Aptum Legal
‘Dynamic’ litigation boutique Aptum Legal is co-led by founder and former barrister Nigel Evans, who is recommended for his ’excellent insights’, and Tuan Van Le, whose experience as a judicial registrar of the Federal Court of Australia bolsters the team’s notable tax specialism. Both are based in Melbourne, and the firm has recently expanded to additionally work out of Sydney and Brisbane. Exclusively focusing on medium to large-scale commercial and tax disputes, the team ‘is small enough to give the client personal service but good enough to match up to any of the major litigation outfits’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Very responsive and as an ex barrister, Nigel Evans has excellent insights.’
‘Nigel Evans has always been quick to respond and provides no-nonsense advice that cut to the crux of the matter in hand.’
‘Aptum are a dynamic litigation and dispute resolution focused firm that draws on the wealth of experience of the founder, Nigel Evans and seeks to bring a new and innovative approach to client engagement and project management.'
‘Nigel Evans is a particular standout in the firm. Having spent time at the Victorian Bar, Nigel brings a high level of partner involvement to the matters he conducts and adds value through his wealth of experience. Nigel has an excellent manner with clients and is very adept in identifying areas of focus to ensure results are maximised for the particular needs of the client.’
‘This is a sophisticated boutique firm which is small enough to give the client personal service but good enough to match up to any of the major litigation outfits.’
‘Nigel Evans is a great lawyer, strategist and mentor to those who work under him. He is also easy to get along with and a delight to work with.’
‘Focus on strategy not just technical legal advice, which is very unique to a litigation practice.’
‘Nigel Evans is a stand out. He is easy to work with, generous with his time and a very experienced and talented commercial litigator. He has worked hard to create an innovative business model which is refreshing.'
Key clients
- Asian Gas Partners Ltd
- Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs (Australia) Pty Ltd
- Asahi Beverages
- 156 Jonson St Pty Ltd
- Waste Wise Environmental
- Country Care Group
- AOpen
Work highlights
- Acted for an individual accused of involvement in an alleged conspiracy with Bill Papas and Forum Finance which saw more than 100 allegedly fraudulent transactions extract over $340m from Westpac.
- Advising Asian Gas Partners on the freezing of payments due to be made to foreign entities relating to a gas project in Papua New Guinea that is the subject of a US-based dispute.
- Advising taxpayers on the defence of recovery action by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation for director penalty liabilities of A$10.5m arising from a fraudulent GST scheme.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Nigel Evans, Tuan Van Le