Australian leader named among world’s most influential on diversity
Justin D’Agostino, joint managing partner for Australia and Asia at
Herbert Smith Freehills, has been named one of the world’s leading champions for diversity.
For the international arbitration lawyer, who heads the firm’s global dispute resolution practice, it’s a fourth year in the FT’s rankings of the top 100 executives who have made a difference in the LGBT community.
He founded HSF’s LGBT network in London almost a decade ago and has been a key component of its international growth, including its Asian and Australian networks.
NRF advises on $1.5 billion RMBS deal
Norton Rose Fulbright has advised ME on a residential mortgage-backed fund raising of A$1.5 billion.
Melbourne partner Scott Millar led the team in Australia, which consisted in Melbourne of special counsel Melbourne Adele Gray, associate Eleanor Taylor and senior associate Fleur Shaw-Jones; in Sydney of special counsel James Morris, partner Ellen Thomas and senior associate Claire Falkner; and in Brisbane of partner Dale Rayner and associate Ben Bourke.
There were also NRF teams in Singapore, Hong Kong and London involved in in settling the offering document in respect of a number of jurisdictions.
Tan re-elected to Singapore Law Society council
Morgan Lewis Stamford partner Adrian Tan has been re-elected to the Council of the Law Society of Singapore. The litigation lawyer holds one of the four senior roles in the Council, as treasurer. It’s the third time he has been part of the leadership.
Global firm promotes 11 to partnership
Ropes & Gray has announced 11 new partners in six of its global offices including Hong Kong. It has also promoted 6 associates to counsel.
The promotions, which are effective 1
st November, include Hong Kong’s Vincent Ip, who represents institutional and other investors in connection with investments in private equity funds, hedge funds and separate accounts.
Among the newly promoted counsel is Shanghai government enforcement specialist David Zhang.
Personal injury sector still a concern says UK regulator
The personal injury law sector, which includes Australian-listed Slater & Gordon among its prominent players, has shown positive improvement but there are still some concerns.
A report by the Solicitors Regulation Authority reveals the results of an independent survey conducted by ICF Consulting, involving more than 250 firms and interviews with regulatory and representative bodies, trade associations, insurers and the judiciary.
The report concludes that the sector has adapted positively to change, including the introduction of a new system to help source medical reports for soft-tissue injury claims; and a ban on referral fees.
However, there is still concern that the quality of medical reports has not improved and that there are still too many frivolous cases.
The research also questions the knowledge of law firms, affecting their ability to deal with cases appropriately.
