Corrs Chambers Westgarth‘s arbitration team draws on the wider firm’s multi-sector expertise to offer integrated support, with a focus on cases involving natural resources, energy and infrastructure projects. The large team spans Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and collaborates with advocates internationally. Nastasja Suhadolnik, a specialist in construction, renewable energy and natural resources who is dual qualified in New York and Australia, leads the team from Melbourne. Joshua Paffey in Brisbane has experience practicing in London and particular strength handling disputes in the oil, gas and natural resources sectors. The team has notable in-house advocacy and forensic capability, with Melbourne-based silk Charles Scerri KC is a notable member of the team.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘A very strong, experienced team with great depth. Team members display strong initiative, excellent project management and clear communication. Able to deliver high quality work on a short timeframe. ’

  • ‘Joshua Paffey is one of the leaders in international arbitration in Australia and, on top of maintaining an active practice, also contributes his time to the profession and enhancing Australia's reputation for international arbitration.’

  • ‘Mark Wilks and David Anthony are very responsive to client needs, while able to project manage very large and complex cases in a manner that allows them to be run through an arbitration without a hitch. ’

  • ‘Corrs are becoming the leading arbitration practice in Australia. They work across multiple sectors and achieve excellent outcomes for clients. Their strong international connections and lack of conflicts are particularly useful for cross-border disputes.'

  • ‘The Corrs arbitration team are highly collegiate and passionate about what they do. This makes them stand out from other firms.'

  • 'Joshua Paffey is well-known in arbitration circles and is a name frequently considered by clients when it comes to high-profile arbitrations. He is highly articulate and personable.’
  • ‘Well led, cohesive team structure, good relations with counsel and client.’

  • ‘Very experienced partners heading the arbitration team, many with international experience.’

Key clients

  • Santos Ltd
  • Hancock Prospecting
  • Roy Hill
  • INPEX
  • John Holland
  • Acciona Agua Australia Pty Ltd
  • CIMIC

Work highlights

  • Advising Santos regarding the GLNG project, which is an Australian multibillion-dollar investment involving the extraction and processing of coal seam gas in inland Queensland.
  • Acting for Hainan Airlines in relation to proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW commenced by Shenglong Zheng against the Australian International Aviation College.
  • Acting for Hancock Prospecting and related parties across a series of proceedings relating to ownership of valuable mining tenements.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nastasja Suhadolnik

Other key lawyers

Joshua Paffey, Michael Earwaker, Andrew Stephenson, Carla Mills, Charles Scerri KC