We have a leading IT practice in the Asia Pacific region. In Australia, we have acted on some of the largest outsourcings and most complex IT systems acquisitions. Our IT lawyers include lawyers with previous careers in electronics, engineering programming and science, lawyers with in-house experience at organisations such as GE, Microsoft, SITA and Telstra. Our lawyers have substantial experience in the region, as well as in, Hong Kong, London, New York and Tokyo.
We have a strong track record of providing client focused, strategic and commercially practical advice in the following areas:
Procurement and infrastructure: We have one of the most experienced procurement and technology teams in Australia and has direct experience in one of the most recent smartcard infrastructure projects - the Victorian Government’s new smartcard transport ticketing project - in which we acted for the successful tenderer and have continued to act for them in the implementation of the project. This has given us unique insights into the challenges of rolling out smartcard infrastructure.
Outsourcing and business transformation: According to IT industry professionals, we have one of the most experienced outsourcing teams in Australia. We have advised on the largest Australian outsourcing transactions and is leading the development of complex BPO (business process outsourcing) models, integrated ITO (IT outsourcing) structures and near-sourcing projects (for example, off-shore IT systems development). We are increasingly involved in the early stages of planning and structuring new outsourcings, mid term reviews and re-negotiating existing outsourcings to achieve strategic goals - working closely with clients' negotiation teams and external consultants.
Procurement - systems, hardware and software acquisition, integration and maintenance agreements: Assisting clients to extract better value from their commercial relationship and manage their related risks. Including development of your standard agreements or master agreement arrangements enabling you to reduce the documentation and negotiation phase of the contracting process. We are experienced in government procurement, including GITC and Procure IT.
IT aspects of corporate transactions: While large corporations are relying increasingly on shared technology systems, they are selling off companies and major divisions which rely on those systems, and forming joint ventures involving use of those systems. As a result, the IT team works closely with their M&A colleagues on IT due diligences, on negotiating and managing the risks relating to the supply of transitional and ongoing IT services, and looking at the long-term needs of their clients in relation to unwind issues.
Internet and e-commerce initiatives: We remain at the forefront in advising on leading Internet and e-commerce matters, including those relating to e-business, e-banking and payments, security, investment and financial services and regulatory matters.
Communications: Acting for Australia’s premier telecommunications corporations, we understand and are at the forefront of the latest developments, enabling us to devise practical solutions to this complex area.
Disputes: Assisting our clients in resolving IT disputes in all areas outlined above (with a focus on alternative dispute resolution) including multi-jurisdictional litigation and arbitration.
Supply of IT products and services: Representing leading suppliers of software and services, such as Microsoft and Telstra, to develop customer-facing documentation and to establish distribution channels. We are experienced in government procurement, including GITC and Procure IT.
“Acting for the likes of Microsoft, Telstra and Intel helps the firm retain its position at the top of the table.”
Chambers Global Guide 2006-2007