JWS grows white collar crime practice

Leading independent law firm Johnson Winter & Slattery has enhanced its white-collar crime offering with Kirsten Scott joining as a Special Counsel in the firm’s Perth office in November 2021.

Kirsten joins the firm from Clifford Chance, where she led its Australian white collar criminal offering specialising in contentious regulatory and enforcement matters from the investigation stage to defended administrative, civil, civil penalty and criminal proceedings. Her practice has a strong focus on supporting clients in the energy and resources sector.

Prior to joining Clifford Chance, Kirsten practised for a decade as a senior prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions office. This experience gives clients access to advice more readily available in overseas markets. Kirsten brings deep insight into regulatory enforcement attitudes and prosecutorial considerations, across all key Australian regulators, including ACIC, ASIC, AFP, ATO and ACCC.

Managing Partner Jeremy Davis says Kirsten’s addition will support the firm’s strong expertise in this area.

“Kirsten’s unique skillset will enable us to help clients in navigating potential criminal issues, enhancing and diversifying our market leading corporate crime & investigations practice. Having a specialised team to assist in these matters gives us a unique position in the market and is a strong draw card for both domestic and international clients. We are delighted to have Kirsten on board.”

Just some of Kirsten’s experience includes advising:

• a company director on his prosecution for conspiracy to commit insider trading offences
• a large international mining company in relation to a cross border regulatory investigation and subsequent civil proceedings brought by ASIC in relation to an asset in East Africa
• a large Australian natural gas producer on a review of their Fraud and Corruption Control program, including the adequacy of training for local staff employed in Asia and Africa
• advising the Managing Director of ForexCT in relation to an investigation conducted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and its resultant agreed Federal Court civil penalty proceedings
• a Perth based mining company in relation to an investigation being undertaken by the Australian Federal Police into allegations of corruption and bribery associated with the company's acquisition of foreign resources
• Apache in its successful defence of a criminal prosecution and related civil claims arising from the Varanus Island gas explosion
• on fraud and bribery allegations raised in international arbitration proceedings for companies with assets in Africa and Asia countries.

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About Johnson Winter & Slattery

Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 65 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major Australian and international corporations and funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes across Australia and surrounding regions. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver solution based commercial outcomes.

Media contacts:  

Daya Knapton, Communications Manager E: Daya.Knapton@jws.com.au T: +61 2 8247 9638

Kate Potter, Business Development Director E: Kate.Potter@jws.com.au T: +61 2 8247 9659

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