Christine Small joins as new disputes partner

Brisbane, 1 July 2019: Christine Small will be joining Johnson Winter & Slattery’s market leading Dispute Resolution team. Christine joins the firm’s Brisbane office as a lateral hire from Norton Rose Fulbright, effective from today.

Christine is experienced in managing complex and large-scale litigation, arbitrations and professional determinations across a variety of areas, including financial services, resources and infrastructure, property, general contractual and commercial disputes. She also acts in consumer law matters and regulatory investigations.

Managing Partner Peter Slattery said the growth of the firm’s disputes team was a result of increasing regulatory activity and a general uptick in major disputes.

“In addition to the market trends, we are seeing more opportunity for our disputes team as their reputation for success, and cost effectiveness, becomes better known across the various markets in which we operate. Christine is a highly talented litigator and having her on the team will help us meet the growth in demand as well as broaden out our team on the ground in Brisbane.”

Christine joins Johnson Winter & Slattery’s top tier disputes practice, which handles many of the country’s largest and most complex litigation. The firm is unique in the market for combining top-tier capabilities with a service model that promotes the hands-on involvement of its senior lawyers.

Christine said she was looking forward to joining the team. “Johnson Winter & Slattery’s experience in high profile litigation, regulatory investigations and class actions is impressive and I’m excited to have the opportunity to play a part in the firm’s future success.”

Johnson Winter & Slattery’s recent major litigation experience includes:

• Representing the lead applicants in one of two class actions against Dick Smith and its executive directors arising from the collapse of one of Australia’s major electronics retailers. Suing for losses suffered by institutional investors with claims exceeding $200 million
• Representing Lighthouse Corporation in securing a significant jurisdictional win against East Timor over a $328M oil contract dispute allowing the claims to be decided in Australia. Currently advising in complex claims against East Timor over oil and gas rights
• Representing the lead applicant in the class action against IAG subsidiaries Swann Insurance (Aust) Pty Ltd and Insurance Australia Ltd about the sale of add-on insurance
• Representing the Liquidators of the Gunns Group in one of Australia’s largest forestry industry collapses in which we pursued claims against auditors (KPMG), directors and creditors in more than 70 voidable transaction claims
• Representing ASIC in proceedings against ANZ, NAB, CBA and Westpac for alleged market manipulation and rigging of the bank bill swap rate for financial gain. Westpac was ordered to pay $3.3 million and a portion of ASIC’s costs

-ENDS-

About Christine Small

Christine manages large-scale litigation, arbitrations and professional determinations across a variety of disputes, including banking, resources and infrastructure, large property related, general contractual and commercial. She also acts on consumer law issues and litigation, and regularly deals with significant regulatory investigations. Her clients have included Rio Tinto, Macquarie Bank Limited and Caltex.

About Johnson Winter & Slattery

Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm. We advise major Australian and international corporations and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes across Australia and surrounding regions. We deliver value to clients through high levels of partner engagement in each assignment coupled with a partnership ethos of service, technical excellence and collaboration.

 

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

Important Disclaimer: The material contained in this article is comment of a general nature only and is not and nor is it intended to be advice on any specific professional matter. In that the effectiveness or accuracy of any professional advice depends upon the particular circumstances of each case, neither the firm nor any individual author accepts any responsibility whatsoever for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of any articles. Before acting on the basis of any material contained in this publication, we recommend that you consult your professional adviser. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation (Australia-wide except in Tasmania).