Lionel has over thirty years of partner experience focusing on strategic commercial and contentious matters. He advises corporations and government.
Biography
Lionel's practice is advisory, transactional and contentious, particularly for major contracts and complex commercial, governance and regulatory matters.
He brings an unusual breadth of expertise to problems that cross typical practice boundaries. Lionel has notable experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors, and has undertaken significant assignments for financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, major sports, government agencies, and in several Royal Commissions.
Clients engage him where problems are multi-dimensional, the stakes are high, and conventional specialisation is not enough.
Lionel holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford.
Lionel's experience
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Governance - public sector clients
Advised on governance investigation triggered by substantial litigation ($1bn) relating to fund assets for a public sector superannuation fund, on governance, risk and contractual analysis of major project failures for a large council and on public and private law obligations to major project proponent ($1.5bn). -
Infrastructure - private sector
Advised in relation to an ongoing advisory role in major contracts ($2bn p.a.), acquisitions, project development, pipeline operations and regulatory matters for a major ASX energy infrastructure provider, strategic regulatory advice for LNG exporter and on natural hydrogen and helium project. -
Strategic commercial litigation
Advised confidential private sector clients, including on a $180m gas contract pricing dispute (NTSC) and on good faith in commercial contracts (circa $200m) (NSWSC). -
Strategic commercial litigation
Advised confidential public sector clients on contract repudiation ($66m) (QSC), mine safety ($350m) (QCA) and on defence of sensitive civil claims against State (multiple) (QSC). -
Infrastructure - public sector clients
Advised on public funding agreements for priority State projects. -
Governance - private sector clients
Advised on the board review of adverse Takeovers Panel findings.
Awards, recognition and rankings
- Best Lawyers in Australia 2027 – Recognised for Commercial Law, Corporate / Governance Practice, Corporate Law, Energy Law, Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, Oil and Gas Law and Public Law