First rotation practice group? Corporate Advisory and Tax Team Partner you worked most closely with? David Coombes and Biljana Apostolova
Second rotation practice group? Employment Advisory Partner you worked most closely with? Steven Troeth and Ian Dixon
What was the one thing about Gadens that made you apply for a graduate role?
I initially joined Gadens as a legal assistant in the
Property, Construction and Planning Team in November 2017. My role as a legal
assistant, and the experiences it afforded me, spurred my desire to build a
career at Gadens. It was the diversity of the firm’s work and the philosophy of
providing commercial and pragmatic legal advice, as well as innovative online
legal solutions to its clients that particularly appealed to me.
Additionally, the collaborative, supportive and collegial
ethos of Gadens aligned with the type of environment I wanted to be a part of,
therefore when the opportunity arose to apply for the graduate program, I did
not hesitate.
The rest is history.
What piece of advice would you give the next round of graduate
recruits?
Embrace your mistakes! What I have learnt from my personal experience is
that the mistakes I have made have always presented the best opportunities to
learn. Nothing rings truer than the philosophy “everything will be ok in
the end and if it’s not ok, then it’s not the end.” Mistakes are part-and-parcel
of being a graduate, so it is important as a junior lawyer to acknowledge and
admit your mistakes and not fret the small setbacks.
As one of my supervising partners once told me, a lawyer’s ability to
respond to their own mistakes is often a key determinant in the success of
their career.
What was the highlight of your graduate year?
The whole year was an amazing experience! The Grads@Gadens program isn’t
like a typical graduate program where you receive minimal exposure to legal
work.      
Particularly, a highlight for me was in my second rotation where I was
given sole carriage of an unfair dismissal case which progressed all the way to
a hearing stage at the Fair Work Commission. One of the partners in my team believed
it would be a great experience for myself and another junior lawyer (who
happened to be my grad mentor) to appear at the Commission on our own. After
months of suspension, of waiting for the judgement to be handed down, our claim
was successful and we obtained a fantastic outcome for the Applicant. This was
later featured in multiple national employment law tracker websites, Workplace
Express and Workplace Bulletin.  
It was an amazing opportunity to be involved in a case that yielded a
result that was newsworthy, but it was also a great learning experience as I
was able to run my own case, act as instructing solicitor during the hearing,
and ultimately have a bit of fun with another junior solicitor.
What thing has surprised you most
about being a graduate? 
Being a graduate has its challenges, so having a strong network is
vital. Inevitably, your fellow graduates become that solid support network as everyone
is encountering similar experiences. Whilst I knew I would be able to rely on the
graduates, I didn’t expect to feel such a strong sense of cohort solidarity right
from the outset.
What also surprised me was how those at the firm were well aware of who
the 2018 “Gradens” were. More often than not, I had people from
different floors, whom I had never met, approach me and ask how I was going. It
was both comforting and encouraging to know that the support offered to me extended
beyond my team and mentors.
The mentoring that you receive as a graduate at Gadens is unparalleled.
Any time I had a question, no one was too busy or too stressed to help. I was very
fortunate to work alongside some great mentors.
Describe a typical day at Gadens?
My morning coffee ritual is sacrosanct. It is a great opportunity to
catch up with colleagues who work in different teams, on different floors, as I
don’t get to see them regularly on a day-to-day basis. Usually this is where my
“typical day” at Gadens ends, as no day is ever the same.
I am part of a team that balances both advisory and litigious work, therefore
I find myself completing different tasks on any given day from briefing
Counsel, drafting affidavits or sifting through hundreds of discoverable
documents, to considering legal aspects, preparing letters of advices or
drafting employment contracts.
I can honestly say I love coming into the office every day and working
in a team where we all have a shared vision and purpose, and are fully
motivated, engaged and empowered to work alongside each other and champion one
another. It’s great to know that I can share my ideas, collaborate and test my
thinking with my fellow team members.
What piece of work are you most proud of from your
graduate year?
Gadens focuses heavily on learning and development opportunities. The
firm holds numerous internal lunchtime seminars for staff on a range of legal topics
or issues.  
During my second rotation I arranged a firm seminar on the topic “Independent Contractors v Employees:
Who’s who in a gig economy” where myself and an associate in my team
presented to the firm. This topic in
the employment space gained a lot of traction in mid-2018, with cases such as
Uber and Foodora being tested in the courts. Given the current changing
landscape in this new digital-era, it was important for partners, senior and
junior lawyers in other teams to be aware of these changes, and effectively
communicate to their clients the risks involved in getting it wrong.
Despite the frenzied nerves, sweaty palms and moments of regret in
organising the seminar, I am immensely proud of myself for overcoming my nerves
and presenting to the firm. To date, I am one of the youngest solicitors to
have conducted an internal seminar.
How has a graduate program prepared you for life as a
lawyer?
Having already had the opportunity to work at Gadens prior to the
graduate program, I was fortunate to have a great understanding of the
commercial realities of working within a law firm, and the skills that underpin
effective work-in-progress and billing practices.

However, the graduate program allowed me to not only continue to develop my
analytical, drafting and problem solving skills but also provided me with the
opportunity to build upon my business acumen, develop my litigious skills, hone
my ability to research complex areas and assist clients in navigating through
their legal problems.
The post News | My year as a Grad with Stacey Nicolaou appeared first on Gadens.

National law firm Gadens has announced the appointment of Dudley Kneller as a partner in their Intellectual Property & Technology (IPT) Team.
Joining from
Madgwicks, Dudley brings over 20 years of experience advising clients on significant
technology arrangements in Australia, and across Europe, the UK, and the US.
“Dudley is a highly experienced lawyer with international and domestic experience advising on commercial, regulatory and technology matters with specialisations in financial technology, cyber risk, privacy and strategic sourcing and supply projects”, said Jeremy Smith, Gadens’ Chairman.
“Dudley is an exciting addition to our team, and we look forward to the contribution he will make in ensuring the continued success of our IPT Team as preeminent lawyers in this sector of the market”.
Dudley’s experience aligns with the expertise already seen in the team at Gadens, with lineages of unique knowledge on privacy law, marketing laws, cyber risk, data security and cyber insurance, including both commercial aspects and legal / regulatory compliance.
Speaking of his
appointment, Dudley said: “I was drawn to Gadens’ Intellectual Property
& Technology Team for the connections between my expertise areas and their
strong standing in the market as leaders in technology law. I am extremely confident
our clients will benefit from our collective knowledge.
“Being a technology lawyer makes you take practical approaches to complex legal problems, and I know I’ll be able to deliver results for clients, from start-ups through to large multinational organisations, with the combined efforts of the team at Gadens”.
Listed in Best Lawyers for Information Technology Law and Doyle’s Guide as a “Recommended” practitioner for Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law, you can read more about Dudley’s experience on his website bio.
The post News | Digital and emerging technology partner joins Gadens appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens is pleased to have advised
Kathmandu Holdings Limited (Kathmandu),
a dual listed entity on the NZX and ASX, on its acquisition of iconic global
surf brand and action sports company, Rip Curl Group Pty Limited (Rip Curl). Kathmandu has announced its
entry into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Rip Curl for A$350 million. The
transaction is to be financed by a fully underwritten pro rata accelerated
entitlement offer to raise approximately A$138 million and a vendor placement
of approximately A$31 million. The balance of the transaction is to be funded
by new senior secured debt facilities.
Founded in Bells Beach, Australia in
1969, Rip Curl is a designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of surfing
equipment and apparel, and has a global presence across Australia, New Zealand,
North America, Europe, South East Asia and Brazil. The acquisition of Rip Curl transforms
Kathmandu into a global outdoor and action sports company by combining the two
iconic Australasian brands and provides the opportunity for Kathmandu to
considerably diversify its geographic footprint, channels to market and seasonality
profile.
The Gadens team was led by
corporate partner Michael Kenny and senior associate Winnie Sinn, with support
from partners Andrew Kennedy, Kerry Awerbuch, Brett Feltham, David Smith, Adam
Walker, Peter Poulos, senior associate Matthew Burge and lawyers William Zhang
and Brittany Kluske. Gadens advised on the Australian legal aspects of the
transaction and capital raise.
Kathmandu legal counsel Frances
Blundell acted in the deal as internal legal adviser.
Chapman Tripp partners John Strowger and Rachel Dunne, and senior
associates Jeremy Gray and Philip Ascroft advised Kathmandu in relation to the
transaction and capital raise from a New Zealand law perspective.
The acquisition of Rip Curl follows
Kathmandu’s purchase of American outdoor footwear company Obōz Footwear LLC in
2018, which Gadens and Chapman Tripp also advised on. Credit Suisse (Australia) Limited and Jarden
Securities Limited are joint lead managers for the entitlement offer, and
Credit Suisse (Australia) Limited, Jarden Partner Limited, and Deutsche Craigs
Limited are underwriters to the entitlement offer. Credit Suisse AG (Sydney
Branch) are the underwriter of the senior debt facilities.

The post News | Kathmandu catches Rip Curl’s wave appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens is pleased to have advised Christian’s Bus Company
(Christian’s) on the acquisition of Gold Bus Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh Coaches
from Donric Group. Involving one of Ballarat’s most recognisable transport
lines, the acquisition is set to be one of the largest merger and acquisition
transactions in the transport and logistics industry this year.
Gadens advised Christian’s on
all aspects of the transaction including undertaking due diligence, drafting
and negotiating the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition, drafting
and negotiating the facility agreement for acquisition finance and advising in
relation to other commercial considerations, as well as the structure of the
transaction.
Deal area: Mergers and acquisitions
Practice groups involved: Gadens Partner, Richard Partridge led the multi-disciplinary team, which included specialists from Corporate Advisory & Tax, Banking & Finance and Property. 
Key team members: Corporate Advisory & Tax: Richard Partridge (Partner), Winnie Sinn (Senior Associate), Lauren Guercio (Associate) and Elizabeth Chow (Lawyer).
Banking & Finance: Elliot
Raleigh (Partner) and Harveen Dhaliwal (Lawyer).
Property:
Brihony Boan (Partner) and Karena Leung (Lawyer).
Other firms involved: Ashurst (Acted for the seller, Donric Group) and MinterEllison (Acted for the incoming financier, Commonwealth Bank of Australia). Gold Bus Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh Coaches operates bus routes and charter/tour hire throughout regional Victoria. The acquisition of both businesses almost doubles the size of Christian’s, which, first began moving into the bus industry during the 1980’s. Christian’s now employs over 400 staff to run its new fleet of over 300 vehicles. Gold Bus Ballarat and Bacchus Marsh Coaches complements Christian’s existing bus operations, which operates routes in Ararat, Beaufort, Bendigo, Colac, Ocean Grove, Terang and Warrnambool.
The post Gadens acts on one of the largest transport and logistics transactions of the year appeared first on Gadens.

Special Counsel and sports lawyer, Tim Fuller, has spoken with Lawyers Weekly to share his opinion on The NRL and its challenges with misconduct.
Tim has a strong background in professional sport with an outstanding reputation as one of Australia’s leading sports law practitioners and academics.  And played professionally in the NRL for South Sydney and the Gold Coast and France with the Catalan Dragons.
The first hint of spring and the month of September signal the start of the business end of the footy season. The whole year goes on the line now as teams throw everything at the chance to be on stage at the big dance in a few weeks’ time, writes Tim Fuller.
You can read the complete article on the Lawyers Weekly website.

News | Gadens appoints sports lawyer Tim Fuller
The post News | The NRL and off-field misconduct: the challenges continue appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peninsula Community Legal Centre (PCLC) to support a Family Law Pilot. The pilot will see Gadens extending its existing relationship with PCLC to provide additional pro bono support to the Centre.
PCLC services a population of almost one million people, and through
this partnership, PCLC will be able to continue to work towards its mission “to
empower and support disadvantaged and vulnerable people in their community”.
Gadens Head of Operations Julien Bain explains “Given the strong interrelationship between family law and family violence, this partnership will mean more vulnerable women will have access to legal assistance that could result in a secure future for them and their children”.  “Given PCLC’s increasing demand for family law services, our team saw the opportunity to support not only on individual cases, but this MoU outlines how our team can support the ongoing professional growth of the PCLC lawyers,” said Julien Bain.
Over the next six months, Gadens Family & Relationship Law team will
provide free legal assistance in family law related matters, with a focus on
disadvantaged clients living in the community.
Because of the depth of experience in Gadens’ team, the MoU outlines a
series of projects including:
Mentoring. Through a
‘phone-a-friend’ hotline, PCLC lawyers will have a direct line to Gadens where management
of cases can be discussed, as well as related opinion, advice and strategy on
family law. Continuing
Professional Development. Gadens team will be providing the PCLC lawyers with
the benefit of their experience through tailored training.  Client referral
pathway. Where women are experiencing family violence and have no other recourse
to justice, Gadens will take on the management of specific cases.
Having such a strong, dedicated, Family & Relationship Law team in a
national law firm the size of Gadens allows for partnerships such as this with
PCLC to be formed.
“PCLC is thrilled to be building on our relationship with Gadens. Partnering with them will strengthen our capacity to help more vulnerable people resolve their family law issues,” said Jackie Galloway, CEO, PCLC.
Creating a safer future for Australian women and children, and empowering them to have their voices heard, is vital for the future well-being of Australian society. And for this reason, forms one of the five key priority areas under Gadens Pro Bono Program.
A number of PCLC team members recently visited Gadens offices to meet with the Family & Relationship Law and Pro Bono teams.
A pro bono program
with grassroots approaches  
Three years ago, Gadens recruited a specialist Pro Bono Manager to
develop a refreshed strategy and reinvigorate the pro bono program within the
firm.
Under the aim to develop a program that makes a true difference to some
of the most vulnerable people, who would not otherwise have access to legal
support, the strategy was to develop a grassroots program.
Deepening the partnership with PCLC is not only the next step for Gadens’
Pro Bono Program, but it represents the community partnership that the strategy
hoped to secure.
Since joining Gadens as the Pro Bono Manager, Sophie McNamara has seen “a substantial increase in pro bono activities across the firm which are making real differences in the communities in which we live and work”. “Built around community need, and working directly with a number of our partners, our teams are very close to the outcomes of their pro bono work and this is not only rewarding but helps us to offer well-rounded support to our partners,” said Sophie McNamara, Pro Bono Manager, Gadens.
Recently Gadens Pro Bono Program was recognised as a finalist in the 2019 Australian Law Awards.

News | Gadens puts action into reconciliationNews | Gadens celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in NAIDOC WeekNews | Gadens has been shortlisted in the 2019 Australian Law Awards
The post News | Gadens signs MoU with one of the largest community legal centres in Australia appeared first on Gadens.

Held in the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre in July, Lionel Hogg delivered a Selden Society lecture on Oliver Wendell Holmes and the First Amendment. 
A Civil War hero, Holmes’ contribution to legal scholarship started with The Common Law, the foundation of the realist school of jurisprudence and the revolt against formalism. His contribution extended for over fifty years, including thirty as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court during which he authored more opinions than any other Justice has ever written. A lifelong sceptic and model of judicial restraint, his legacy nevertheless included validation on many of the great issues of his time, particularly protection of freedom of expression and the permissibility of social welfare legislation.
In the centenary year of his most famous dissent, this lecture examines a man of complexity and apparent contradictions through the prism of his approach to freedom of speech cases and seeks to identify what contemporary lawyers can learn from Holmes’ life experience, philosophy and eloquent contributions to the law.
The lecture was recorded in full and can be viewed online. 
The post News | Lionel Hogg delivers lecture at the Selden Society appeared first on Gadens.

National law firm Gadens is delighted to announce the
appointment of Tim Fuller as Special Counsel in the Corporate Advisory team.
Tim has a strong background in professional sport with an
outstanding reputation as one of Australia’s leading sports law practitioners
and academics. 
He has acted for numerous professional athletes, clubs,
governing bodies, athlete associations and corporate sponsors. He is
well-versed and experienced in matters involving contract, agency, intellectual
property, anti-doping policy and rule disputes.
Tim is one of Australia’s best sports lawyers involved in
academia, and he is responsible for writing and teaching sport law courses at
six leading Australian universities. Tim researches and publishes in forums on
sports law-related issues and topics.
He is renowned for his forthright and contemporary position
on sports law, and this has resulted in Tim being a highly sought-after speaker
with sporting bodies.
Tim has spent time overseas in an active role with professional
sports administrations and leading universities including working in the UK,
France, Norway, UAE and the United States. Tim has acted for numerous leading
Australian Olympians and professional athletes in international jurisdictions. 
Tim played professionally in the NRL for South Sydney and
the Gold Coast and France with the Catalan Dragons.
The post News | Gadens appoints sports lawyer Tim Fuller appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens has
advised Silk Contract Logistics
(Silk), a major player in the Australian
supply chain and logistics industry, on its acquisition of 100% of the shares
in Rocke Brothers wharf cartage business.
In a transaction that brings together two companies with substantial histories
in Victoria’s wharf cartage industry, the multi-disciplinary team at Gadens
supported the successful sale.
Advising on all aspects of the transaction, the team at Gadens undertook
the required due diligence, drafting and negotiating of transaction
documentation and financing arrangements, and provided transaction structuring
advice taking into account various complexities in the transaction.
A multi-disciplinary team from across Gadens Corporate Advisory involving mergers and acquisitions, Banking & Finance, Property, Construction & Planning and Employment Advisory practice groups ensured these unique issues were considered through a specialists’ lens.
Gadens partner, Stephen Moulton said “this was not a straight-forward transaction and it required a strategic approach. In the end, it was a good transaction for both parties and all parties adopted a commercial approach to resolving the myriad of issues that arose throughout.”
In a statement from the Managing Director of Silk, Brendan Boyd said “this purchase marks the coming together of two dynamic
logistics companies, each with a strong history in the wharf cartage industry
in Australia.”
Deal value: Confidential.
Law firms involved: Baker McKenzie acted as legal advisers to Rocke Brothers, Ashurst acted as legal advisers to Westpac, and King & Wood Mallesons acted as legal advisers to Tor.
Other advisors: 333 Capital acted as corporate advisers to
Silk and PwC Australia their financial and tax advisers.
Deal area: Gadens Corporate Advisory and mergers and acquisitions specialist partner Stephen Moulton led the multi-practice deal team, which included specialists from Banking & Finance, Property, Construction & Planning, and Employment Advisory.
Key team members:
Corporate Advisory & Tax: Stephen Moulton (Partner), Winnie Sinn (Senior
Associate), Elizabeth Chow (Lawyer) and James Langanis (Lawyer).
Banking & Finance: Elliot Raleigh (Partner)
and Harveen Dhaliwal (Lawyer).
Property, Construction & Planning: Meg
Lee (Partner), Sean Huggins (Special Counsel) and Zina Teoh (Associate).
Employment Advisory: Ian Dixon (Partner), Tessa
Duthie (Associate) and Stacey Nicolaou (Lawyer).
The post Deal profile | Gadens advises on transaction joining two dynamic Australian logistics companies appeared first on Gadens.

Head of Gadens’ Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Partner Brad Marland recently travelled to some of Australia’s most remote Indigenous communities as part of Bond University’s annual Yarning Up experience.
A previous winner of the Queensland Premier’s Reconciliation Award, Yarning Up, is a five-day cultural immersion offered by the Gold Coast-based, private university to a small group of corporate executives and education leaders.
Brad Marland and the Yarning Up group visited the Torres Strait where they engaged with families, community leaders, aunties and Elders on Thursday Island (Waiben) and Murray Island (Mer).
“On Murray island, we were each teamed up with a primary school child and their family,” said Brad Marland.
“The children showed us around their classrooms at the Mer campus of Tagai State College, then took us home to meet their parents.“It was a rare opportunity to sit down with a Murray Island family and find out exactly what it’s like to live and grow up in a remote Indigenous community.“Murray Island is the birthplace of Eddie Mabo and Australia’s native title legislation so, as a lawyer, it was a real privilege to visit his grave which is regarded as a sacred site by the Meriam people on Murray Island.”
Bond University launched its Yarning Up experience in 2014, originally as an educational initiative that saw Principals from Australia’s leading girls’ schools spending five days in the Lockhart River Aboriginal community on the Cape York Peninsula.
It now alternates each
year between Lockhart River and the Torres Strait Islands. It has also expanded
to include corporate representatives from organisations like Gadens who can
build on-going relationships, not just with children, families and schools, but
with the broad spectrum of community and business leaders.
Professor Nick James,
Executive Dean of Bond University’s Faculty of Law who has accompanied the
Yarning Up group for the past two years said program
had grown and evolved since its inception.
“Bond University is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and in those 30 years, we have created strong connections with members of the Australian business and legal community – with organisations like Gadens, for instance,” Professor James said.“Through Yarning Up, we are tapping into that network of influential and well-resourced connections and bringing them out to places like the Torres Strait Islands so we can build a bridge between the people living with the challenges of remote communities and leaders like Brad Marland who have the ability and, more importantly, the desire to make a genuine difference.“It is also an opportunity to learn more about the culture and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, which is something that all Australians can share and be enriched by.”
To learn more about the Yarning Up experience, the five day itinerary has been summarised in a video.
The post News | Gadens puts action into reconciliation appeared first on Gadens.

Rose Clayton started in the Gadens Graduate Program (Grads@Gadens) in February 2019 and has been working in the Family & Relationship Law Team.
Describe a typical day at Gadens
The day usually starts with a team morning coffee run together. Right from the start, I was included in this morning ritual, and it’s been a great way to get to know my colleagues outside of the office environment.
My days vary a lot, and I don’t think I have ever had two days the same!
Some days I will be writing an Affidavit the whole day, which is slower work and requires detailed planning and multiple drafts. Whereas others, I will be picking up and finishing multiple tasks, which is much quicker and fast-paced. These include writing memo’s to counsel, writing letters, organising discovery or completing research. There are also days where we are in Court all day and more often than not these days turn out a lot different from what you thought they would.
What has been the highlight since starting at Gadens? 
As I had completed my Practical Legal Training before commencing my grad year, and was admitted at the start of the year, I have been able to undertake work and make appearances which I ordinarily would not have been able to do if I hadn’t been admitted first. A highlight has definitely been being able to make appearances in Court. Although they have been short, it has allowed my confidence to grow in speaking in Court, which is something I really enjoy.
Another highlight has been the social aspects of Gadens. At the mid-year function the grad team won best dressed for our circus themed costumes, and I was involved in the Gadens mixed netball team which were runners up at the Winneke cup (inter-firm tournament).
What was the one thing about Gadens that made you apply for a graduate role?
What really appealed to me about Gadens was the wide range of practice areas the firm has. My goal in commencing my legal career was to ensure I had a broad range of experiences before I began to form a specialised interest. I think this is incredibly important for new lawyers.
What also appealed to me as an admitted lawyer during the graduate year, was how this afforded me more experiences and allowed me to ‘hit the ground running’.
Is working in a law firm what you expected?
Working at Gadens has exceeded my expectations.
Before I started, I remembered giving myself a pep talk, saying that I will have moments when I would feel lost or completely out of my depth, purely by virtue of being a new baby lawyer. However, the level of support afforded to me has meant I have never felt completely overwhelmed or lost, as there has always been someone to turn to for support.
Gadens partner Jodylee Bartal reflects on what it has meant to have Rose in their team
“Graduates, such as Rose, are not administrative assistants! Rose is taking carriage of files, under supervision, of course. There has been plenty of opportunity for client contact, and interactions with a range of other experts such as barristers, accountants, valuers and psychologists. 
All our graduates are invited to do appearances if they feel comfortable, starting with divorce applications and subpoena hearings. Close supervision and mentoring with an appropriate amount of autonomy is what we strive for”.

Interested in joining the Grads@Gadens program? Applications close on 30 August 2019 for opportunities in 2020.
The post News | A day in the life of a Gadens Grad with Rose Clayton appeared first on Gadens.

National
firm Gadens has appointed Danny O’Brien as a Director in its Planning and
Environment Team. Danny has extensive experience in major projects, government
and property development.
He
has also acted for a variety of local governments on local laws, enforcement,
development assessment and environmental issues, governance, litigation
(particularly in the Planning and Environment Court and Magistrates Court) and
resumption matters.
Danny
is recognised in Best Lawyers Australia 2016-2019 for Land Use and Zoning Law,
Government Practice and Planning and Environment Law.
The post Gadens strengthens Planning and Environment Team with appointment of new Director appeared first on Gadens.

The Australian Government welcomes foreign investment. With well-developed infrastructure, a stable political environment, robust economy and easy access to Asia Pacific, Australia is an ideal investment location for foreign companies looking to grow internationally.
There are important considerations for foreign investors to make when deciding on how to enter the Australian market. Whether it’s the choice between establishing a new company, registering as a foreign company or acquiring an existing company, each option has its own regulatory and tax considerations.
At Gadens, we facilitate international companies entering the Australian market as well as those in Australia wanting to expand into international markets. Through the experience and expertise across the various practice areas of our firm, we welcome the opportunity to work with foreign investors in establishing and running businesses in Australia. For more information on what we do for international clients, visit the International page on our website.
Our Doing Business in Australia guide provides foreign investors with an overview of the Australian business environment, and practical advice on how to go about setting up and doing business in Australia. This guide serves as an overview only and should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice on the application of Australian law.

The post Featured publication | Doing Business in Australia appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens recently advised the PS Loan Trust as the senior financier in relation to the refinance of residual stock for the Cornwall – a mixed-use development comprising 53 residential units and one retail shop – in Brunswick West, Victoria.
PS Loan Trust (#propertyshares) is a leading debt fund that lends from $1 to $30 million to mid-market property developers and investors. The Trust currently manages several hundred million dollars on behalf of sophisticated / institutional investors.
“Gadens thoroughly enjoyed working with the PS Loan Trust (#PropertyShares) on this transaction, and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to have been able to support the refinance of this asset. Our team, especially Associate Martin Nguyen , did a fantastic job in getting this deal done within a short period of time”, said Peter Grotjan.
The lender’s team was led by Joseph Cavin, Director, and supported by Gary Fryar, Head of Credit.
Designed by Clarke Hopkins Clarke, the Cornwall offers a collection of premium apartments that embrace the individuality and history that defines the Brunswick community.
“We are pleased to support an experienced property developer in managing efficiently its working capital requirement by enabling an early profit. Our facility was structured in a way that provided the developer with a flexible capital solution without compromising our measured investment approach. We are glad we benefited from the expertise and diligence of Gadens’ Associate Martin Nguyen, which enabled us to achieve Finance Close within three weeks”, said Joseph Cavin.
Deal area: Property
Key team members: Gadens partner Peter Grotjan (Banking and Finance) led the team which included Martin Nguyen (Associate).
The post Deal profile | Gadens supports the PS Loan Trust (#PropertyShares) with refinance of Cornwall, Brunswick appeared first on Gadens.

National law firm Gadens is delighted to announce the appointment of Edward Martin as a partner in the Disputes Group. Edward joins Gadens from Gilbert + Tobin in Sydney. 
A highly experienced litigator, Edward acts for clients in commercial and regulatory disputes and investigations, in particular in high-value complex contentious matters in highly regulated sectors including financial services, healthcare and education. 
Edward’s experience and his particular focus on the financial services sector enhance Gadens’ growing financial services regulatory practice. While also supporting contract and commercial disputes arising from corporate transactions, Edward has also acted in numerous mediations and arbitrations.
Grant
Scott-Hayward, Gadens’ Chief Executive Officer said:
“Our Disputes
Group has seen very strong growth in recent years and Edward’s appointment will
continue this momentum. We look forward to the long-term contributions Edward
will make in helping advance the Group as a market-leading practice.
In addition, we
anticipate synergies in his practice with our corporate advisory, education,
financial services, healthcare, private equity and property practice areas,
allowing Gadens to continue to provide our clients with the multi-disciplinary
approaches to solutions that drive results”.
Commenting on his move to Gadens, Edward Martin
said:
“Gadens’ recent growth and determination to re-build and re-focus in the Sydney market presented an exciting offering for me. This is a team that is already known for its experience working on very significant disputes, particularly for regulators and in markets defined by regulators, so my decision to join the team was driven by an alignment of my experience with a team who has a strong market reputation, on which we can build together”. 
Edward has over 15 years’ experience and has a strong client base of multinationals and ASX listed companies. In addition to financial services, healthcare and education, other key sectors he works across include private equity, professional services, government and resources.
For more information, contact:
Russell Fox
Head of Business Development and Marketing | Gadens
[email protected] | T +61 3 9612 8285 | M +61 415 500 753 
About Gadens
Gadens is a preeminent, independent Australian law firm with offices in
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. The firm has 80 partners and over 680
staff. With a history dating back to 1847, Gadens is renowned for
providing outstanding client service, innovative solutions and value.
The post Gadens appoints highly experienced litigator in Sydney appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens has advised Brookfield on the refinancing of its mixed-use investment Portside Wharf, in Hamilton, Queensland. Home to the Brisbane Cruise Terminal, Portside Wharf comprises retail, restaurants, a cinema and function centre.  
Briefed in early June, the deal was completed in a short time frame
through collaboration across Gadens offices and practice groups, with members
of the Brisbane Property Team completing the due diligence and the Banking and
Finance Teams in Sydney and Melbourne negotiating the Facility Agreement and
suite of Security Documents on behalf of Brookfield.
Firms involved: Gadens (acted for
Brookfield) and Dentons (acted for the incoming lender, Bank of Queensland).
Deal area: Banking and Finance and Property.
Key team members: Gadens partner Renae Suttor led the Banking and Finance team and Matthew Raven led the Property team. Renae joined Gadens in February 2019 and this deal highlights how she has both strengthened and broadened the national Banking and Finance offering to Gadens’ clients.
The post Deal profile | Portside Wharf refinanced to support Brookfield’s investment strategy appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens has advised Primewest on its acquisition of the Geelong Gate Homemaker
Centre. The Homemaker Centre is the fifth asset in Primewest’s portfolio this
year, and the fourth asset for the Primewest Diversified Income Trust No. 3.
Gadens acted in relation to the acquisition of the Homemaker Centre,
which included undertaking due
diligence in relation to the site and negotiating and settling the contract of
sale for the acquisition.
Commenting on the acquisition, Gadens Partner Andrew Kennedy said “we have had a long and successful relationship with Primewest and we are delighted to be able to again partner with their acquisition team to secure another quality asset for their investors”.
The Geelong Gate Lifestyle Centre is the largest centre on the Princes Highway, in one of Melbourne’s growth corridors. It is a large format retail centre featuring blue chip national tenants including Freedom Furniture, Fantastic Furniture, Chemist Warehouse and BCF, and Primewest forecasts continued rental growth as leases roll over time.
Firms involved: Gadens (acted for Primewest), Madgwicks (acted for the vendor, Kervale Investments Pty Ltd) and HWL Ebsworth (acted for the incoming financier, Bankwest).
Deal value: $44,250,000.00
Deal area: Property
Key team members:
Gadens partner Andrew Kennedy (Property) led the team which included Rachel Yard (Lawyer).
Deal significance:
As a long standing client of the Gadens, this latest acquisition for Primewest, has added to their Diversified Income Trust, so that it can continue to secure long term return on equity to its investors.
The post Deal profile | Gadens advises Primewest on the acquisition of the Geelong Gate Homemaker Centre appeared first on Gadens.

With a
history dating back to 1847 as an independent Australian law firm that provides
top quality legal services, Gadens has operated in the Sydney market since
1928.
We recently relocated to new offices in Sydney at the iconic MLC Centre. Change presents
opportunity, and for Gadens this move is a great step for our future as a
preeminent, independent Australian law firm. An office move such as this gives
us an excellent platform to continue to provide clients with the highest levels
of client service nationally.
Operating within an
ever-changing legal landscape, there have been many positive changes to our
firm in recent years, and our rapid and ongoing growth across all practice
areas particularly in Sydney saw the need to find new office space.
In considering our
options, not only was it important that the space be large enough to
accommodate our ongoing expansion, but that it is adaptable to modern
collaborative ways of working. With a fit-out designed with collaboration at
its heart – driven through technology and purpose-built spaces for client
engagement and working environments that support team collaboration – the
iconic MLC Centre in the business heart of the CBD was the obvious choice for
us.
Our new office details
are as follows:
Level 20, MLC Centre
19 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9231 4996
www.gadens.com
This move brings our
Sydney office to a prime location that is capable of allowing our anticipated
growth to continue. It is also part of a broader strategy that has included
establishing a new office in Adelaide in
June 2019, and our office in Melbourne will be relocating to Collins Arch at the
beginning of 2020.
We look forward to your
continued support, and welcoming you to our new offices soon.
About
Gadens
Gadens is
a leading independent Australian national law firm with over 630 people,
including 80 partners. The firm regularly undertakes highly complex legal matters
for a wide range of clients from our offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane,
Melbourne and Sydney. These include major Australian and multi-national
organisations – Gadens is advisor to more than a quarter of the Top 200
companies listed on the ASX – as well as other corporate and institutional
investors.
Highly
regarded for specialist, market-leading practices, Gadens works with clients
across a number of industry specialisations. Our significant breadth and depth
of expertise encompasses banking and finance, corporate advisory and tax,
dispute resolution, employment advisory, government, intellectual property and
technology, private clients, property and construction, planning and
environment and recovery and insolvency.
The post News | Gadens has moved in Sydney appeared first on Gadens.

Yesterday Gadens celebrated the end of the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship period with presentations by the Indigenous Interns, Jessica Slizankiewicz, Braden Wong, Kathryn Dorante and Ceferina Villarin. Judge Jarro, Queensland’s first Indigenous Judge, and Sharon Hiserman, Program Manager for CareerTrackers QLD and NT, also provided addresses.

The presentations gave the Indigenous Interns an opportunity to share their learnings over the past internship period, their achievements outside the firm and reflections of this year’s NAIDOC Theme: Voice, Treaty, Truth.
Pictured L-R: Judge Jarro, Jessica Slizankiewicz, Braden Wong, Kathryn Dorante, Ceferina Villarin, Sharon Hiserman, John Nicholas.
The post News | CareerTrackers Winter 2019 Indigenous Internship Presentations appeared first on Gadens.

Gadens has advised the Barwon Institutional Property Healthcare
Property Fund,
managed by Barwon Investment Partners, in relation to both the acquisition and
the financing of the acquisition of Gosford Private Hospital.
The Barwon Institutional Healthcare Property Fund launched in November 2016 targets healthcare properties such as hospitals, private specialist facilities, day surgeries and medical centres and other healthcare assets.
The acquisition of Gosford Private Hospital is a milestone investment for Barwon Institutional Healthcare Property Fund and is now their most significant healthcare asset, adding to the existing string of hospitals, local medical centres and health facilities.
Gadens acted in relation to the acquisition of the Hospital, including
undertaking due diligence in relation to the land and negotiating and settling
the contracts of sale for the transfer of leases to the Barwon Investment
Partners entity. Gadens also advised on the financing of the acquisition as
well as the establishment of the general financing structure for the Barwon
Institutional Healthcare Property Fund.  
Gadens has a strong reputation for supporting the health sector and this
acquisition is demonstration of the client led solutions our combined
cross-discipline teams deliver to clients. 

Firms involved: Gadens (acted for Barwon Investment Partners), Corrs Chambers Westgarth (acted for the lender, National Australia Bank), HWL Ebsworth (acted for the vendor, Healthe Care on the disposition of the property).
Deal value: In excess of AUD $180 million.
Deal area: Real Estate and Banking and Finance
Key team members:
Gadens partners Andrew Kennedy (Real Estate), Archie Smith (Real Estate), Michael Bampton (Real Estate) and Doug Scobie (Banking and Finance) led the team which included Sean Huggins (Special Counsel), Del Chin (Senior Associate), Elise Holland (Associate), and Rebecca Ferraro (Lawyer).
Deal significance:
Gosford Private Hospital offers an extensive range of services from
general medical and rehabilitation through to both day and overnight surgery services,
hydrotherapy pool, maternity services and pediatric surgery.
The post Deal profile | Gadens advises Barwon Investment Partners on the acquisition of Gosford Private Hospital appeared first on Gadens.