Government
LK advises and represents governments and public bodies in Australia, the United Kingdom and internationally. Our work includes Royal Commissions and other public inquiries, regulatory investigations, commercial disputes, trade matters and claims arising from major corporate collapses. We understand the sensitivities of public sector work and our team includes former government lawyers with first-hand experience of the standards, scrutiny and accountability these matters demand.
With a deep understanding of international trade laws, we advise clients on protections available under international trade treaties and act for clients bringing trade-related and commercial claims against governments.
Discrete, considered and exacting our team delivers work our government clients can rely on in the moment and future.
Experience
New Royal Adelaide Hospital
Representing the South Australian State Government in multi-party litigation before the Supreme Court of South Australia and the Federal Court of Australia, and in ACICA arbitrations arising from the PPP arrangements for the design, construction, and operation of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Whyalla Steel Works
Principal legal adviser to the South Australian Government on the voluntary administration of OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd, the operator of the Whyalla Steel Works, the only Australian producer of long form structural steel, which is required for rail and large infrastructure projects and vital for sovereign capacity.
Infrastructure Redevelopment Project
Acting for the Government of South Australia in a construction dispute arising from the upgrade of the ferry terminals for Kangaroo Island, including representation in the Supreme Court proceedings commenced by the contractor.
South Australian Parliamentary inquiry
Assisted the Select Committee established by the South Australian House of Assembly to examine the conduct of the State’s former Deputy Premier and Attorney-General in connection with a major infrastructure development and potential conflicts of interest.
Sovereign State Cultural Property Claim
Advised and represented a sovereign State in disputes concerning the recovery of ancient artefacts believed to have been stolen or illegally excavated from its territory.
Confidential Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Investigation
Represented a public authority involved in a confidential and sensitive ICAC investigation in South Australia, providing guidance throughout the inquiry process and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
Whistleblower Advice
Engaged by a whistleblower to collect, transmit, and report evidence of alleged breaches of US–Iran sanctions by a global conglomerate. Worked with intelligence partners across jurisdictions and filed reports with members of US Congress and relevant US authorities, including OFAC and FinCEN.
HIH Royal Commission
Served as Special Counsel to the Royal Commissioner for the inquiry into the collapse of the HIH Insurance Group, the largest corporate collapse in Australia at the time. LK assisted the Royal Commissioner in all aspects of the inquiry, including the final report addressing future civil and criminal actions and reforms to corporate governance and the insurance industry.
European Commission Proceedings
Representing the European Commission as intervenor in proceedings before the Australian Federal Court concerning the enforcement of arbitration awards against the Kingdom of Spain.
Recovery Proceedings
Acting for a consulting company in recovery proceedings against state and local governments concerning entitlements arising from negotiations with South Australia’s electricity distribution network provider.
Utility Rights Dispute
Represented predominantly Indigenous residents in a dispute with a city council involving electricity and water services, arising from recommendations made by the South Australian Ombudsman and involving issues under the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), Water Industry Act 2012 (SA) and Local Government Act 1999 (SA).
