Investigations
LK leads sensitive and complex investigations on behalf of clients in response to suspected corporate misconduct, regulatory inquiries or efforts to determine the cause of corporate insolvencies and recover misappropriated assets. Our experience includes leadership roles in Royal Commissions and other public inquiries. Over many years, we have developed a reliable process for conducting investigations, drawing on our team’s advanced financial and technological skills. Our team thrive on unravelling and solving problems.
Our experience
Adelaide Brighton Cement Limited
Represented ASX-listed construction materials and industrial minerals company in the investigation of an employee fraud which resulted in a customer receiving approximately 30% more materials than they paid for. Led recovery proceedings against the insolvent customer and employee, resulting in recoveries of almost all of the defrauded sum.
Royal Commissions
Acted as special counsel to the Royal Commission into the financial collapse of the HIH Insurance Group and advised ASIC on the merits of cases arising from the Royal Commission into Misconduct in Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
South Australian Parliamentary Inquiry
Acted as instructing solicitor to counsel assisting the Select Committee established by the South Australian House of Assembly to report on the conduct of the State’s former Deputy Premier and Attorney-General in respect of a major infrastructure development application and alleged conflicts of interest.
Internal Investigation
Commissioned by a company to conduct an internal investigation into, and prepare a report on, a director’s actions in relation to a commercial transaction entered into by the company. LK’s investigation centred on the circumstances of the transaction, involving the company’s shares in a well-known manufacturer, which were valued at hundreds of millions of dollars prior to the company’s restructure.
Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) Investigation
Represented a public authority involved in a highly sensitive and confidential South Australian ICAC investigation.
South Australian Desalination Plant Investigation
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.
Confidential workplace investigation
Assisted an ASX-listed Australian oil and gas exploration company to undertake an internal workplace investigation in relation to allegations of bullying, discrimination and unprofessional behaviour, and the associated impact on workplace culture.
Greyhound Racing South Australia
Conducted an independent internal review of the governance and operations of Greyhound Racing South Australia having regard to rights and obligations under legislation, internal rules, common law, equitable principles and ‘social license to operate’ to coincide with an independent inquiry by the Government of South Australia.
Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association
Representing ATLA, an Aboriginal Corporation, in investigating the administration of native title compensation by a related but separately controlled trust. LK conducted proceedings in the Supreme Court of South Australia, seeking the appointment of an independent inspector under the Trustee Act 1936 (SA), to inspect the affairs of the trust.
