The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia, 2025 edition

The Legal 500 has released its Asia Pacific rankings for the 2025 edition and Piper Alderman has been recognised across 15 areas of law including Corporate and M&A, Data protection, Dispute resolution: Class actions, Dispute resolution: Litigation, Energy (transactions and regulatory), Environment and planning, Fintech and Financial services regulatory, Infrastructure projects and construction, Intellectual property, IT and telecoms, Labour and employment, Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS), Natural resources (transactions and regulatory), Real Estate and Restructuring and insolvency.

The directory ranks firms into tiers based on a number of factors including complexity of matters handled, size of practice and client feedback received.  We are humbled by the testimonials received from our clients and express our sincere thanks for their participation in the research process.

2025 Rankings

Corporate and M&A

Piper Alderman has maintained a high level of activity in both buyer and seller-side M&A matters, with the team recently catering to numerous early-stage businesses. Co-head James Dickson is an expert in commercial transactions and the Corporations Act. James Macdonald, who also co-heads the team, brings substantial experience in corporate and commercial law.

‘Highly commercial team – focussed on pragmatic advice and risk management rather than black letter law advice and risk avoidance.’

‘James Macdonald is very pragmatic when it comes to blending commercial and legal requirements. James Hill is an expert at Corporate/ASX compliance helping to navigate compliance and disclosure requirements so that transactions do not get bogged down in unnecessary approvals.’

‘Specialised knowledge & industry experience, which is translated into commercial perspective and outcomes.’

‘We enjoy a personalised relationship that does not focus on billing hours first. This provides confidence that our challenges are freely discussed rather than having an ever-present concern around cost.’

‘Professional, trusted advice, prompt attention at all times.’

‘Strong partner, very focused on what the client needs.’

‘Solid and reliable team. Our partner in general commercial matters. Nice to work with. High availability.’

‘Paul Sartori – efficient, focused, and highly skilled.’

Data protection

Commended for its ‘practical, reliable, and straightforward legal advice’, Piper Alderman is knowledgeable of data collection, infrastructure legislation, and workplace surveillance. Working out of Sydney, Andrea Beatty often advises clients on data security and breach remediation. In Melbourne, Tim Clark’s practice encompasses privacy policies and collection statements, while Craig Subocz is knowledgeable of the Privacy Act. Jamin Li is well-versed in information governance.

‘Piper Alderman is distinguished from other firms by its excellence in efficient, practical, reliable, and straightforward legal advice.’

‘The representatives seek to have a solid understanding of our business prior to providing strategy.’

‘The team has a good balance of legal strategy and pragmatism.’

‘The team is dedicated to understanding their client’s challenges and pain points, and then applying their skills and expertise to help solve the issues and position their client for success.’

‘The partners we have worked with have excellent knowledge of our sector as well as the unique nature of our services.’

‘Tim Clark should be the partner at Piper Alderman to contact if you need legal advice in this field.’

Dispute resolution: class actions

Piper Alderman handles class actions at both the national and international level, with involvement in a variety of areas from consumer to shareholder class actions. Martin del Gallego is the national leader of the dispute resolution and litigation practice group, and handles disputes for clients across a range of sectors, including insurance, energy and natural resources. Greg Whyte is the Brisbane leader and is well regarded for his experience in the litigation funding industry, having represented clients financed by litigation funders as well as the funders themselves. Kate Sambrook has experience acting for both plaintiffs and defendants, and Millie Byrnes Howe is involved in a range of commercial disputes and class actions.

‘It is a diverse team, which means that there is a variety of viewpoints which in turn means better outcomes.’

‘I am constantly impressed by the quality of the work and the team. Piper Alderman are attentive and responsive; they take on board all comments and suggestions and really ‘listen’ to their client. The class actions team are a tight knit group that bill efficiently and work effectively together.’

‘Kate Sambrook is an intelligent, talented and capable partner, who runs matters seamlessly. Kate’s attention to detail and ability to be across so many matters / issues is admirable.’

‘Compares extremely favourably with other firms. Highly capable class action lawyers. Well organised, solid team.’

‘Marty del Gallego is a rising star. Young partner, plenty of energy. Seems to be corralling a big share of the class action market. Great strategist.’

‘Very client focused, very thorough and methodical.’

‘Piper Alderman’s class action team is one of the best in Australia – across both the Brisbane and the Sydney offices, the team is rich with genuine talent. The Piper Alderman litigators have an impressive depth of experience in progressing complex large-scale class actions, and are some of the most effective legal strategists in the country. They are exceptional at every phase of the action – from claim origination to trial or negotiated settlement.’

Dispute resolution: litigation

The ‘excellent litigation department‘ at Piper Alderman is experienced in national and cross-border litigation, as well as disputes arising from a range of industries, including financial services, insurance, energy and natural resources. Martin del Gallego is noted for his experience as a commercial and class actions litigator, and Greg Whyte, the Brisbane leader for the dispute resolution and litigation team, is experienced in multi-party cases, with a focus on corporate and insurance disputes. Anne Freeman has notable experience in litigious matters for clients, with a focus on advising companies on contractual obligations and possible actions against contracting parties under legislation including the Corporations Act.

‘Young, diverse, hardworking, excellent legal skills, and an ability to think outside the box.’

‘Piper Alderman are an absolute pleasure to work with. They are efficient billers, excellent communicators and effective litigators.’

‘Martin del Gallego has notable experience as a commercial and class actions litigator. He is an efficient operator, responsive and approachable and is well respected by his team and the broader industry.’

‘Very client focused and thorough.’

‘Piper Alderman’s disputes team is one of the best in Australia – across both the Brisbane and the Sydney offices, the team is rich with genuine talent. The Piper Alderman litigators have an impressive depth of experience in progressing complex large-scale actions, and are some of the most effective legal strategists in the country.’

‘Greg Whyte is a titan of the Australian disputes landscape. He is an exceptional strategist, an incredibly effective litigator, a thoughtful trusted advisor, and an all-round outstanding asset to have in your corner.’

‘Anne Freeman is an exceptional litigator and a “safe pair of hands” for any complex dispute. She is strategic and thoughtful in her advice and approach, thorough and effective in her claim execution, and laser-focused on the claim’s long-term objectives. A wonderful advocate and mentor for her team, Anne is also a tremendous asset to the broader Piper Alderman firm.’

‘Excellent litigation department working on a wide variety of matters.’

Energy (transactions and regulatory)

The energy and resources group at Piper Alderman brings a ‘depth of transactional experience in the energy sector’, with specialist expertise in electricity and gas transmission and distribution infrastructure. It has a growing focus on the hydrogen power production, use and export industries. In Adelaide, team co-head Martin Lovell ‘is the one you should call first’ for regulatory and transactional advice in the energy sector, while Brisbane based Josh Steele is the go-to for resources matters.

‘Martin Lovell runs an excellent, high quality team. There is simply no better lawyer in Adelaide’

‘No other Partner comes close to the quality of Martin Lovell‘s work and his work ethic. He is the one you should call first, not once others have messed up the transactions ’

‘We regularly work with Martin Lovell. Martin engages rapidly and has an excellent ability to address to the key commercial issues to ensure both a high-quality legal output and a commercial acceptable solution.’

‘Piper Alderman is an extremely competent legal advisor in the area of mining and energy, and we have sought their services over several decades. The partners and solicitors are not only on top of their subject matter, but also have extensive experience.’

‘The individuals in the Piper Alderman we work with are excellent, professional, knowledgeable and responsive. They are excellent to have on side for contract discussions and negotiations, and enjoyable to work with.’

‘This practice provides legal advice which is very cognisant of the commercial imperatives within the energy sector and also tailored to meet the specific requirements of the energy project being developed.’

‘Martin Lovell leads an excellent team who bring a depth of transactional experience in the energy sector. He is very accessible and willing to engage with our team to assist in the resolution of transactional legal issues but also willing to engage and share his experience regarding broader commercial issues.’

‘Juniper Watson has been very effective in helping us develop and implement a negotiation and contracting strategy on a number of long lead item procurements that were imperative to keep our complex project on schedule.’

Environment and planning

Piper Alderman’s specialised team regularly advises on planning disputes, native title, regulatory issues, and emerging ESG concerns. The team is increasingly involved in major renewable energy projects. Paul Vergotis‘ broad practice is strengthened by his deep expertise in town planning and environmental compliance. Ashley Watson provides comprehensive advice on environmental law compliance and breaches. Katie Winterbourne often advises clients across the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

‘My experience comes as an expert witness in proceedings. Piper Alderman work closely with expert witnesses and architects to address contentions to reduce areas of disagreement.’

‘I have worked with Paul Vergotis on several matters. Success in these matters has come down to Paul’s attention to detail, ability to negotiate and have a sound knowledge of planning legislation and local controls.’

‘Very good knowledge of regulations around contamination and environment, and sound practical advice on how to navigate the way through. ’

‘Katie Winterbourne has very good knowledge and experience with environmental issues. High-quality work under short timeframes.’

‘The partner and solicitor dealing with our matter were responsive to our requests and questions, and knowledgeable in the area of planning & environment law.’

‘Having worked with and against Paul Vergotis, I have come to respect and value his insights and knowledge.’

‘Personable and engaging. ’

‘Piper Alderman always provides clear and realistic timelines for when reports must be filed. – Supplies me with the information I ask for promptly.’

Fintech and financial services regulatory

Lauded for its ‘deep technical skills in all things fintech’, Piper Alderman is proficient in advising on anti-money laundering, blockchain, and financial services licensing mandates. Shannon Adams leads the practice from Adelaide. Andrea Beatty is vastly experienced in corporate finance, while Melbourne-based Steven Pettigrove is well-versed in counter-terrorism financing matters.

‘They have deep technical skills in all things Fintech and financials services—both from a traditional finance perspective and Web3 perspective. They are a cost-effective, deeply trusted business advisor.’

‘The team has the ability to distil complex or novel concepts in an easy, digestible manner.’

‘Piper Alderman are the go-to when it comes to assistance with cutting-edge technology and assisting with regulation. The team has a combination of industry knowledge, creativity, and professionalism.’

‘Steven Pettigrove is a very commercial lawyer. We have found Piper Alderman to be a good return on investment.’

‘I appreciate Steven Pettigrove for being practical and solutions-focused. They are very commercial, and they have a lot of connections.’

‘Steven Pettigrove gives you access to lots of current and upcoming relevant information, thanks to his proactive involvement in the Fintech industry. The level of experience and knowledge he has of the industry is second to none. Those foundations are exactly what you need to operate in uncharted territory with confidence.’

‘Andrea Beatty is a subject matter expert, and her team is also intimately familiar with the regulatory framework, which enables them to provide precise and technical advice on compliance and risk-reduction matters that are integral to our lending business.’

‘Andrea Beatty is consummate technical lawyers in this area, but is also highly pragmatic and understanding of our product and processes.’

Infrastructure projects and construction

An experienced team which has exceptional industry knowledge’, the projects, infrastructure and construction team at Piper Alderman often works with government bodies, with sector expertise in electricity transmission, large-scale hydrogen projects, defence infrastructure, and transport developments. Adelaide-based Martin Lovell heads the team, with additional expertise in energy and resources. Also in Adelaide, Juniper Watson advises both industry and owners on their significant infrastructure assets.

‘The Victorian team are expert in this area, practical and understand the industry.’

‘Geoff Emmett is brilliant, thinks laterally and always adds value.’

‘Megan Calder is very responsive, practical and understands the industry.’

‘Piper Alderman consistently provides accurate and timely legal support. We initially engaged Piper Alderman to assist us to prepare a range of contract templates for us. More recently, they assisted us to prepare complex contractual documents for one of our largest projects. We required a very quick turnaround on this document and Piper Alderman ensured we had the document as soon as possible. If it wasn’t for their intimate knowledge of our business and projects, the document would have taken at least double the time to prepare.’

‘We have been engaging Juniper Watson and Martin Lovell on a variety of matters for several years now. Martin and Juniper provide us with legal support on a wide range of legal matters and they have consistently provide that advice and support to the highest standard. They always exceed expectations. They are highly professional but also very personable and able to communicate to lawyers and non-lawyers in a clear manner. They go above and beyond, and I have no hesitation in recommending Piper Alderman, in particular Martin and Juniper.’

‘Piper Alderman have a smaller firm mentality which means agile, and personalised. Yet able to draw on resources across the firm, even from other states if necessary. A strong and growing team.’

‘Piper Alderman contains a wealth of knowledge amongst their broader team that are always willing to assist based on their expertise.’

‘Piper Alderman has an experienced team which has exceptional industry knowledge. They have a client centric approach to their advice which focuses the advice to the issue at hand. A efficient manner equating to fast closure of matters.’

Intellectual property

With particular emphasis on the tech sector, the experienced intellectual property team at Piper Alderman is well-equipped to advise on the full range of contentious and advisory work, including strategic intellectual property matters and related disputes. Tim Clark jointly leads the team with Adelaide-based Tim O’Callaghan, who is well-versed in trade mark portfolio management work. Experienced litigator Travis Shueard regularly represents clients in the public sector.

‘The Piper Alderman Intellectual Property practice takes time to understand the client’s business and their needs. The team are solutions focused in delivering on point advice to assist in managing and enhancing a client’s intellectual property assets.’

‘The firm has many great attributes but of most significance are their attentiveness and the importance that the firm places in its client relationships. ’

‘Piper Alderman has a very strong IP team with depth in both trade mark matters and contentious work, meaning they provide a comprehensive service to our UK based clients.’

‘Tim O’Callaghan is highly experienced, a strategic thinker, a terrific team leader and go-to IP lawyer. Travis Shueard is a reliable up-and-coming IP litigator.’

‘The IP team at Piper Alderman go above and beyond to understand your business and legal needs. They are always thoroughly prepared for each meeting, responsive between meetings and take the time to explain their legal reasonings. ’

‘We have predominately worked with Travis who has been exceptional to work with. He has been able to work flexibly with our business needs and was incredibly helpful at addressing our legal needs.’

‘I highly recommend Tim O’Callaghan as our outside counsel in Australia. His deep expertise and strategic insights set him apart from other competitors.’

‘Tim is fantastic to work with and ensures that issues are clearly and succinctly laid out. The options and the recommended approach are provided, which help give a clear overall picture and a path forward. Working with Tim always provides a level assurance that we are working towards a solution for the main issue at hand.’

IT and telecoms

Well-regarded for its blockchain expertise, Piper Alderman handles IT procurement, Saas, and telecommunications matters. In Melbourne, Tim Clark is knowledgeable of ICT contracts, while Craig Subocz is informed in data security. Steven Pettigrove specialises in regulatory matters, and Jamin Li is adept at intellectual property.

‘Piper Alderman has a wonderful team who work together in partnership with us as clients. All partners and legal experts work in unison, so that we never feel we have transitioned from one area of the firm to another.’

‘The individuals we have dealt with at Piper Alderman have been exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful, and always available to answer questions, even outside of ordinary office hours and during our commercial negotiations with third parties.’

‘The individuals we have dealt with have been exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful, and always available to answer questions we have.’

‘Piper Alderman are the go-to when it comes to assistance with cutting-edge technology and regulation, thanks to a combination of industry knowledge, creativity, and professionalism that enables companies to progress diligently in newly developed areas where regulation is unclear.’

‘They have deep technical skills in all things Fintech and financial services, both from a traditional finance perspective and a Web3 perspective. They have the ability to distil complex, novel concepts in an easy, digestible manner.’

‘The partners were very thorough and were able to clearly articulate difficult concepts.’

‘Working with Steven Pettigrove gives you access to lots of current and upcoming relevant information, thanks to his proactive involvement in the IT industry. The level of experience and knowledge when it comes to cutting-edge IT is second to none. Those foundations are exactly what you need to operate in uncharted territory with confidence.’

‘Tim Clark has deep technical skills. He is cost-effective and a deeply trusted business advisor.’

Labour and employment

Piper Alderman is home to ‘a strong team with a breadth of expertise’, and the group fields extensive experience in advising on the full range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters, often for clients in the mining, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Sydney-based Tim Capelin heads up the practice, and Melbourne-based Tim Lange brings expertise in advising on contentious bargaining proceedings. Leading on employment class actions, Erin McCarthy is also adept at handling cases involving allegations of sexual discrimination cases and related defamation proceedings. Ben Motro assists with general protection claims, victimisation and harassment cases, and unfair dismissal claims before the Fair Work Commission. Emily Haar is ‘responsive, calm, considered, professional and just excellent to work with’.

‘All members of the team with whom we have interacted have provided excellent service. Emily Haar is available and responsive, and takes care to understand the business objectives when advising on how to weigh competing risks.’

‘Piper Alderman has a strong team with a breadth of expertise.’

‘Tim Capelin is pragmatic and solution orientated. Tim possesses deep subject matter expertise and is able to translate complex legal scenarios and case law in a manner that our business leaders find easy to comprehend. He is very personable, approachable and makes himself available without significant notice. He commits and meets deadlines.’

‘Incredibly responsive, highly accurate legal advice with a commercial and human aspect. Emily Haar delivers.’

‘Ben Motro is our go-to partner regarding all employment and labour relations matters. His deep understanding and capabilities within employment and labour are outstanding. He is our trusted partner, and we would not have it any other way. He is reliable and readily available to assist with our needs. He is highly recommended.’

‘Emily Haar is one of the most impressive people I have ever encountered. Her advice and approach is always on point and she has an innate ability to know when to take a very direct and more confrontational approach and also how to diffuse a matter that could escalate very quickly. Emily has an incredible eye for detail and always considers matters from a variety of perspectives and expertly assesses the implications of approaches.’

‘Erin McCarthy is very considered and calm and expertly presents new workplace laws in an easy-to-understand way and provides summaries of associated implications. This is reinforced through relevant examples. She outlines associated risks with approaches discussed and provides links to helpful sites and resources.’

‘Emily Haar is responsive, calm, considered, professional and just excellent to work with.’

Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS)

At Piper Alderman, the WHS team’s ‘strength lies in its comprehensive understanding of complex WHS regulations and its ability to provide clear, actionable advice’. Under the joint leadership of Tim Capelin and Shane Entriken, the group has a solid track record in assisting engineering and manufacturing companies with workplace investigations arising from serious incidents. Andrew Jonklaas advises clients in the mining and manufacturing industries on compliance matters.

‘Piper Alderman’s practice stands out for its exceptional team, which combines deep expertise with a client-focused approach. The team’s strength lies in its comprehensive understanding of complex WHS regulations and its ability to provide clear, actionable advice.’

‘The people I work with at Piper Alderman are knowledgeable and easy to deal with, always ensuring a smooth and productive collaboration.’

‘Extensive industry knowledge. Partners work really closely with associates, achieving very quick turnaround times.’

‘Shane Entriken is very collaborative in his approach. He is a great communicator. He is extremely knowledgeable on WHS legislation and his practical experience as a prosecutor makes his knowledge that more impactful.’

Natural resources (transactions and regulatory) 

Piper Alderman is noted for its expertise in metals sector, often assisting quarrying companies involved in the extraction of aggregates and sands. The team as vast experience in both upstream and downstream issues, with particular strengths in commercial, project finance, environmental, and native title matters. Josh Steele often advises private and public resources companies on corporate and commercial issues, as well as transactions. Martin Lovell is a key contact for project finance matters.

‘Great value for money and very good understanding of ASIC and ASX rules.’

‘The Piper Alderman team have a sense of urgency and are prepared to put themselves out for the benefit of us.’

‘We have mainly been attended to by Nick Foulkes. Nick is a standout because he becomes part of our team. Whether it is drafting standard contract templates or negotiating contract conditions with clients or suppliers Nick treats the task as if it is his own business.’

‘Nick‘s contract legal knowledge is incredible and he has a unique way of explaining contract terms and their meanings and consequences, that really makes it easier for our team to understand them.’

‘The team at Piper Alderman is competent, professional and responsive, recognising when matters are urgent and acting in a timely manner.’

Real estate

Commended as a ‘perfectly balanced outfit’, Piper Alderman often acts for national landlords and tenants, property funds, and private REITs. In Brisbane, Mark Askin is well-versed in real estate capital transactions, while in Adelaide, Adam Rinaldi is skilled at the negotiation of property acquisitions and disposals. In Melbourne, John Wu frequently advises foreign investors, while Janet Wong is proficient in commercial leasing.

‘The Piper Alderman team are a perfectly balanced outfit. They are genuinely good people to work with.’

‘Their response time is excellent, advice is commercial, and their depth of knowledge is thorough.’

‘They provide clients with practical advice and develop strategies to resolve matters in the most efficient and cost effective way. The team is very accessible, friendly, and takes the time to get to know their client on a personal level and to understand what is important to the client’s business.’

‘In my dealings with Piper Alderman I can say that their extensive knowledge and experience gives myself great comfort that the matters are dealt with in a professional manner to deliver the best possible outcomes. The team of experienced individuals give excellent, straight forward sound advice.’

‘The people in the real estate team clearly have significant experience. Their communication is always thorough regardless of the size of the matter.’

‘Their timeliness and commitment to client outcomes makes them standout.’

‘Excellent sector knowledge.’

‘Mark Askin explains issues in a clear and concise manner without the legal jargon.’

Restructuring and insolvency

Situated in the firms’ wider commercial law practice, the restructuring and insolvency team at Piper Alderman is spearheaded by Michael Lhuede, who leads on the full range of complex cr0ss-border insolvency matters. The team is well-equipped to handle contentious bankruptcy matters, corporate restructuring, and liquidations in the commercial real estate sector. Joanne Hardwick is also recommended for advising creditors and lenders.

‘Excellent knowledge and experience. ’

‘The teams strength is its ability to deliver sound professional advice on a timely basis which also represents value for money. The team have a reputation in the market of being innovative and outcome driven.’

‘A strong presence in the Crypto industry sector and some great recent experience in with recent restructurings in the industry’

‘Joanne Hardwick and Michael Lhuede are the standout partners in the Piper Alderman team. A great partner team who complement each other in the market and on engagements. They have a wealth of restructuring and insolvency experience, particularly in complex mid-market matters.’

‘Pipers have an all-inclusive practice to cover just about all of my legal advisor needs in one practice. Their diversity and ability to source good practitioners at the one place is very powerful to me.’

‘Michael Lhuede is my go-to advisor for all forms of insolvency because of his details legal knowledge and general sensible tactical thought processes handling matters. Al also like the fact Michael Lhuede does most of his own appearances so briefing out to counsel is minimal so the process is cost efficient and practical.’

‘Detailed knowledge of insolvency and bankruptcy legal processes and procedures. Sound problem-solving to assist clients working through insolvency and bankruptcy issues.’

‘I have worked with Joanne Hardwick and Michael Lhuede, who are both technically excellent and commercially savvy. Piper Alderman represent exceptional value for money.’

Source: The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific: Australia