The firm's newest partner used to be APAC legal head at a major gold and copper mining company
Two lawyers have taken on senior roles at Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS), with Nick Thorne joining the firm as its newest partner and Phillip Magness as a new special counsel.
Thorne commences with the firm’s Brisbane office, specialising in energy and resources law. Before making the jump to JWS, he was head of legal - Asia Pacific at gold and copper mining company Barrick Gold Corporation.
For over two decades, he has advised on high-profile mining M&A matters and projects in Queensland. He has also worked across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“Nick has advised on many significant cross-border deals and is well known in the market for his lead role in negotiating high-value acquisitions, joint ventures, projects, and procurement contracts”, JWS managing partner Jeremy Davis said.
Meanwhile, Magness joins JWS’ national cybersecurity, privacy and technology team in Melbourne following a stint at Herbert Smith Freehills. As a senior technology lawyer, he brings more than 20 years of experience in cyber law, cybercrime, digital forensics, and cybersecurity.
He has worked with large companies in Australia and globally on matters involving data protection, cyber resilience, privacy, contractual and regulatory compliance, critical infrastructure and telecommunications law, and technology-related transactions.
Magness is set to work with the JWS board advisory and governance team as well. He
previously served as an Australian Federal Police officer for 18 years, where he was a specialist in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation.
“Phillip’s expertise is a valuable asset for our clients given the increasing sophistication and frequency of cybersecurity threats, and the significant need for sound cybersecurity strategy, advice on cyber and data security risks, and guidance on cyber incidents and data breaches as and when they arise”, JWS technology partner Helen Clarke said.
Davis added that Magness’ appointment was “part of the firm’s continued focus on strengthening our cybersecurity and broader technology capability”.
