knowledge and practical ability. Good supporting team with some exceptional talents. Excellent relationship with insolvency professionals and others in the sector. Participated in some of the leading cases.’

‘Jason Opperman is absolutely outstanding. He is excellent at leading a team, and producing extremely effective outcomes. He has superb legal knowledge and is excellent and legal for as well as the management and leadership required in big litigation. He is good at gathering together an excellent team to provide exceptional service to clients, and briefs excellent accessible counsel when appropriate.’

‘A collaborative and seamless team. Always friendly and available to help. A growing practice attracting well-regarded lateral hires. ’

‘Jason Opperman is a hard working and highly intelligent lawyer. A terrific communicator, commercial, with high level collaboration skills. Alex Smith is whip smart who is quick to define the problem and the likely range of solutions. Very friendly, collaborative and an excellent communicator. ’

‘Andrew Chambers and Stephen Hume are the stand out partners of choice. Both with a wealth of experience and restructuring legal knowledge.’

‘Andrew Chambers is very responsive, focused on delivering outcomes that works for everyone, and technical but very commercial. He is excellent at distilling complex problems and willing to invest time where recovery of fees is uncertain. Very easy to deal with and is considered a trusted advisor.’

‘Depth of expertise across a range of fields.’

‘Stuart Broadfoot is always quick to respond and deeply knowledgeable.’

‘Matthew Cridland is an exceptional tax advisor who is able to balance commercial considerations with technical tax positions. He has established himself as one of the best indirect tax specialists in Australia. He also has a great reputation with the ATO.’ 

‘Speedy, quality advice which is not only focused on the legal aspects of an issue but also considers the commercial impact of the different options that may be available to the client. they take the trouble to really understand the objectives/requirements of the client.’

‘Clive Cachia is an excellent resources law counsel.’