Rowan Tape

Expertise and Practice

Rowan has experience in a range of commercial litigation and arbitrations in Australia and Hong Kong. He has particular expertise in claims against company directors, auditors and third parties arising from corporate fraud and insolvency, as well as shareholder disputes and public inquiries.

Rowan represents clients in various industries including professional services, manufacturing, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, forestry, construction and property. He has extensive experience running multi-jurisdictional matters, including in Hong Kong where he is an admitted solicitor. Rowan is highly regarded for his technical skills, commerciality and the ease with which he works with clients and colleagues alike.

In addition to his work for commercial clients, Rowan also leads the Accessible Justice Project, a not-for-profit firm dedicated to providing affordable legal services to those who are ineligible for legal aid but who cannot afford private legal services.

Rowan has been a Principal of LK since 2022, having joined the firm in 2009. Between 2010 and 2011 he was Associate to the Honourable Justice Kelly in the Supreme Court of South Australia. He has a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Adelaide and is admitted in the Supreme Court of South Australia and the High Court of Hong Kong.

Rowan was recognised in Doyle’s Guide in 2022 as a Rising Star in Commercial Litigation and Insolvency Law.

Experience

Hua Han Health Industry Holdings

Representing the Hong Kong liquidators of Hua Han, the holding company of a Group formerly engaged in the pharmaceutical industry and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The Hua Han Group collapsed following serious allegations of fraud in 2016 and litigation is ongoing between Hua Han and its former auditor, in which claimed losses exceed US$160 million.

Property Investment Fraud

Representing a group of investors in a claim to recover over AU$20 million paid for investment in commercial property. Interlocutory proceedings have involved freezing and restraining orders and successful applications for the appointment of receivers to take possession of and sell commercial property valued at more than AU$10 million.

Cargill v Viterra

Represented a multinational agribusiness in the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning a trial judgment of AU$293 million arising from the sale of a subsidiary.

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.

Shareholder Disputes

Represented clients in relation to private company disputes between shareholders and directors, including a complex dispute concerning trust arrangements in respect of shares in a family company.

Ulithorne Wines Liquidation

Represented a creditor in a contested winding-up application and advised on related matters concerning the operation and sale of vineyard assets.

Moulin Global Eyecare Holdings Limited v Olivia Lee Sin Mei

Represented the liquidators of Moulin Global Eyecare Holdings Limited in a claim of over HK$1 billion against a former director for breach of fiduciary duties. Interlocutory proceedings included an appeal to the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, which raised issues including statutory limitations and directors’ duties to creditors in circumstances of insolvency. Judgment obtained in excess of US$59 million inclusive of interest.

Akai Holdings Ltd (in compulsory liquidation) v Everwin Dynasty Ltd

Represented Akai’s liquidators in pursuing claims for breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation involving the former Chairman and CEO of Akai Holdings in the High Court of Hong Kong. In one of the largest civil judgments in Hong Kong, the judgment sum (for which Akai was to be compensated) exceeded US$1.2 billion.

Re Matrix Distribution Limited

Represented the liquidators of Matrix Distribution Limited in misfeasance proceedings against a company director and related entities for the restoration of company assets, resulting in a favourable settlement.

Confidential Sale of Goods Dispute

Represented a European distributor in a US$20 million arbitration under the HKIAC Rules relating to the purchase and re-sale of goods between China and Europe.