Government
LK has advised and represented governments around the world, including the Australian Federal Government, the South Australian State Government and the European Commission with Royal Commissions, commissions of inquiry, regulatory investigations, trade disputes, commercial disputes and claims arising from major corporate collapses. We are adept at navigating the sensitives associated with these matters and our team includes former government lawyers with first-hand experience of the specific requirements for this work. We also have experience bringing commercial and trade related claims against governments.
Our experience
New Royal Adelaide Hospital
Representing the South Australian State Government in multi-party litigation in the Supreme Court of South Australia and the Federal Court of Australia and arbitrations (ACICA) arising out of the PPP arrangements for the design, construction and operation of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Whyalla Steelworks
Principal legal advisers to the South Australian Government in relation to insolvency issues at the Whyalla steel works, Australia’s principal long-form steel manufacturer. LK advises various South Australian Government stakeholders in relation to the administration of OneSteel Manufacturing Pty Ltd and related entities.
South Australian Parliamentary Inquiry
Assisted with the Parliamentary inquiry by 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.
Sovereign State Cultural Property Claim
Advised and represented a sovereign State in several disputes involving the recovery of ancient assets believed to be stolen and/or illegally excavated from the State’s territory.
Confidential Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Investigation
Represented a public authority involved in a highly sensitive and confidential South Australian ICAC investigation.
Whistleblower
Engaged by a whistleblower to facilitate the collection, transmission and reporting of evidence of alleged breaches of US-Iran sanctions by a major global conglomerate. Worked with third party intelligence firms across jurisdictions and filed reports with members of US Congress and other US authorities (including OFAC and FinCEN) pursuant to the US Anti-Money Laundering Act (2020) and Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Improvement Act (2023).
HIH Royal Commission
Special Counsel to the Royal Commission into the financial collapse of the HIH Insurance Group, the largest corporate failure in Australian history at that time. Our team assisted the Royal Commissioner, Justice Neville Owen of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, in all aspects of this inquiry, including the final report that made recommendations for future civil and criminal actions and policy in respect of corporate governance and the insurance industry in Australia.
European Commission
Representing the European Commission as intervenor in proceedings before the Australian Federal Court for enforcement of arbitration awards against the Kingdom of Spain.
Recovery proceedings
Representing consulting company in recovery proceedings against state and local governments in relation to its entitlement to payment pursuant to its engagement to assist in negotiations with South Australia’s electricity distribution network provider.
Utility Rights Dispute
Represented predominantly Indigenous residents in a dispute with a city council arising from recommendations made by the South Australian Ombudsman in relation to the provision of electricity and water. The matter concerned the application of provisions under the Electricity Act 1996 (SA), Water Industry Act 2012 (SA) and Local Government Act 1999 (SA).
