Corrs Chambers Westgarth is widely praised as ‘the leading commercial and regulatory practice for international firms dealing in the energy and resources industries in PNG’, with teams currently advising on multiple major infrastructure and energy projects. The group is also well known for handling corporate and real estate matters as well as disputes. Vaughan Mills, with over three decades of experience in the natural resources and infrastructure spaces and with some of the world’s largest oil and gas and mining companies as clients, leads the team. Ryan Warokra plays a key role, regularly advising on M&A, energy, and natural resources transactions, as well as corporate and regulatory matters. Associate Lisa Paka, based in Port Moresby, has experience advising local and international clients operating in the energy, tech, manufacturing, and retail sectors, among others. Associate Tobias Hill is noted for his support on commercial matters. Litigator Craig Phillips is also a key contact.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Vaughan Mills has extensive experience in, and knowledge of, PNG, and is a trusted senior adviser. Craig Phillips has a smart and strategic approach to litigation and dispute resolution matters in PNG.'
- 'Ryan Warokra and Lisa Paka are very respectful and take time to structure their work to their clients' requirements in terms of presentation. Their ability to ensure clients feel valued and their high standard of work are important considerations for us.'
- 'Vaughan Mills and Tobias Hill, who supports on commercial matters, are plain-speaking and very pragmatic in their commercial advice. Their documents and materials are efficient and straightforward to read and understand, which is also an important feature of being successful.'
- 'The advice they have provided over the past year has ranged from regulatory to commercial and transactional support. Their deep experience and detailed knowledge in their space make them the stand-out law firm in PNG.'
- 'Key strengths for the team include their very extensive experience in PNG legal matters, in-depth understanding of the dynamics in PNG (critical), commercial approach, and good bench strength in terms of lawyers with PNG experience in different areas of practice.'
- 'The Corrs team are able to work on the client's needs within timelines asked by the client. The team lead takes time to understand and frame the issue or scope of work required and takes the client on the journey with their team. There seems to be thorough collaboration.'
- 'The Corrs team is the leading commercial and regulatory practice for international firms dealing in the energy and resources industries in PNG. This team performs work for all the major energy and resources companies working in PNG.'
Key clients
- TotalEnergies E&P PNG Limited
- Newmont Mining
- Bank of Papua New Guinea
- Webuild S.p.A
- Petroleum Resources Gobe Limited and Mineral Resources Development Company Limited
- PNG Ports Corporation Limited
- G4S Limited
- Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited
- Bock and Partners Solicitors
- Central Exploration Pty Ltd
- Lihir Gold Limited
- Harvard University
- Harmony Gold
- Barrick Gold
- Kina Securities
Work highlights
- Advising the Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture, comprised of gold miner, Newmont Corporation, and Harmony Gold, one of South Africa's largest gold producers, on the world class Wafi-Golpu Project, a proposed underground copper/gold mine in Papua New Guinea.
- Advising Twinza Oil (PNG) Limited in relation to its proposed Pasca A offshore natural gas liquids project in Papua New Guinea.
- Advised oil and gas company Woodside Energy on its proposed acquisition of Santos Limited.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lisa Paka
Corrs Chambers WestgarthNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Ryan Warokra
Corrs Chambers WestgarthPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Vaughan Mills