The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia, 2026 edition
14/01/2026
The Legal 500 has released its Asia Pacific rankings for the 2026 edition and Piper Alderman has been recognised across 16 areas of law, including:
- Capital Markets: Equity
- 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
- 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.
2026 Rankings
Piper Alderman‘s team is well-equipped to advise across IPOs, secondary listings, and capital raisings, with deep expertise in the tech, life sciences and resources sectors, in particular.
IPOs, capital raisings and corporate structuring specialist James Dickinson leads the team alongside James Macdonald, who specialises in corporate structuring, acquisitions, capital raisings, listings and venture capital transactions. Lis Boyce advises on life sciences-related capital raises and governance; Sina Kassra navigates complex ASX compliance matters and financings; and Josh Steele spearheads mining sector-related capital raises. Richard Horton has a specialism in venture capital and IPO cases, while Olena Brodovska advises start-ups and growth-stage companies on venture capital, M&A, IPOs and cross-border transactions; the pair joined the team in March 2025.
‘An experienced corporate and commercial practice which provides advice to venture capital funds investing in the new tech sector.’
‘Knowledgeable across the various documentation that is specific to VC investing, e.g. tech license agreements, shareholders and subscription agreements and constitutions.’
‘The team understands our business and the key people in it.’
‘They are very responsive and creative in their approach. They work with us to achieve a solution.’
‘The firm is appropriately resourced and cost-effective – we get high-quality advice.’
‘Exceptional legal professionals – very responsive.’
‘An experienced and capable team that can be relied on for quality of advice, documentation and engagement, all conducted in a tight time-frame – great service.’
‘Client collaboration is good, billing straightforward and the company has high diversity amongst its employees.’
Piper Alderman delivers sharp advice on acquisitions, schemes of arrangement, and joint ventures across the mining, manufacturing, and transport sectors, earning client praise for its ‘responsiveness and deep industry expertise’.
James Dickson, who is recognised for his ‘pragmatic advice’, spearheads healthcare-related M&A, while James Macdonald manages manufacturing transactions. Josh Steele navigates complex mining M&A schemes for ASX-listed entities and Maria Capati drives transport sector deals. Richard Horton and Olena Brodovska joined the team in March 2025.
‘The team is always very responsive, even when tight time frames are involved. Advice is timely and well prepared. They are mindful of our unique business structure.’
‘The team is highly responsive, attentive to all matters big or small, and value the relationship by investing time to learn our business.’
‘This practice distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and foresight. The team operates at a consistently high professional standard, handling every query and request with a level of dedication that goes far beyond expectations. They are not only quick to provide accurate, actionable information for immediate needs but are equally skilled at identifying potential risks and proactively delivering solutions to mitigate future issues.’
‘What truly sets this team apart is their strategic anticipation of client needs. They do not merely react, they plan, communicate, and act ahead of time. Clients benefit from a team that is thinking two steps ahead, safeguarding long-term success while ensuring short-term execution remains flawless.’
‘Exceptional service, responsiveness and deep experience in the industry and more broadly. Always receiving practical advice and alternative workable suggestions to consider.’
‘James Macdonald is easy to deal with and pragmatic. His team always puts out good work. James takes the time to understand our needs.’
‘The practice overall has a diverse offering of services which makes it a one stop shop for our business, from the initial contact on a subject to the ongoing communication everything is seamless.’
‘Specialised industry knowledge and knowledge of our business and its key focus areas is a unique strength of this team. The team manage communication exceptionally well and are incredibly responsive.’
Piper Alderman’s team provides advice on all aspects of data, privacy, and information security compliance, both domestically and internationally.
Tim Clark co-heads the team from Melbourne, advising clients in the IT and health sectors on data protection and privacy compliance. In Sydney, fellow co-head Andrea Beatty is part of the financial services and fintech group, bringing to the table over 20 years’ experience in privacy, regulatory compliance, breach remediation, and corporate governance. Craig Subocz manages data security and privacy matters, including policy development, employee procedures, and training, while Jamin Li assists clients with compliance and privacy complaints.
‘Practical and responsive advice. The firm has easily moulded to suit our style.’
‘Craig Subocz is an excellent lawyer with great technical know-how, but also an easy style and easy to understand communication style. He delivers on time and offers more than expected within the stated fee.’
‘The team provide pragmatic, commercial advice that is strongly tailored to our business’s needs.’
‘The partners and their team members are accessible and always curious to understand our business and our requirements to ensure the advice is suitable for our needs.’
‘The team’s understanding of the legal requirements in the data protection and cyber security sector was fantastic. The team were able to assist with our Australian requirements but also seek additional assistance from associates in the EU and UK to help understand our requirements under the GDPR framework.’
‘Craig Subocz is extremely knowledgeable.’
Dispute resolution: class actions
The national class actions practice at Piper Alderman is known for handling competition, consumer, financial services, automotive and securities claims.
The team is highlighted for its ‘deep experience’ and ‘strategic thinking’, under the leadership of Martin del Gallego in Sydney. Other key figures include ‘sophisticated litigation strategist’ Greg Whyte, particularly for competition cases; ‘diligent, focussed and highly motivated partner’ Kate Sambrook for financial services and investor claims; and the ‘fearless, commercial and pragmatic’ Lillian Rizio for multi-party disputes and insurance matters.
‘The Piper Alderman litigation and class actions team consistently demonstrates a high level of effectiveness and efficiency. They are highly responsive to client feedback and show a genuine commitment to incorporating suggestions into their approach. Their extensive experience in litigation and complex class actions is evident, and they communicate with clarity, confidence, and professionalism throughout every stage of the process.’
‘Kate Sambrook is a diligent, focussed and highly motivated partner whose attention to detail is second to none. Kate delivers high quality work and is approachable.’
‘Martin del Gallego is an experienced, commercially minded and efficient partner. Martin’s managerial skills are impressive and the robust team he has built at Piper Alderman are a testament to this.’
‘The team that I’ve worked with is exceptionally dedicated and hard working. As the client, you know that they will always be acting in your best interests, to achieve the best practical and commercial outcome. They work collaboratively with counsel and experts to ensure that they are putting the best case forward for the client. They are not only knowledgeable about the law and practice and procedure, but they are also commercial and pragmatic. The team is also proactive – they don’t sit and wait for the issue / problem to arise – they can see the problem coming up and proactively manage the issue / problem. This saves time and cost for the client and ensures the efficient progress of litigation to final hearing.’
‘Anne Freeman is an exceptional safe pair of hands. You want her in your corner leading the team in any large scale litigation. She is not only calm under pressure, hardworking and across the detail, but is also proactive in managing matters, counsel and clients.’
‘Lillian Rizio is fearless, commercial and pragmatic in any hard fought litigation. She’s always asking the hard questions to ensure every opportunity is explored and every risk is covered in the best interests of the client. Incredibly hardworking and dedicated.’
‘Kelly Fraser is a standout special counsel and has a stellar career in front of her. Don’t underestimate her calm and quiet demeanour – she has a fierce intellect and wide knowledge of the law. Together with a commercial and practical sensibility, dedication and incredible diligence she is a force to be reckoned with.’
‘Greg Whyte is a deep legal thinker and sophisticated litigation strategist. He is playing chess, not checkers.’
Dispute resolution: litigation
Piper Alderman’s disputes team specialises in high-stakes commercial and regulatory litigation across the financial services, energy, infrastructure and technology sectors, acting for ASX-listed firms and global corporates.
The team is noted as having ‘incredible depth at all levels’. McKenzie Moore excels in financial regulation and cross-border litigation; Gordon Grieve navigates high-profile corporate and energy disputes; and Louise Gehrig handles estate and commercial litigation. National head Martin del Gallego brings expertise in complex shareholder and insurance disputes, leading a group that continues to expand, with notable arrivals including Paul Venus, Brent Henderson, Cris Cureton and David Starkoff.
‘The team are easy to work with, very diligent and approachable at all levels.’
‘Piper Alderman is unique in that their team has incredible depth at all levels within the practice. This means from a client service perspective, that responses and solutions are fast, accurate and direct.’
‘A key strength of the team at Piper Alderman which sets it apart from other firms, is the very compassionate and helpful way in which they deliver an imbedded support model. This model is based on strong relationships, which often mean that the client sees Piper Alderman as an extension of its business. In my experience this is rare, and only comes from significant trust built through many years of good client outcomes.’
‘Proactive, knowledgeable and strong litigation expertise. Deep understanding of key timelines and requirements enables advice to be provided ahead of time. A focus on resolution through all steps of the litigation process means that the team is always thinking of the best outcomes while proposing strong and clear pathways to the conduct of litigation.’
Energy (transactions and regulatory)
Piper Alderman is home to an experienced energy team with a national presence operating across the transmission infrastructure, renewable energy, hydrogen, and oil and gas sectors. Typical mandates for the team include M&A, PPAs, regulatory compliance, joint ventures, franchise agreements and international commercial arbitration.
The practice group is co-led by Adelaide-based Martin Lovell and Josh Steele in Brisbane. Lovell is well versed in a wide array of matters in the renewables sector, including transmission infrastructure, hydrogen issues, battery projects, wind and solar farms, and virtual power plants. Steele is highly regarded for the depth of his expertise in capital raisings, public and private acquisitions, and seismic contracts. Juniper Watson represents a range of clients handling electricity and gas generation, transmission and storage matters. The practice was also strengthened by the addition of several new partners with energy sector expertise, including Brent Henderson (in November 2024), Cris Cureton (in February 2025) and David Starkoff (in March 2025).
‘The team provide focussed and relevant advice.’
‘They have an experienced team that try to understand our strategy for each contract negotiation, which helps tailor our commercial negotiations to be as non-litigious as possible. They understand our business and commercial position, so responses are always timely, and advice is in line with our strategy.’
‘The team are strongly led by Martin Lovell – whenever challenged we always feel we have the best negotiator in the room. He has a balanced, non-threatening approach which nearly always ends in a win-win scenario.’
‘The team give no-nonsense, concise and reliable advice’
‘The firm’s long history and knowledge of the oil and gas sector aids their ability to apply pragmatic approaches to the advice given.’
‘Josh Steele is outstanding at making the client feel comfortable and fully informed of the processes to be undertaken and the outcomes that may eventuate.’
Piper Alderman’s environment and planning team is jointly steered by Ashley Watson and Alicia Chryssochoides, providing a national spread of expertise. The team is recognised for handling land division issues, land contamination and litigation in the Land and Environment Court. In Perth, Katie Winterbourne stands out for her work in the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors, while in Adelaide Watson provides expertise in land use, environmental law compliance and regulatory due diligence. Based in Sydney, Chryssochoides regularly appears in the Land and Environment Court in merit appeals and handles mediations.
‘Piper Alderman’s Environment and Planning team has a strong network of qualified expert witnesses in the design and building industry and this gives them a competitive edge. They are efficient and skilful and I would not hesitate to collaborate with them again.’
‘The Environment and Planning team stand out for their personable approach, drive to achieve positive outcomes and efficient communication. They are well organised, on top of the process and their attention to detail is above that of any other firm in our industry.’
‘I would highlight Alicia Chryssochoides, whose strategic thinking and calm leadership have been instrumental in guiding mutual clients through high-stakes matters. Her ability to see the broader picture without losing sight of detail is rare and invaluable.’
‘Ashley Watson is always calm and professional and has great experience.’
‘Ashley Watson has a tremendous amount of experience amassed over many years dealing with our particular area of Extraction in relation to Environmental and Development issues. Ashley has a calm disposition and conducts himself in a very professional manner often through tense situations in meetings. An asset to Piper Alderman.’
‘One of the team’s greatest strengths is its ability to distil complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance. Their insights are grounded in a strong understanding of NSW planning law, and they are consistently proactive in identifying potential risks and opportunities before they arise.’
‘This is a team that combines expertise with empathy, agility with rigour, and tradition with innovation. They are trusted advisors in every sense and continue to exceed expectations across all metrics of service and value.’
‘Personal service and dedicated people who are passionate about finding solutions. Alicia Chryssochoides met deadlines, acted at all times very professionally and went above and beyond to help find solutions, even in regards to areas outside her direct responsibilities.’
Fintech and Financial services regulatory
Piper Alderman is recognised for its expertise in the fintech and financial services regulatory space, advising across payments, digital assets, lending, and wealthtech. The team provides advice on financial services regulation and compliance, commercial arrangements, securities enforcement, investigations and disputes. Shannon Adams leads the practice, where Andrea Beatty is a key name to note for advice on financial products, including fintech solutions, peer-to-peer lending platforms, crowdfunding, payment systems, cryptocurrency and reward programmes. Steven Pettigrove focuses on financial services, fintech and digital assets, with experience in disputes, investigations, AML/CTF issues and sanctions.
‘The team is hardworking, pleasant to deal with and highly professional.’
‘Having dealt with many firms, we are thrilled with the individual service we have received from Piper Alderman. The service we have received has been efficient and reliable. Costs have always been met with what was quoted upfront, which is a refreshing change. The innovative and complex nature of the work the firm has performed is appreciated.’
‘Steven Pettigrove is our point of contact at Piper Alderman. He understands our business, and we truly value his input and the knowledgeable aid he provides towards making our business a success.’
‘I have had regular dealings with Piper Alderman and Andrea Beatty and her team for more than 6 years. They have continually shown an understanding of our business and the specific challenges we have to deal with.’
‘Andrea Beatty shows an extensive knowledge of consumer leasing and is always up to date on legislative changes that we are required to meet. Andrea shows a genuine understanding of how our business operates and works with us when sometimes the required changes we have to make seem at best illogical and not relevant to what we do.’
‘The team has deep expertise and a strong reputation at the nexus of blockchain and law. They also have strong intellectual curiosity and a keenness to support and shape industry development.’
‘The team has very high domain knowledge in fintech, crypto and Web3. They are generous in supporting the digital assets industry sector and advocating for improvements in the relevant legislation.’
Infrastructure projects and construction
Piper Alderman is home to an experienced infrastructure projects and construction team specialising in electricity transmission, large-scale hydrogen, defence infrastructure, and road and rail projects. The department is under the leadership of Adelaide-based Martin Lovell, who is a key contact for clients in the gas, hybrid power, defence and transmission infrastructure sectors. Juniper Watson is recommended for her expertise in construction, infrastructure, resources and defence projects. The team’s expertise was further strengthened in late 2024 and early 2025 with the arrivals of Cris Cureton, Brent Henderson and David Starkoff.
‘Piper Alderman’s team delivers technically strong and commercially practical advice with a deep understanding of the construction space. Their responsiveness, consistency, and hands-on involvement set them apart from larger firms. The team is collaborative, solutions-focused, and operates as a true partner to us as a client.’
‘The team seeks to understand the problem or issue at hand rather than just responding to requests for action.’
‘As a client, what I value most about Piper Alderman is their genuine commitment to building strong, lasting relationships. They take the time to understand our business, not just our legal needs, which makes their advice practical, commercial, and tailored.’
‘What makes the firm unique is how approachable and responsive the team is — you’re never just another client.’
‘Their strength in litigation and commercial law gives me confidence, but it’s their collaborative style and deep industry knowledge that really sets them apart.’
‘Compared to other firms I’ve worked with, Piper Alderman feels more like a partner than a service provider. Their culture of inclusion, innovation, and teamwork shines through in every interaction. It’s clear they’re focused on delivering real value, not just legal answers — and that’s what makes the difference.’
Piper Alderman advises on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters, including strategic portfolio management, enforcement and dispute resolution. The practice works with clients across the technology and public sectors, offering guidance on both protection and commercialisation of IP rights. Melbourne-based Tim Clark co-leads the team alongside Tim O’Callaghan in Adelaide, who focuses on trade mark portfolio management. Travis Shueard adds litigation expertise to the team, regularly representing public sector clients in intellectual property disputes. Jamin Li has significant experience in Federal Court proceedings and trade mark opposition hearings.
‘Piper Alderman is a firm of talented lawyers who deeply care for their clients and are committed to the sectors they work in. What sets them apart is that they invest in giving back; they do this through events, educational seminars and networking opportunities where they involve themselves in the industry and with other key stakeholders for the benefit of everyone. They are generous in their knowledge and great to partner with.’
‘Travis Shueard is fantastic to deal with.’
‘Piper Alderman’s IP practice team are very well versed in the laws and trade mark categories relevant to our business, hence they were able to guide us with confidence. They take a personalised consultative approach over transactional, which we find very common with other providers.’
‘Knowledge and experience alongside a personalised consultative approach. They are open to picking up the phone or having virtual meetings over exchanging emails alone.’
The technology team at Piper Alderman is experienced in blockchain, artificial intelligence and unfair contract matters, advising clients on both regulatory and transactional issues
Tim Clark assists public sector agencies, government departments and corporates with ICT procurement and contracts. Steven Pettigrove specialises in financial services and digital assets regulation, with expertise in AML/CTF, sanctions, investigations and disputes. Richard Horton and Olena Brodovska joined the team in March 2025.
‘Tim Clark is a great person to work with as he listens to what we require and works hard (and fast) to meet any time requirements we may have on urgent matters. There are no false promises with the firm or its individuals, as what is promised is always delivered.’
Piper Alderman acts for major employers across the economy, with particular strength in advising large commercial organisations. The practice is led by Tim Capelin, an experienced advocate across employment, industrial relations, and WHS matters, while Emily Haar is recognised for her expertise in workforce management, hiring strategies, and workers’ compensation.
‘Emily Haar is to be commended for her knowledge, client service, and the strength of support she provides to our business.’
‘Special Counsel Emily Slaytor is our go-to employment lawyer. She is responsive, understands the critical issues for our business, and provides timely and effective advice. Her knowledge of employment matters is exceptional.’
‘The team are great to deal with, and they provide excellent and knowledgeable legal services.’ ‘The team know employment law. They are responsive, clear in their advice, and understand how our business operates. They also recognise the need to resolve employment matters quickly and to close out all issues.’
‘Piper Adelman are a down-to-earth, reliable firm that know employment law inside out. They give practical advice, are approachable and proactive, and help clients plan ahead to avoid issues before they arise.’
‘The staff are very responsive and provide expert advice and strategies.’
‘Shane Entriken provides clear and comprehensive employment dispute advice. He is available at short notice, and his guidance is always on point.’
‘Ben Motro at Piper Adelman is a straight-up, practical adviser on workplace issues. He explains things clearly, sets out risks and options, and gives fair, realistic, and useful advice. He is easy to talk to, quick to respond, and part of a solid team focused on employment law.’
‘Michael Coker and Ben Motro are trusted subject matter experts. Their advice has always been timely and on-point.’
Labour and employment: workplace health and safety (WHS)
Piper Alderman is a go-to firm across a range of sectors, with particular strength in advising clients from the heavy industries, such as mining and energy, as well as employer associations, regulators, and government bodies. The practice is led by Shane Entriken, who has an outstanding track record in handling union matters, disputes, litigation, and workplace fatalities.
‘Shane Enriken has a lot of experience and explains the concepts in simple terms.’ ‘Experienced team.’
‘Highly experienced, strong relationships with other stakeholders.’
‘Shane Entriken is calm, consistent and honest. He doesn’t over promise or set unreasonable expectations. Highly supportive without being invasive.’
Natural resources (transactions and regulatory)
Piper Alderman’s practice spans an array of industries, including the mining, metals and critical minerals sectors. The team is recognised as a trusted advisor to many of Australia’s major quarrying companies, as well as assisting clients in the oil and gas sector with M&A transactions, project finance and native title issues.
Based in Brisbane, practice head Josh Steele is a name to note for capital raisings, M&A, farm-in and joint venture agreements. The team’s strength in finance, property, and infrastructure projects and construction in the natural resources sector was strengthened with the addition of six new partners in 2024 and 2025: Catherine Wheeler, Hai-Dang Nguyen, Brent Henderson, Cris Cureton, David Starkoff and Campbell Davidson.
‘Exceptional service, responsiveness and deep experience in the industry and more broadly. Always receiving practical advice and alternative workable suggestions to consider.’
‘As a client, what I value most about Piper Alderman is their genuine commitment to building strong, lasting relationships. They take the time to understand our business, not just our legal needs, which makes their advice practical, commercial, and tailored.’
‘What makes the firm unique is how approachable and responsive the team is—you’re never just another client. Their strength in litigation and commercial law gives me confidence, but it’s their collaborative style and deep industry knowledge that really sets them apart.’
‘Compared to other firms I’ve worked with, Piper Alderman feels more like a partner than a service provider. Their culture of inclusion, innovation, and teamwork shines through in every interaction. It’s clear they’re focused on delivering real value, not just legal answers—and that’s what makes the difference.’
‘What sets the team at Piper Alderman apart is their exceptional responsiveness and the sense that they are genuinely invested in our success.’
With a particularly active real estate practice, Piper Alderman is regularly sought after by major REITs, government entities, developers and corporate organisations. Catherine Wheeler joined the team in June 2024.
‘Catherine Wheeler is across the subject, is organised and proactive, understands the personalities involved, knows how to motivate the tardy and how to sort the wheat from the chaff. I’ve worked in, and around law firms for 30 years, and the skills and abilities Catherine brings to this transaction are rare.’
‘The team provide great practical advice and assistance for running efficient commercial real estate transactions. Seamless assistance with tenancy disputes, due diligence etc.’
‘Very thorough and prompt with their delivery of work. This practice has always completed work to a high standard. Communication skills are exceptional. What makes Piper Alderman unique is their willingness to assist no matter what they are doing and management of large work loads.’
‘The integrity of Piper Alderman, expert knowledge, and responsiveness is always a point of difference.’
‘What makes this practice unique is its exceptional blend of legal expertise, client-centric service, and forward-thinking innovation.’
‘The team consistently demonstrates deep sector knowledge, strategic insight, and a collaborative approach that sets them apart from other firms. Their ability to simplify complex legal issues and deliver practical, commercially sound advice is a standout strength.’
Piper Alderman has extensive experience in bankruptcy and insolvency matters. The practice is led by Michael Lhuede, who specialises in corporate and personal insolvencies, while Stephen Kyrou acts for practitioners, directors, creditors and bankrupts.
‘Commercial and frank advice.’
‘Pipers intelligently look for practical solutions without necessitating lengthy conflict & litigation.’
‘Michael Lhuede is practical, strategic & thoughtful. Technically brilliant too. A go-to guy for all issues.’
‘The Piper Alderman team in Melbourne are well respected, responsive and knowledgeable. They are always available and provide timely, considered and comprehensive advice.’
‘Michael Lhuede and his team are perfect for mid- to large-sized transactions, communicating at all times in the process and maintaining focus on client outcomes. Their counsel is considered and sound, enabling clients to make good decisions in very difficult circumstances.’
‘Deeply experienced, pragmatic and unflappable.’
‘Michael Lhuede is clearly an expert in this area, and he provides advice in a clear and direct manner which has allows for quick, evidence-based decision-making.’