The new recruits come from top-tier global law firms
Lavan has boosted it ranks with the appointment of two new partners in Perth.
The firm has appointed Krista Bates as a corporate partner and Lawrence Lee as a restructuring and insolvency partner.
Bates is an expert adviser on M&A, disposals, joint ventures, private-equity transactions, schemes of arrangements, corporate governance issues, commercial contracts, and general corporate advice. She has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of investing in emerging markets, a skill set she developed in her more than 10 years living in Africa and working throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
She was most recently a senior consultant at Clifford Chance. She was also director and general counsel of low-cost airline group fastjet, a partner at Kenyan law firm Anjarwalla & Khanna, a partner at Clyde & Co, and an associate at Linklaters.
“Krista’s commercial acumen and global experience will make her an invaluable source of advice for Lavan’s clients who are navigating complex business issues in Australia and overseas,” said Dean Hely, Lavan managing partner.
Lee, who commences with the firm on 25 February, makes the move from Ashurst, where he is a special counsel. He is an expert in restructuring, insolvency, and litigation, with particular expertise in the financial services and energy and resources sectors. He also has extensive experience in schemes of arrangements and in directors’ duties and regulatory and governance matters.
He has acted on large and complex restructuring and disputes matters for major Australian and international clients. He has appeared as counsel before the Federal Court, the WA Supreme Court and in domestic and international arbitrations, Lavan said.
“Lawrence is an extremely well-respected lawyer who has worked on some of Western Australia’s most high profile reconstructions, external administrations and disputes. Lawrence will bring additional valuable experience to Lavan’s highly regarded reconstruction and insolvency team,” Hely said.
Krista Bates
Lawrence Lee