Investigations

LK leads sensitive investigations for boards, regulators and insolvency practitioners, focused on uncovering misconduct, tracing assets and addressing employee complaints to protect clients from fraudulent, negligent or criminal behaviour. Our work includes responding to regulatory inquiries, securing misappropriated assets and addressing governance issues before they escalate. We use technology to analyse large volumes of data to identify offending behaviours that need to be addressed.

With experience across sensitive public inquiries and large corporate failures, and strong financial and technological expertise, we uncover the facts, contain risk and help clients to avoid similar issues in the future. Our approach is discreet, coordinated and informed by a deep understanding of the regulatory process and client expectations.

Our experience

Adelaide Brighton Cement Limited

Represented Adelaide Brighton Cement Limited and Adelaide Brighton Limited in the investigation of an employee’s fraud. LK led the subsequent recovery proceedings against the impugned customer and employee, resulting in recoveries of more than $8 million. LK also liaised with SA Police and its Serious and Organized Financial Crime Investigation in connection with related criminal proceedings.

Royal Commissions

Retained by the Australian Government in the Royal Commission inquiry into the collapse of the HIH Insurance Group, one of Australia’s largest corporate failures. LK played an important role in the investigation, preparation and presentation of evidence and legal advice to the Royal Commissioner, Justice Neville Owen of the Supreme Court of Western Australia.

LK later advised ASIC regarding potential enforcement action against financial institutions following the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.

Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA)

Conducted an independent internal review of the governance and operations of GRSA having regard to rights and obligations under a complex legislative framework, internal rules, common law and equity, and ‘social license’.

Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry

Supporting counsel assisting a Select Committee of the South Australian Parliament. The inquiry concerned a decision by the then Attorney-General and Deputy Premier to refuse development approval for a new deep-water port on Kangaroo Island and related issues of conflict of interest.

Internal Investigation

Commissioned by a company to conduct an internal investigation into a director’s actions in relation to a commercial transaction involving the company’s shares in a prominent manufacturer, valued in the hundreds of millions prior to restructuring. The firm prepared a detailed report examining the transaction’s circumstances and governance implications.

South Australian Desalination Plant Inquiry

Retained by the South Australian Government to undertake an investigation and report into the delays, defects, claims and exposure of the government arising out of the construction of the State’s AU$2 billion desalination plant, and provided strategic and legal advice to the State with respect to those matters.