Australian law firms recognised for equality by WGEA

Clifford Chance in fashion for Aus/NZ venture takeover… Cooley hires Skadden partner for Asia Pacific expansion…

Australian law firms recognised for equality by WGEA

Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency has once again named several law firms among its Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citations.

Allens, Ashurst, Baker McKenzie, DLA Piper, Clayton Utz, Cooper Grace Ward, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, McCullough Robertson , Gilbert + Tobin, Hall & Wilcox, Herbert Smith Freehills, Holding Redlich, K&L Gates, King & Wood Mallesons, Maddocks, Maurice Blackburn, MinterEllison, Norton Rose Fulbright, Sparke Helmore, and Russell Kennedy are all included, along with The Law Society of NSW.

A record 141 organisations have received the citation this year, which recognises employer commitment and best practice in promoting gender equality in Australian workplaces.

“Our EOCGE citation does not signify that these employers have solved all of their gender equality issues. Rather, it recognises that they have embraced a rigorous and detailed programme to transform their workplaces,” explains WGEA Director Libby Lyons. “These leading employers know the importance of achieving gender equality for their employees and for their business and are implementing leading-practice measures to do so.”

Clifford Chance in fashion for Aus/NZ venture takeover
A team from Clifford Chance is advising global fashion firm PVH on its proposed acquisition of its joint venture partner.

PVH is the owner of iconic brands including Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger and the Gaval Corporation is its joint venture partner in Australia, New Zealand, and other Oceania regions for the distribution of its brands.

The acquisition of 100% of the JV will see PVH owning the distribution network including 71 Australian stores.

The Clifford Chance team is led by Sydney partner Andrew Crook, supported by counsel Reuben van Werkum and Jacob Kahwaji, and senior associate Jonathan Halliwell.

Cooley hires Skadden partner for Asia Pacific expansion
US-headquartered law firm Cooley has expanded into Hong Kong with the hire of capital markets partner Will Cai.

He joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, for Cooley’s third Asia Pacific office, adding to those in Shanghai and Beijing which between them focus on funds, life sciences, and private equity M&A.