Corrs Chambers Westgarth assists its clients on corporate, real estate, natural resources and commercial law matters in particular. Further, it has a strong projects practice and is experienced handling the scope of advisory and disputes work that can arise throughout the lifecycle of a project. Its clientele includes reputable domestic companies and global corporations, notable examples being the Bank of Papua New Guinea and Newcrest Mining. Practice head and commercial specialist Vaughan Mills has experience working on major natural resource and infrastructure projects, as well as on key finance and transactional mandates. Ryan Warokra is regularly instructed to advise on corporate and M&A, banking and finance, IT, and manufacturing-relating matters. At associate level, Lisa Kudada is noted for her commercial work.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Corrs have a very strong and integrated practice based in both PNG and Australia. Its depth of experience and understanding is a critically important strength of the Corrs team. They are knowledgeable, commercial and practical in approach.’
‘Vaughan Mills is trusted adviser when it comes to PNG matters, particularly major projects. He is experienced, practical, commercial and very familiar with the country's circumstances and culture.'
'The disputes and litigation team has extensive PNG experience and includes senior adviser Charles Scerri.’
Key clients
- TotalEnergies E&P PNG Limited
- Newcrest Mining and Harmony Gold
- 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
Work highlights
- Acted for TotalEnergies as operator of the USD $13 billion Papua LNG Project defending litigation by landowners within the project footprint who had challenged the validity of petroleum tenements required for the project.
- Advising one of the world’s largest gold miners, Newcrest Mining, and South Africa's third-largest gold producer, Harmony Gold, on the world class Wafi-Golpu Project, a proposed underground copper/gold mine.
- Assisting the Superannuation & Life Insurance Review Committee and the Bank of Papua New Guinea to undertake a review of the legal framework for superannuation and life insurance.
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.
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.
Vaughan Mills