HSF picks regional head for Australian disputes team

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has named partner Anna Sutherland as the regional head of practice for its Australian disputes team.

Sutherland, who’s based in Sydney, is a commercial litigator known for her work in complex disputes and regulatory investigations. HSF said that she has extensive experience advising on crisis management, regulatory matters, and internal investigations, particularly in the energy and resources and the financial services sectors.

Sutherland, who succeeded partner Luke Hastings, will lead the team for a term of three years, which began at the start of the month. She paid tribute to Hastings, who headed the team since 2015.

"Under Luke’s stewardship, the practice has achieved great success, and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to continue that success,” she said. “We are regularly called upon to assist our clients navigate their most significant and challenging commercial issues, including in disputes, class actions and investigatory matters, as well as in cyber and other emerging sectors. The results that we have delivered across the spectrum have made us the go-to firm for major disputes and reputational issues in Australia. I am looking forward to supporting the team to build upon that success and continue to collaborate, innovate and adapt to our clients' needs going forward.”

HSF also said that Sutherland will chair the disputes leadership team in Australia. The team is composed of partners Liz Macknay, Geoff Hansen, Liz Poulos, and Cameron Hanson.

Justin D’Agostino, HSF’s global head of disputes, took note of Sutherland’s reputation for developing talent.

“Anna is well known for fostering a strategic approach and in her role will look to champion an agenda of on-going collaboration in Australia and around the world to ensure we are supporting clients across our global network,” D’Agostino said. “She is an exceptional litigator with an impressive track record of delivering for clients both in Australia and internationally.”

He said that Sutherland brings a wealth of client and market experience to the new role, which she will perform while continuing to focus on HSF clients.

Anna Sutherland