King & Wood Mallesons - The Who's Who Legal 100 2013

What is the Who's Who Legal 100?

The firm’s exceptional multidisciplinary expertise is demonstrated by several lawyers enjoying inclusions in multiple chapters and nowhere is this clearer than in the finance and transactional practice. In Sydney, Tim Bednall advises leading companies on M&A and is lauded for his “calm and practical approach”. Colleagues Greg Golding and David Friedlander are also recommended for M&A, the latter having broad experience across Australia and the Asia-Pacific. The firm’s Australian chair Stephen Minns is also “well regarded in the market” with a “global reputation” for his expertise in public and private M&A deals worldwide. King & Wood Mallesons maintains its strength in the Asia-Pacific region; Wang Lixin has “extensive experience” in cross-border transactions and Xu Ping specialises in the technology transfer, having over 18 years’ experience in corporate transactions. “Leading light” Handel Lee has wide ranging experience across multiple industry sectors, including banking, energy and manufacturing.

“Banking expert” Wang Ling heads the firm’s financing practice and is “outstanding”. She is also highly rated in our aviation research. Yuen-Yee Cho specialises in acquisition financings and has acted for leading commercial banks as well as Sydney airport. “Legal powerhouse” Greg Hammond leads the firm’s debt capital markets practice and is also lauded for his “first-rate” knowledge of financial regulation in Australia. Mark Upfold specialises in banking and infrastructure project finance, particularly in the energy sector. David Olsson is a “leader” in debt capital markets, while financial services sector leader Berkeley Cox is recognised for his expertise in structured finance.

Construction is a key practice area for the firm. Dispute resolution specialists David Bateson and Peter Megens are “widely recognised” as leaders in the construction arbitration field, earning them both dual listings in our construction and arbitration chapters. The latter is lauded for his “sophisticated understanding of complex issues”. Meg Utterback is also noted for her construction experience, having represented high-profile US, European and Chinese clients in disputes before the International Chamber of Commerce. Paul Starr is practice team leader for construction and dispute resolution in Asia, and is considered an “excellent source of knowledge” on a wide range of construction matters.

The firm is well represented in our internet and regulatory communications chapters. John Swinson has 24 years’ experience in advising a huge range of businesses on their internet and technology concerns. Patrick Gunning has particular expertise in transactions and regularly counsels corporate clients on regulatory issues, privacy, outsourcing and licencing. “Technology whizz” James Zeng acts for domestic and international clients and enjoys an “illustrious reputation” in this practice area. Shanghai-based Martyn Huckerby is rated for his regulatory expertise within the technology and communications sector.

In other areas, aviation expert Hal Bolitho is “internationally recognised” for his “innovative” aircraft financing deals. Kim O’Connell is noted in our patents section, displaying “panache” in her work on the protection and prosecution of patents.

With inclusions in several further practice areas, the firm maintains its reputation as a leading international presence on the global legal marketplace.