ON DEMAND: Crisis Management – When it hits the fan… responding to a crisis

An experienced corporate lawyer, Lis advises listed and private companies, multinationals, and not-for-profit organisations on their structure, governance, operations and strategy.  Her clients appreciate her commitment to building long term relationships and understanding their culture and strategy so as to deliver timely, thoughtful and practical advice.

At a strategic level, Lis collaborates with boards and senior executives on significant transactions — such as capital raisings, restructuring, strategic collaborations and mergers and acquisitions (public and private).  Lis’s deep experience and practical insights are particularly appreciated by growing clients who seek her guidance on how to plan and execute these important projects.

Lis also helps organisations review their governance framework so that it is “fit for purpose”, and provides emotionally intelligent advice on engaging with key stakeholders around complex member approvals, or dealing with conflicts of interest.  In this, Lis brings additional perspectives as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  For listed companies, Lis gives practical direction on meeting continuous disclosure obligations.

At an operational level, Lis guides clients in how to integrate business ethics and legal compliance into “business as usual”, training boards and managers on fulfilling their key legal obligations, such as privacy and directors’ & officers’ duties.  Lis also designs contract review frameworks in line with the organisation’s risk appetite as well as drafting and negotiating complex contracts.

Lis’s strong focus on Life Sciences and Healthcare is reflected in her appointment as deputy chair of AusBiotech’s AusMedtech Advisory Group, and as a member of AusBiotech’s State Committee for NSW.   Lis has also actively participated in AusBiotech industry projects including AusBiotech’s Guide for Directors of Life Sciences Companies, AusBiotech’s Guide for Investors in Life Sciences Companies and pitching workshops for Life Sciences CEOs.  She enjoys being a “connector” between people in her network, to strengthen the Australian life sciences ecosystem.

Anne is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer who partners with clients to achieve the best and most efficient outcomes when disputes arise. Anne has represented large multi-nationals, as well as smaller corporations and individuals. She has acted in a wide range of commercial disputes including representing parties in a Royal Commission, and in Courts and Tribunals of all levels in a number of Australian states, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Anne has represented both claimants and defendants in commercial and other class actions, including in relation to a client’s products.

She regularly advises clients on contractual obligations and possible actions against contracting parties, including actions for breaches of legislation, such as the Competition and Consumer Act and the Corporations Act and in negligence, as well as defending clients against such claims. Anne also has expertise in prosecuting and defending professional indemnity claims and claims on insurance.

Anne has run litigious matters for clients from a range of sectors and industries, including pharmaceutical, medical devices, energy and resources, health, transport, wine and retail. She has managed cases arising from complex construction and procurement contracts, and property acquisitions, and disputes arising from joint venture relationships.

Anne’s experience includes a range of alternative dispute mechanisms, including mediation, expert determination and arbitration.

Anne is on the editorial panel for LexisNexis Competition and Consumer Law News, to which she regularly contributes.

Mark is the Senior Director, Legal (APAC and Southern Africa) for Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health, responsible for regional legal and compliance. Prior to joining Zoetis in 2013, Mark had experience with various law firms both in Australia and overseas.

Helen has over 20 years’ experience in the field of marketing and communications and has been an agency leader for over a decade. She has worked across a wide range of verticals and brands, most often engaging with the C-suite on their communication and brand experience strategies. Helen joined the Board of Weave Youth & Community Services in 2015, is a supporter and coach for Global Sisters and participates monthly in Mentor Walks.