JWS lures Clifford Chance white-collar crime head in Australia

Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) has attracted as its newest special counsel Kirsten Scott, who headed up Clifford Chance’s white-collar criminal offering in Australia.

Scott brings specialist expertise in contentious regulatory and enforcement matters, and works primarily on behalf of clients in the energy and resources sector. She has investigated and defended such matters in administrative, civil, civil penalty and criminal proceedings.

She has acted for clients on insider trading prosecutions, cross-border regulatory investigations and international arbitration involving fraud and bribery claims.

Scott is knowledgeable on regulatory enforcement attitudes and prosecutorial considerations across regulators like the ACIC, ASIC, AFP, ATO and ACCC. She has 10 years of prosecutorial experience gleaned from a stint at the office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, where she was a senior prosecutor.

“This experience gives clients access to advice more readily available in overseas markets,” JWS said.

Scott began operating from the firm’s Perth branch this month.

“Kirsten’s unique skillset will enable us to help clients in navigating potential criminal issues, enhancing and diversifying our market-leading corporate crime and investigations practice,” JWS managing partner Jeremy Davis said. “Having a specialised team to assist in these matters gives us a unique position in the market and is a strong draw card for both domestic and international clients. We are delighted to have Kirsten on board.”