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summer 2011
Focus on
Asia
also
inside:
careers taking off
our new diversity manager
benefits of life at corrs
best places to eat
from
the
ceo
John W.H. Denton
Colleagues
Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we
give”. If this is true, then the people of Corrs are building great lives.
When I reflect on 2011, I am delighted by what we have achieved – not only in respect of our
significant legal and business accomplishments (of which there are many) but by what we as
a firm have contributed to our community.
From floods to fires, homelessness to literacy, health to human rights, Corrs people have
helped others across all walks of life, at home and around the globe. Our people have
generously given their time, money and expertise amongst other ways to help others in need.
Dozens of success stories came out of our pro bono work with the Refugee Civil Law Clinic,
the Public Interest Law Clearing House, the Self Representation Civil Law Service and the
Homeless Persons’ Legal Service. We should never forget that our help and commitment to
others can actually transform lives. For instance, we helped a single mother avoid bankruptcy
after her former husband fraudulently took out a mortgage in her name, and a disabled man
to have an enforcement order against him withdrawn after it was discovered it had been
inaccurately recorded against his name due to identity theft.
We also helped a range of social enterprises to further their good work by providing legal
advice on a pro bono basis. For example, we assisted Second Bite, an organisation that
rescues fresh food and directs it to those in need, form a partnership with Coles that will
deliver millions of meals to the most vulnerable members of our communities. We helped
the Inspire Foundation, which works to improve young people’s mental health and prevent
youth suicide, in its successful $27 million funding application for the Cooperative Research
Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing. This centre will unite young people
with researchers, practitioners and innovators to research how technologies can be used to
ensure all young Australians are safe, happy, healthy and resilient.
We helped Plan Australia, an organisation that works at a grassroots level in 50 developing
countries to alleviate child poverty, to implement a payment software system; and the Earth
Garden Foundation in its successful application to AusAID for approved organisation status,
allowing it to continue raising money to fund sustainable living solutions in Third World countries.
There are also many examples of our people contributing in different ways to help others.
Corrs’ partners and staff have saved almost 100 lives by giving blood through the Red Cross’
Club Red initiative. Many of our staff have helped primary school children develop literacy
skills through exchanging letter writing support; and together we have donated more than 50
computers to Milpera State High School, which helps new immigrants and refugee students
settle in Brisbane.
I am proud of how we worked together to make a real difference to those in need. I am proud
of how our generosity of spirit shines through.
In the new year we are looking to expand our community engagement activities. In particular,
we will be providing a greater range of opportunities for Corrs people to engage in volunteer
work or secondments to support community organisations, client charitable foundations and
pro bono client activities – with a focus on opportunities for non-legal staff to give of their
time and professional skills. These initiatives will be further developed and rolled-out in 2012.
Thank you to everyone who helped throughout the year on top of your good work for the firm.
I wish you all a safe and well deserved break.
--john
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ONECorrs
Contents
CBF 2011
Summer 2011
Corrs was a sponsor of
this year’s Commonwealth
Business Forum, which
has been called “the
biggest and most vibrant”
to date.
Co-organised by the
Commonwealth Business
Council, Australian Government
and Government of Western
Australia in collaboration with the
private sector, this year’s forum
attracted over 1,400 business
and government leaders from
54 countries including 16 Heads
of Government and 150 eminent
speakers.
Partners Andrew Messenger,
John Denton, Robert Regan,
Sandy Mak, Richard Guit,
Chris Ryder and Nick Ellery
attended the three day event,
which centred on the theme,
“Partnering for Global Growth:
The Commonwealth, Indian
and the Pacific Rim”.
Corrs partner and CEO and
Co-Chair of the CBF Steering
Committee John WH Denton
joined the line up of eminent
speakers and panellists, which
included Heads of Government,
Ministers of Finance, Trade and
Development, Chairmen and Chief
Executives of business and other
industry leaders. He chaired two
key sessions on China and India:
the 21st Century Powerhouses.
The forum is designed to highlight
new global economic partnerships
and architecture for trade and
investment in key sectors across
the Commonwealth and beyond.
It also presents a platform to
generate and foster partnerships
and new relationships.
features
FOCUS ON ASIA 4
China Business
Group Update
service
anniversaries
15 Years
• Stuart Clague Senior Associate, Brisbane
• Christine Covington Partner, Sydney
• Kay Martin Legal Assistant, Melbourne
• Reynah Tang Partner, Melbourne
10 Years
CAREERS TAKING OFF 8
Launch Graduate
Program
60 MINS WITH LISA 14
Our new Diversity
Manager
• Jo-Anne Atkinson Special Counsel,
Brisbane
• Delwyn Humphrey Service Centre
Attendant, Sydney
• Michael Kimmins Partner, Brisbane
• Andrew Lumsden Partner, Sydney
• Jim Pearce National Project Delivery
Manager, Perth
5 Years
LIFE AT CORRS 16
What’s in it
for me?
regulars
Doin’ the Deals 12
Pro Bono Wrap Up 20
Alumni Matters 24
Partner Arrival
Welcome to our new partner Andrew Chew who joins our Sydney office!
• Jeremy Amore Administration Manager,
Melbourne
• Jennifer Burdis Executive Assistant,
Melbourne
• Rachel Caban Legal Assistant, Melbourne
• Louise Dawes Senior Associate, Sydney
• Carrie Davies Senior Associate,
Melbourne
• Amin Doulai Lawyer, Sydney
• Benjamin Grace Senior Associate, Sydney
• Daniel James Service Centre Team
Leader, Brisbane
• Andrea Kirk Specialist Legal Assistant,
Perth
• Maria Margarejo Travel Co-ordinator/
Receptionist, Melbourne
• Monali Pandey Lawyer, Sydney
• Wayne Stewart Director of Marketing,
Brisbane
• Angela Tredwell Paralegal, Brisbane
• Allan Trudgeon Systems Administrator,
Perth
• Julie Visser Legal Support Manager, Perth
• Stacey Willekes Senior Associate,
Melbourne
• Maria Yiasemides Lawyer, Sydney
Andrew Chew
Construction, Sydney
Andrew Chew has joined Corrs from Baker & McKenzie. An
infrastructure specialist, Andrew has wide ranging experience across
various fields including resources, LNG, transport (roads, rail and
ports), social (hospitals, prisons), water, renewable energy and property
development. He is also a chartered engineer and is particularly skilled in the integration of
legal services, project management and risk management for major projects.
Andrew has advised governments, sponsors, contractors and financiers on a large number
of PPP projects and alliancing projects including recently in Australia, the New Royal
Adelaide Hospital, Regional Rail Link, QCLNG, Gladstone LNG, Mundaring Water Treatment
Plant, Peninsula Link, and internationally, Bangkok MRT (Thailand) and North-South Railway
(Saudi Arabia). He has also advised on major mining projects in Australia, South Africa and
Indonesia including Mt Owen Mine, Ulan West Underground Mine and Ravensworth Mine.
PUBLICATION DETAILS
Editor: Alida Merson
Art Director: Nick Sellars
Designer: Danielle Poulos
One Corrs is published by Corrs
Chambers Westgarth for circulation to all
Corrs personnel. Editorial contributions in
the form of written articles, photographs
and story ideas are welcome, and all
news items large and small are gratefully
received. We also welcome your feedback
on this edition – contact the editorial team
(above) or the Marketing department in
your local office.
FOCUS ON ASIA
China Business Group: Update
Did you know Corrs has
a China Business Group?
Established in 2008, this
specialised group supports
the firm’s Chinese clients
as well as Australian
clients with business
interests in China
(including
Hong Kong).
The group’s clients include Chinese
state-owned enterprises and large private
companies with significant investments in
Australia. The group is proud to count seven
of China’s top ten State Owned Enterprises
as clients.
Headed by Co-Chairs Adam Handley
(who is also Chair of Australia China
Business Council’s Energy and Resources
Committee (WA)) and Dr Geoff Raby (former
Ambassador to China) – with support and
input from partner and CEO John WH
Denton – the group draws from a range of
divisions and from each of our offices. It is
this breadth and depth of experience and
close connection with governmental and
regulatory bodies in Australia that sets
Corrs’ China Business Group apart from its
competitors.
The group also has a strategy of employing
native Chinese-born and Mandarin
speaking lawyers to ensure they have the
skills and people to help Corrs engage with
our clients in the way they prefer.
Our Journey Through the Orient – November 2011
an evening with
dr geoff raby
By Jim Zhou, China Liaison and Lawyer, China Business Group
1 november
As many businesses wind down their activities and gear up for the Christmas break,
the China Business Group is going full throttle.
In mid-November, a contingent comprising partners Adam Handley, Robert Regan,
Stephanie Daveson, Andrew Lumsden, senior overseas legal advisor Lili Pan, and China
liaisons and lawyers Linda Huan, Ben Bauert and myself, flew to China, ready to face a
packed itinerary of conferences, meetings and networking. Here are the highlights...
investing in australian
resources seminar
3 november
China Business Group Co-Chair
Adam Handley gave a presentation
to 350 attendees at the Investing in
Australian Resources Seminar at the
Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing.
Adam’s presentation focused on how
our Chinese clients (particularly
SOEs) could effectively navigate the
Australian Government’s Foreign
Investment Review Board process.
The presentation was well received
with many attendees gaining value
from Adam’s focus on applying the
FIRB regime commercially and not
merely reading ‘black letter law’.
Corrs invited a number of clients
including Shenhua Group, Huadian
Coal Industry, COFCO Corporation,
Minmetals Group and China
Metallurgical Group amongst many
others to the Beijing St Regis to
meet the newly-appointed Co-Chair
of the Corrs China Business Group,
Dr Geoff Raby. The event not only
allowed Dr Raby to share some of
his experiences from working within
the Australian Government alongside
the Chinese Government, it also gave
us an opportunity to showcase our
dedication to the Chinese market.
Commenting on the event, Dr Raby
noted one of the primary reasons
he chose to join Corrs was its clear
commitment to assisting Chinese
companies investing in Australia.
Dr Raby’s experience and expertise
adds tremendous value to our
offering and we look forward to
introducing him to our other clients
and friends in the coming months.
2011 china mining
conference
6 november – 8 november
Finally, we travelled to Tianjin to
participate in the three-day 2011
China Mining Conference – the single
largest mining focused gathering
in the world. The sheer scale of
the conference and the number of
attendees was a stark reminder of
the importance China plays in the
global mining sector.
The conference is a fantastic
forum where investors, explorers,
producers, regulatory bodies, service
providers and manufacturers with
interests in the mining sector come
together to share ideas and develop
their relationships.
Our team attended a number of
discussions, caught up with old
friends and made new ones.
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ONECorrs
Summer 2011
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
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FOCUS ON ASIA
Who’s in the China
Business Group?
The group is co-chaired by partner Adam
Handley and Dr Geoff Raby. It also includes
partners from corporate advisory (Andrew
Lumsden, Christian Owen, Russell Philip,
Iain Laughland, James Rozsa, Robert
Ritchie, Simon Morris, Jeremy Davis,
Stephanie Daveson), energy and resources
(Michael Harrison, Bruce Adkins, Michael
MacGinley), property (Alan Churley),
infrastructure and major projects (Robert
Regan), banking and finance (Clare
Corke, Philip Wilson, Sandy Mak), and tax
(Reynah Tang, Jonathon Leek). In addition,
senior overseas legal advisor Lili Pan,
and lawyers and China liaisons Jim Zhou,
Linda Huan and Benjamin Bauert provide
native language support.
THE CHINA BUSINESS
GROUP’S CLIENTS
• S
ome of China’s largest steelmakers
(eg Baosteel and Sinosteel)
• C
oal producers (eg Yanzhou Coal and
Shenhua)
• C
hina Metallurgical Corporation
(project construction company)
• C
OFCO Corporation (China’s largest
agribusiness company)
• S
inopec (oil and gas producer and
China’s largest company)
• Export-Import Bank of China
• T
he two largest Chinese private
companies investing in Australia
(Chengdu Di’ao and Sichuan Hanlong).
Corrs Welcomes Dr Geoff Raby
Corrs launches Chinese website
Earlier in the year, Corrs welcomed adviser
and Co-Chair of the China Business Group, Dr
Geoff Raby. Dr Raby is the former Australian
Ambassador to The People’s Republic of
China and retired from the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade in August 2011.
Hot on the heels of Corrs’ new website
comes the launch of corrschina.com – our
very own Mandarin website.
Specifically designed for the China
market the Mandarin website is built
from the same dynamic software as
our main website and features content
and publications tailored specifically for
existing and potential China clients.
Based in Beijing, Dr Raby assists Corrs in
building our reputation for outstanding work
with Chinese State Owned Enterprises and
private companies, as well as Australian
clients building business in China.
“The website had been under consideration
for several years, however it came together
in a relatively short amount of time,” says
Corrs Lawyer & China Liaison, Jim Zhou.
OneCorrs caught up with Dr Raby on a recent
visit to Australia and asked the accomplished
economist about his career change and
becoming a businessman.
“I think it’s very important in life not to get
fixed on particular career paths. There’s
lots of serendipity and if you don’t try other
things you never know what’s going to
happen,” Dr Raby said.
“Only by trying new things can you open up
to unexpected new opportunities,” he said.
Dr Raby says his move into business was
quite organic, brought about by a confluence
of things at the right time.
“I reached the pinnacle of my career as a
public servant with my ambassador job in
Beijing. I could have gone back to Canberra
but I’d sort of done all that and wanted to stay
in China to bear witness to what is going to
happen over the next five to ten years. That’s
when the business opportunities opened up
and I knew, it was the right time to make a
move and do something else with my career,”
he said.
“I feel extremely lucky, this is my third career.
I began as an academic. I taught at university,
wrote articles and books. Then an opportunity
came to join the public service in the early 1980s
after the election of the Hawke government.
That was an incredibly stimulating, exciting time
in terms of reforming the Australian economy,
and engaging with Asia.
Dr Raby has held various
postings throughout Asia
and Europe since joining
the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade in 1986. He
was Deputy Secretary of the
Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade from November 2002
to November 2006. He has
also held a number of senior
positions in DFAT, including
First Assistant Secretary,
International Organisations
and Legal Division (2001-2002),
Ambassador and Permanent
Representative to the World
Trade Organisation, Geneva
(1998-2001) and First Assistant
Secretary, Trade Negotiations
Division (1995-1998). Dr
Raby was Australia’s APEC
Ambassador from Nov 2002
to Dec 2004.
“I’ve had a fantastic time and a great career and suddenly the opportunity came to have
a third career at this stage in my life and it’s very exciting.”
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
The speed at which Corrs was able to
take www.corrschina.com to market
coupled with the positive reception from
our existing China clients has given it
strong momentum out of the gate. Moving
forward, the website will be updated
regularly with targeted news items,
thinking pieces and general publications to
promote Corrs’ standing in Asia.
“We encourage partners to send any
articles or publications to the China
Business Group, if they feel it’s valuable
for securing business in the China market,”
says Adam.
The Chinese website is now available
for viewing at www.corrschina.com.
“It was a real example of teamwork by
partners, lawyers and our marketing team.”
“I have been involved in Australia’s relations with Asia and China one way or another
for the best part of 27 years albeit sometimes it was multi-lateral when I was doing
WTO work.
p6
Business Group Adam Handley. “Its
flexible design and tailored content proved
invaluable to the China Business Group on
our recent trip to China in November.”
While Corrs is not first-to-market with a
Mandarin-language website, we believe
our effort offers more than the standard
fare. After assessing our competitors, we
made a concerted effort to ensure our
Chinese website was not an afterthought
that merely covered the basics of our firm.
“Corrs’ Chinese website shows our existing
and potential Chinese clients that we
understand their market and the factors
impacting their business and industry,”
says Partner and Co-Chair of the China
CBG MAJOR PROJECTS
• Baosteel’s $300 million 15% strategic investment in Aquila Resources
• Metallurgical Corporation of China’s $5.1 billion IPO
• C
hina Metallurgical Group Corporation’s $400m acquisition of the Cape Lambert iron ore
project and the $3.7 billion development of that project
• Yanzhou Coal’s $3.5 billion acquisition of Felix Resources
• Y
anzhou Coal’s $200 million investment in the Ashton Coal JV and $201 million divestment
of the Mineva Coal JV
• COFCO Corporation’s $120 million acquisition of the Proserpine Sugar Mill
• Hanlong Mining’s $200 million investment in Moly Mines
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
p7
corrs2015 People Projects
Creating an inspiring workplace where our
people can build successful and fulfilling
careers is a cornerstone of our 2015 growth
strategy. Recently a new approach to our
Graduate Development Program has been
announced, which centres on enhancing the
early career path for our lawyers. Launch is
the name of this program and it will kick off
with our 2012 graduates.
Robert Regan and Karen Bennett
spearheaded the development of this
initiative. They agree there is a clear link
between this program and our 2015 ambition
to be a world class law firm.
“World class firms invest in developing world
class people,” says Robert Regan, sponsor
of the Launch project. We recognise our
graduates are our future legal talent and
we want to ensure their career gets off
to the best possible start.”
“To be a world class
law firm requires a
deep connection with
the development of
our graduates”
– Robert Regan
careers
taking off
“The success of our past
graduates is testament to the
quality of our current graduate
program. However, we need to
constantly evaluate what we’re doing
and look for ways of doing it better.
Just like the ‘Red Queen’ effect, named
after Lewis Carroll’s character in Alice in
Wonderland, we have to keep running faster
and faster just to stand still.”
The Launch project team began by
reviewing the current program, speaking
with partners and lawyers to find out what’s
working well and what isn’t, looking at
what our competitors are doing and
tapping into overseas firms.
“I kept asking the project team to stand in
the shoes of the graduate and place them
and their professional needs at the centre
of our thinking,” Robert said.
The project team developed a range of draft
models and hotly debated them before
arriving at a proposed framework for
Launch. A period of extensive consultation
followed, with Robert facilitating focus
groups in each office with partners, special
counsel/senior associates, lawyers and
graduates. The Launch program received
endorsement from partners, lawyers and
the ELT, and an implementation team is
currently undertaking detailed design and
implementation of the program ready for
roll-out in March 2012.
A stand out feature of the new program
is the introduction of the Graduate
Development Manager – a new national
role focused solely on supporting graduates
in their learning, mentoring and work
experiences.
Senior Associate Mark Cessario has been
appointed as Corrs’ first GDM and, as
a lawyer, he brings unique insight and
understanding to this role.
Mark’s passion for people development has
meant that over the ten years he has been
with Corrs, he has been closely involved
in graduate learning both as a graduate
mentor and facilitator of graduate training.
p8
ONECorrs
Partners, SCs and SAs from all
Corrs offices and all practice groups
collaborated on the Launch project,
which kicked off in December last year.
Project team members have dedicated
many hours through regular meetings,
brainstorming, deliberating and debating
options and issues and project work.
Karen Bennett, National People
Development Manager, says, “The project
team has been very committed to getting
the best outcome for our graduate
program. The implementation of this
project makes for an exciting early career
proposition at Corrs and supports our
2015 world class ambitions.”
Launch Project Team
Robert Regan (sponsor), Bruce Adkins,
Peter Jarosek, Chris Pagent, Luke
McDonald, Phil Catania, Simon Ashworth,
Frances Williams, Paul Carrick, Mari
Futaesaku, Sue Davidson, Jared Heath,
Mark Cessario, Liana D’Ascanio, Karen
Bennett, Adeline Cheok, Louise Kiley,
Sara Benvenuti, Natalie Braidotti and
Kylie Cole-Hamilton.
“Mark will work with partners and senior
lawyers with the intention of ensuring
all our graduates are provided with rich
on-the-job training that will develop and
nurture their talent,” says Robert. Other
changes include lengthening the program
from 13 to 18 months and having graduates
rotate through operating divisions rather
than practice groups.
“Graduates will work with more partners
and practice groups and they’ll have more
time to develop the specific capabilities
we’re striving for,” says Robert.
“There will also be much greater focus
from partners and senior lawyers on
apprenticeship-style learning, coaching
and ongoing feedback than in our current
graduate program.”
“In my opinion, to be a world class law
firm requires a deep connection with the
development of our graduates. This relies
on providing development-rich experiences
and stimulating career paths that build the
foundations for them to become best-ofbreed lawyers,” says Robert.
ONECorrs
p9
Corrs Retains Title!
Law Institute of Victoria and Hanover Welfare Services Mooting Competition
Have you been thinking about
THINKING?
Since the new website was launched in July, 44 partners
and lawyers have posted more than 50 podcasts, vodcasts
and articles on our Thinking page.
And the quality of our thought leadership
is getting noticed. Quite a few of our
partners have already been quoted in the
AFR and Australian newspapers after
journalists discovered their thought pieces
through Google searches.
So, why would you think about thinking?
Lots of reasons.
A good thought piece helps you build your
profile among your peers and clients, and
in the wider market. “Thinking is part of
building Corrs’ brand and the brand of
our individual partners and lawyers,” says
Jonathon Leek, Partner in our Sydney
tax team.
Sophie Bradshaw, a Senior Associate in
Brisbane’s IPT&C team, recently wrote
a thinking article on the government’s
convergence review. She says the value
of ‘thinking’ is in growing reputation.
The Corrs team comprising barristers Chris
Holmes and Alex Murphy and instructing
solicitors Sophie Ellis and Ari Nagar triumphed
in the annual LIV-Hanover Mooting competition.
In the initial round, the Corrs team of
intrepid graduates and first year lawyers
defeated the Young Lawyers Composite
Team. Corrs represented the ACCC
against Porter’s Plumbing Services in an
application, brought late on Friday, for
an injunction restraining the Respondent
from running a potentially misleading
and deceptive advertisement in the next
edition of the Yellow Pages, due to go to
print on the following Monday morning.
Emboldened by their victory in protecting
the public against errant plumbing ads,
the Corrs team competed in the grand
final against Monahan + Rowell Lawyers
in the Banco Court of the Supreme Court
of Victoria before their Honours Buchanan
JA, Osborn and Sifris JJ.
Corrs represented St Clair, a timber
supplier, that had contracted to sell
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ONECorrs
Tasmanian Huon pine
under retention of title to
the respondent, a furniture
manufacturer in liquidation,
whose liquidator refused
to deliver up to St Clair
the unused Huon pine and
all the furniture in which
it had been incorporated. Corrs mounted a
strong argument that title was retained in
the timber, despite its incorporation into the
furniture.
Notwithstanding stiff competition and intense
questioning from the bench, the Corrs team
prevailed in the grand final. Corrs has won
the competition twice and is only the second
firm to achieve multiple victories in the
competition’s 13 year history.
Congratulations to Chris Holmes, Alex
Murphy, Sophie Ellis and Ari Nagar who
Summer 2011
“My team uses thinking pieces to let
our existing clients and targets know
we have expertise in media and
telecommunications. It shows we’re in
touch with what’s happening and that
we’re genuinely interested in the
issues affecting these industries,”
Sophie says.
mooted masterfully in both rounds. Special
thanks also go to Lindsay Hogan, Daisy
Darvall, Genevieve Bourke and Laura Gordon
for their assistance in preparing for both
rounds, and to Jared Heath for organising the
firm’s participation.
The Competition raises funds for the work of
Hanover Welfare Services to support people
experiencing homelessness or housing
crisis. This year, the competition raised a
total of $40,700. Corrs is pleased to be a
continuing supporter of this event and of
Hanover Welfare Services.
If you want to build relationships with
particular clients, Thinking articles are
terrific for starting conversations. Send an
article to a client with a personal message
of what it means for them and it can make
a real impact. Remember, we have more
than 50 articles, podcasts and videos on
a wide range of topics available on our
site for you to send. There’s sure to be
something that’s relevant to your clients.
So, maybe you’ve got an idea for a thinking
article and wondering how you go about
writing and getting it published.
A good tip to remember is that thinking
articles are short opinion pieces. They deal
with issues now at the top of the news and
present an opinion rather than a description
of the facts.
“You absolutely must have an opinion
and it must be interesting to your target
audience,“ Jonathon says. “If you can link
your topic to an issue that
Corrs Newsroom
The Corrs Newsroom team, led by
Robert Regan, has been established to
facilitate the development of the firm’s
thought leadership content. Wayne
Stewart, Kate Dunstan, Debra Surman,
Brigitte Grannum and Wen Wu make up the
team with Ali Souk also making a significant
contribution.
They meet twice weekly to review business
headlines, brainstorm ideas for new thought
pieces and review the firm’s ‘thinking’ pipeline.
If you have a thinking idea and would like to
record a video, podcast or require editorial
support, please call Debra Surman on ext 9300.
is in the headlines today, that helps.”
“I like the format of thought pieces
because it makes you zoom in on the most
important issues,” says Sophie.
“You only have 800 words to work with so
you have to be focused. You don’t have the
option of taking pages to say something as
you can in a legal journal article.”
Make your strongest point up front and
then spend the rest of the article making
your case, or back-filling with the facts.
Adopt a clear point of view – come down
hard on one side of the issue. Don’t simply
review both sides of a debate. Done right,
it’s persuasive writing at its best.
Take a look at the thinking articles on
our website and you’ll get a feel for what
makes a quality article.
“My advice is to pick a topic you know a
lot about and concentrate your writing on
that subject. You can often get quite a few
articles out of the one topic – you just look
for different angles or elements of the
same theme,” says Sophie.
RECENT RECOGNITION
DOIN’ THE
.
DEALS
MAJOR MATTERS
Corrs advises on a
Western Australia
PPP first
Corporate Bond Deal
of the Year
Fortescue Metals Group’s US$2.04 billion
high yield bond issue was awarded the
‘Corporate Bond Deal of the Year’ at the
annual CFO DealBook Awards event.
Corrs advised joint lead managers J.P.
Morgan and Royal Bank of Scotland on the
transaction which was the first post GFC
offering by an Australian corporate into
the resurgent US high yield market and a
pathfinder for other non-investment grade
Australian mining companies.
The Corrs team was cross-disciplinary
spanning banking and finance, mining and
resources, litigation and tax. It was led by
partners Rob Ritchie and Brad Robinson and
supported by partners Peter Jarosek, Stan
Lewis and Craig Milner, senior associates
Mari Futaesaku and Sabrina Ng as well
as lawyers Joseph Varghese, Amin Doulai,
David Li, Nikki Chong, Karen Tseu and Les
Gavara-Nanu.
Water Corporation
Mundaring Water
Treatment Plant
Corrs has advised the Water Corporation
on the $300 million Mandaring Water
Treatment Plant, the second PPP in
Western Australia. This represents the
Corporation’s first privately financed
infrastructure project.
The Corrs team was led by partner Michael
Harrison with Alan Churley, Bev Kennedy,
Richard Guit, Phil Wilson, Reynah Tang, Rhys
Jewell, Andrew Thrum, Tamim Rahman, Ali
Souk, Marie Botsis and Marisa Tilli.
The project will be commissioned in
mid-2013.
p12
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
Corrs has advised on the first
demand-based Public Private Partnership
to be negotiated and signed in Western
Australia. The PPP will deliver a new
multi-storey car park on The Queen
Elizabeth II Medical Centre site in
Nedlands, Perth.
The Corrs team, led by partner David
Warren and senior associate Carrie Davies,
assisted the WA State Solicitor’s Office in
advising the WA Office of Strategic Projects
on every aspect of the PPP, including the
tender process, project structure and leasing
arrangements and drafting and negotiating
the contract documentation.
The construction program will begin in mid2011, and is expected to run for approximately
three years with completion in several stages,
at a total cost of over $100 million.
Water Corporation
Renewable Energy
Projects
Corrs has advised the Water Corporation
on its power purchase agreements for the
output of two renewable energy projects,
the Mumbida Wind Farm project and
Australia’s first utility scale solar farm,
the Greenough River Solar Farm project.
The Corrs team was led by partners Andrew
Lumsden and Bruce Adkins and supported
by senior associate David Sim and Franka
Cheung and lawyers Maggie Wong and
Jennifer Leung.
The Corrs team includes Teresa Handicott,
Braddon Jolley, Jeremy Horwood, Juanita
Rayson, Gavin Neale and Jaclyn Riley-Smith.
Together the projects will offset the energy
requirements from the corporation’s
Southern Seawater Desalination Plant being
developed in Western Australia.
Yancoal acquisition
of Syntech resources
Yancoal acquired a number of large thermal
coal exploration and production assets
located between Miles and Chincilla in the
Surat Basin (QLD) from GS Power Holdings
LLP. The acquisition was made through
the purchase of 100 per cent of the equity
interests in Syntech by Yancoal.
Corrs is advising Macarthur Coal, the
world’s largest producer of seaborne LV
PCI coal, on the A$4.9 billion takeover by
Peabody Energy.
The deal allowed for the purchase of the
entire output from the wind farm and the
solar farm.
The Corrs team was led by partner Michael
Harrison and included Andrew Thrum, Tamim
Rahman and Ali Souk.
Corrs has advised Yancoal Australia Ltd, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Yanzhou Coal
Mining Company in China, on its acquisition
of Syntech Resources.
Macarthur Coal
Straits Resources
Corrs is advising ASX-listed Straits
Resources on the sale of its Hillgrove
Antimony-Gold Project to Court Resources
WA for a purchase price of $40 million in
cash and shares.
The deal takes advantage of a recovery
in the price of antimony and gold, and
a tightening of supply of antimony, a
metal which is used in fire retardants,
semiconductors and alloys.
The team is led by partners Bruce Adkins
and Stephanie Daveson.
State of Victoria’s
Gambling Licenses
Review
Since 2006, Corrs has acted on the State
of Victoria’s Gambling Licences Review,
advising on the existing suite of licences,
the design of new legislative, regulatory
and contractual arrangements and the
conduct of the competitive auction and
statutory licensing processes for the new
arrangements.
Recently the Victorian Minister for Gaming,
Michael O’Brien, announced his intention to
award the Victorian Monitoring Licence to
Intralot Gaming Services Pty Ltd completing
the implementation of the licensing phase
of the new arrangements. This concludes
the allocation phase of the project.
The team was led by John Walter and
included partners David Hallam, David
Smith and David Warren. The GLR dedicated
team acting on this project included Jared
Heath, Moira Tucker, Norah Wright and Filia
Bouterakos.
$2.2 Billion
Acquisition
Corrs advised Universities Superannuation
Scheme Limited (USS) – the UK
university teachers pension fund – and
Arbejdsmarkedets Tillaegspension (ATP)
– the largest pension fund in Denmark
– on its substantial equity investment
in Horizon Roads which acquired
ConnectEast Group (the ASX-listed owner
and operator of the Eastlink Tollway in
Melbourne) for $2.2 billion under a trust
scheme of arrangement.
Our clients already held a combined
35% interest in the Group and now hold
a combined stake worth more than $700
million based on the acquisition price of
$0.55 per share.
The transaction was a complex take-private
under which our clients transferred their
existing equity interests to Horizon as well
as investing substantial additional cash into
Horizon together with other Asian pension
funds who provided the balance of the cash
required. This is the second transaction on
which we have advised both USS and ATP
who often co-invest together. We advised
them as the main equity investors in the
Hancock consortium that acquired Forestry
assets from the Queensland Government in
2010 for approximately $600 million.
The Corrs team was led by corporate
partners Richard Lewis and Steve Johns
supported by John Quinlan with tax
assistance provided by partner Craig Milner.
Quiksilver & Billabong
Corrs acted for Billabong and Quiksilver
in their successful Federal Court summary
decision against Australian importer and
retailer Paul’s Warehouse.
Our clients were successful in their
joint proceedings in the Federal Court
alleging Paul’s was, among other things,
importing and selling counterfeit clothing
products; importing and selling clothing
products bearing artistic works protected
by copyright without authorisation and
reproducing stylised trade marks in its
brochures and advertising materials.
The Corrs team was led by partner Stephen
Stern and Special Counsel Dan Plane and
included lawyers Faisal Mian, Tanja Golding
and Chrystal Dare.
Fuji Xerox and CSG
Corrs acted for Fuji Xerox in its successful
response to an appeal by CSG from last
year’s judgment of the Supreme Court
of NSW.
CSG Limited, Fuji Xerox’s largest dealer
prior to its termination, appealed findings
that Fuji Xerox validly terminated its
dealer arrangements and was entitled to a
novation of CSG’s service and maintenance
agreements with respect to Fuji Xerox
branded multi function devices. The appeal
was dismissed unanimously, with the Court
of Appeal finding an additional reason to
justify termination. The parties will now
proceed to a damages hearing.
The Corrs team comprised Mark Wilks,
Anna Ross, Maria Yiasemides and James
Lucek-Rowley.
ONECorrs
p13
60 MINS
LISA
with
What attracted you to Corrs?
Corrs found me! I was working at the
Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) as their
Programs Director when I received a phone
call. What attracted me to Corrs and the
role was that it is a newly created position
and I could make it what I wanted – using
my experience and expertise to create and
foster diversity in a new organisation.
What is diversity?
Diversity is anything that makes any
individual different from another. While
most people can agree that this is the
core definition for diversity, a lot of people
disagree on how best to manage it in a work
environment. For example, having diversity
is not just about obvious things such as
gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation – it
can also include style, manner or whether
you are an introvert or extrovert.
Why is diversity important?
When individuals group together in
organisations, one of three things happen.
One, people leave their diverse attributes
behind and assimilate in the current culture
of what’s acceptable and is considered
necessary for that organisation. For example,
we have always done something a certain way
and we are not going to change, with people
recruiting people who are just like them.
One Corrs talks to Corrs’ new Diversity
Manager, Lisa Annese, about what attracted
her to Corrs and why diversity matters.
Two, where organisations recognise diversity
exists and tinker to make some options
available to individuals. For example,
allowing women to work part-time when
they come back from parental leave. These
things are done as ‘one-off’ solutions for
the moment but are not the usual way the
organisation does business. The problem
with this is two-fold: there is no room to
adapt as people’s needs change and isolated
incidents of adaption do not resolve systemic
cultural problems.
Three, a workplace that is truly
transformative and people can bring
their whole self. Organisations that
truly value diversity get the best out of
people as people can be the best that
they are. It sounds touchy and feely but
if an organisation can achieve that, your
capacity to get the best out of your staff
is heightened and you will be far more
competitive in the market for talent.
p14
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
What is the role of a diversity
manager?
I see my role as firstly, coming in and
understanding what the business needs of
the organisation are and what can managing
diversity well do to achieve those needs.
Conversely, looking at what the organisation
doesn’t yet understand of itself and by tapping
into diversity, what else we can achieve.
What areas are you looking to focus
on at Corrs?
An obvious priority area for Corrs is
gender diversity, and this is an issue that
is consistent across legal and professional
services and more broadly, Australia. There
are a great number of women who are
high performing but for some reason, they
are self selecting to opt out of their legal
career. We need to know why and what we
can do about it.
Gender is just one area though, and you
can’t have a conversation about women
without talking to men. You need to look at
gender diversity holistically and exclusively.
The current status quo is about women
adapting to a dominant culture and we
need to change this. The dominant culture
needs to shift.
This change may come from internal
pressures but it will also come from
external pressures, such as demands from
ASX companies that are clients of Corrs.
If you get diversity right, you can create
a culture of understanding. The focus on
women is a business imperative but the same
logic applies to any diversity area – and there
are many things that make us diverse.
What are some of the pressing
diversity issues facing businesses?
The pressing issue for business in general
is women on boards – and for Corrs, this is
women in the partnership. The elephant in
the room is whether female quotas need to
be introduced and the dramatic effect it would
have on all ASX listed companies, as well as
the flow on effect to other companies.
ASX is currently doing a lot of work around
female targets to encourage the change
without the need to resort to quotas which
are already in place in countries such as
Norway, Spain, France and Germany.
If Australia introduced quotas into the
corporate environment, which has bipartisan support, Corrs would need to be
prepared as this would dramatically change
the corporate landscape for its clients; and
if current ASX targets don’t work, quotas
could well be next.
Flexibility has also always been critical and
a major stumbling block for senior women.
Though this can depend on the industry, as
some – such as defence or police – have
issues where they don’t have enough women.
The legal industry has women, but not
necessarily where we would like them to be.
What does this mean in the legal
industry?
The legal profession has an advantage
because at the entry level, there are more
women who graduate from law than men. So
while we don’t have pipeline issues from the
start, it does become problematic as women
progress in their career.
The reality that many women will go onto
have children demands that a firm like
Corrs, which invests so much into it’s
graduates and lawyers, addresses the issue
of flexibility. When so much is at stake, it is
an important business issue. If we don’t have
the support structure in place, we will lose
these women – and this is what’s happening.
It works where you have a supportive
manager and the individual has taken on the
responsibility to make it work and make it
possible! The challenge is to make it happen
broadly across the firm. And we are not
alone, this is an issue for the entire business
community, not just the legal profession.
now have a government paid parental leave
with many organisations topping up which
has been a massive leap forward. When
I started my career in diversity it took an
eternity to even get a Board to listen to the
concept of maternity leave.
I recently publicly debated the topic of
female quotas versus targets for women
on boards. The question now is no longer
about whether we should have women on
Boards, but how can we get more of them
there. The discussion has changed even if
the results are slow.
What more can be done?
A lot more can be done. I would love to go
to a diversity event where there are just as
many men as women. Any other issue that
had such a significant impact on profit would
provoke greater involvement. We need to
remember it is not just about saying we are
committed but demonstrating, through the
way we work, that we are committed. It is
not an easy thing to achieve and takes time.
How can we all help?
By walking the walk and talking the talk. We
should remember that diversity is not just an
issue for women but men too. In Northern
Europe where they have enforced quotas,
there have been enormous benefits for both
men, women and broader society despite
initial resistance. We live in a society where
we all have a part to play in creating a better
workplace because at the end of the day, we
will lose out if we can’t make this work and
other workplaces can.
What’s your career highlight?
What are the big gains and
advancements in diversity?
I have had a few great moments, including
earlier this year when I worked with the United
Nations as part of an Australian delegation to
an international forum in Doha, Qatar. As part
of that assignment, I worked with people from
all over the world – from different places,
cultures, religions – towards a common goal
of a global dialogue on cultural diversity.
There have been enormous changes over
the last decade – not necessarily in statistics
but definitely in attitudes. For example, we
You see that even incredibly diverse people
are not that different after all. It was a
humbling and inspiring experience.
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
p15
LIFE AT CORRS
...what’s in it for me?
Life
There are heaps of benefits of working at Corrs – great colleagues, interesting matters, nice views – but if you’re looking
for a little something extra, you might like to know about Corrs’ employee benefits. From special rates for health
insurance to salary sacrificing for Qantas Club membership, take a look at this list and see what’s currently on offer.
Deals
More holidays (48/52 or 50/52)
Social Clubs
DETAILS: Flexible Workplace Arrangements allow you to work 44 weeks (48/52)
or 46 weeks (50/52) of a negotiated financial year to have effectively four or two
weeks additional leave without pay.
DETAILS: Each office has a social
club that organises special free
or discounted events for Corrs
employees. On occasion clubs
organise partnerships with various
arts and community organisations
to give employees discounted
memberships.
The salary impact of the leave without pay is spread over 12 monthly pay periods by
reducing the employee’s salary by either 1/13th (48/52) or 1/26th (50/52).
Superannuation continues to accrue calculated on the reduced remuneration
whilst annual leave, personal leave and long service leave continues to accrue at
the normal full-time or part-time rate.
Salary sacrificing
Technology & telecommunications
DETAILS: You can salary sacrifice extra superannuation
contributions, cars, QANTAS club memberships and
car parking. In certain circumstances, tax savings can
be generated by making payments from pre-tax salary.
DETAILS: We have strong relationships with our technology and
telecommunication suppliers. As a result, Corrs employees can
participate in these companies’ Employee Purchasing Programs.
These programs offer discounted and corporate rates on a range
of products.
HOW TO REDEEM: Contact John Bold
(john.bold@corrs.com.au) for further details.
HOW TO REDEEM: Watch your inbox
for invitations to various events and
visit the Fun pages on A2 to see if
any new deals have been struck.
Life and TPD insurance
Corrs Talent Scouts
– Employee Referral
Program
DETAILS: Included as part of the firm’s default superannuation plans (in most states)
are life and total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, which are an extremely
important, albeit often forgotten benefit that ensures your family’s wellbeing.
DETAILS: Corrs has partnered with Mazda, BMW and
MINI to get you a good deal on your new set of wheels.
• HP offers great rates on computers and accessories through
their online store.
Through the default superannuation plans you also have access to competitive
rates on income protection insurance and the option to increase your TPD and
life cover. This is generally an economical way to obtain insurance because you
can access group rates which are usually lower than cover obtained individually.
Premiums may also be deducted from your super account, so they have no
impact on take-home pay. Mazda Australia gives Corrs employees a Subsidy
Program which offers you a rebate of 4% of the list
price on any new Mazda vehicle.
• Microsoft offers discounts on a range products through their
online store.
HOW TO REDEEM: For more information contact your local HR manager or
super fund.
HOW TO REDEEM: For Vodafone deals visit http://store.vodafone.
com.au/corrs
Corrs default superannuation plans are:
For Optus deals visit www.optusbusiness.com.au/employeeplans
and use the promotion codes ( Mobile Phones: COR1708, Cable
Internet: HSDCOR1708, DSL Internet: DSLCOR1708, Dial-up
Internet: DUICOR1708)
NSW – http://www.equipsuper.com.au
• Optus offers discounted rates on mobile phone plans and
internet packages.
Cars
Corrs employees also have access to the BMW and
MINI Corporate Program. Apart from corporate
pricing, there is a bevy of other benefits including
four years or 60,000km servicing with door-to-door
pickup and more.
HOW TO REDEEM: Visit the Marketplace page under
Fun on A2 for more information about the Mazda offer.
For more information about the BMW deal visit
www.bmw.com.au/corporate and use the corporate
member number: EPP00579 and password: NO47061.
For more information on the MINI deal visit
www.MINI.com.au/corporate or email
corporate@MINI.com.au
Corporate rates vary from model to model to find
out more contact your local dealership.
p16
• Vodafone offers employee plans which include free calls to
other family, friends and colleagues who also take up the offer.
HOW TO REDEEM: Additional purchased leave is taken after your annual leave is
exhausted. You will also need a minimum of six months service to be eligible to
apply. For further information visit the Flexibility@Work pages on A2 and speak
with your HR Manager.
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
QLD – http://www.sunsuper.com.au
DETAILS: You have the opportunity to
be a talent scout for Corrs and refer
suitable candidates for employment.
If the person you recommend gets
the job and fulfils their probation
requirements you are entitled to a
‘spotter’s fee’ of between $3,000 $5,000. You can recommend someone
as either a general recommendation
or in response to an advertised vacant
permanent position.
HOW TO REDEEM: Visit the Careers@
Corrs page on A2 or contact
your local Manager for further
information.
VIC – http://www.equipsuper.com.au
WA – http://www.colonialfirststate.com.au
For HP discounts visit www.hp.com.au/employeeawards
For deals on Microsoft products visit https://hup.microsoft.com/
You will be prompted to put your work email address and then
the program code 2C672D409E.
For more information contact Shona Mascarenhas
(shona.mascarenhas@corrs.com.au)
RACV Club memberships
(Melbourne Only)
DETAILS: The RACV roadside assist offers
Corrs employees discounts on services, no
joining fees and free use of most facilities.
HOW TO REDEEM: Contact the Melbourne
Social Group for further information.
Study Assistance
DETAILS: Our Study Assistance Program provides you with the opportunity to
further your development through either an undergraduate or post-graduate
program related to your job. Assistance may be approved time off, use of firm
facilities and course fees.
HOW TO REDEEM: For further information contact a member of the L&D team.
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
p17
INSIDERS’
LIFE AT CORRS: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
TIPS
Body & Soul
Pre-tax donations to charity
Health insurance
DETAILS: Why not think about giving the price of a beer or a couple of lattes?
Just a few dollars can make a world of difference to those who need your help.
DETAILS: Getting health insurance
is one of those things you shouldn’t
put off. Leading health insurance
provider Bupa (formerly MBF) offers
special rates and packages on
Hospital and Extras Cover for Corrs
employees.
The Workplace Giving Program enables you to make a tax deductible charitable
donation from your pre-tax salary. Corrs supports 11 different charities.
You have total flexibility in determining how many charities you wish to support
and how much you wish to donate to each.
HOW TO REDEEM: Visit the Giving Back pages on A2 and download a donation
form. Return completed forms to Payroll (for staff) or Partner Services (for
partners) who will process your donation and send the proceeds to your
selected charity/charities each month.
You can change or cancel your donation at any time, simply by re-submitting
the donation form to Payroll/Partner Services.
Personal counselling
Gym membership (Melbourne only)
DETAILS: The Employee Assistance
Program (EAP) is a professional,
confidential counselling service. It
is free of charge for you and your
family. This service is provided by
an independent company called
Davidson Trahaire Corpsych.
DETAILS: South Pacific Health Club CBD (550 Bourke St, Melbourne) is offering
all Corrs employees corporate membership rates. You can also have a free five day
trial, including attendance at all group fitness classes just to see how you like it.
HOW TO REDEEM: Visit https://www.southpacifichc.com.au and phone
(03) 9604 0999 or email Paul Brodie on paul@southpacific.com.au
Melbourne
Brisbane
BEST POWER LUNCH:
Hanabishi (187 King St) – Phil
Catania, Partner
Best power lunch: Il Centro Restaurant and Bar (Eagle Street
Pier) – Wayne Stewart, Director of Marketing
Best no booking: Coda (141
Flinders Lane) – Ben Davidson,
Partner
Best after work drinks:
Slate (9 Goldsbrough Lane) –
Claire McGregor, Legal Assistant
Best brunch: Spoonful (543
High St, Prahran) – Berys Amor
– National Infrastructure and
Application Manager (“Stylish
but cosy, delicious, fresh and
creative”)
Best power lunch: Machiavelli (123 Clarence St) – James
Bacon, Business Development Consultant
World Class Total Rewards Program is coming
Corrs is currently reviewing our benefits program as part of the development of
our 2015 World Class Total Rewards Program.
Best after work drinks: The Australian (100 Cumberland
St,The Rocks) – John Quinlan, Lawyer
Yoga classes
Based on the Huron recommendations, the program is designed to ensure our
performance and remuneration systems support and reward the skills and
behaviours required to achieve our bold ambition.
HOW TO REDEEM: Watch your
inbox for invitations to join the yoga
classes or contact the social club in
your office for more information.
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
The next two years will see the rollout of the Total Rewards Program,
commencing with some initial enhancements to our current approach this
financial year – and with further improvements and project completion by 2015.
Further updates will be provided in the new year.
Best after work drinks: Friday’s Riverside (123 Eagle
Street) – Andre Newell, Lawyer (“Love it or hate it, you will end up
there at some point!”)
Best brunch: Gun Shop Cafe (53 Mollison Street, West End) –
Sarah Peden, Lawyer
Best under $10: LR Sushi (Felix Street – opposite Waterfront
Place) – Yii Fen Tan, Lawyer
Sydney
Best no booking: Rosso Pomodoro, (24 Buchanan St,
Balmain) – Matthew Monk, Finance
The Total Rewards Program is focussed on rewarding high performance and
effort that goes above and beyond, recognising individuals’ contribution to the
firm’s success with monetary and non-monetary rewards, and enhanced career
development opportunities.
Best no booking: Pearl Cafe (28 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba) Danielle Rivera, Legal Assistant
Best under $10: The Attic
(600 Bourke St) – Nuala Cullen,
Business Development Coordinator (small takeaway salad
for $8.90)
HOW TO REDEEM: For confidential
appointments and enquiries call
1300 360 364.
DETAILS: Social clubs in Sydney,
Brisbane and Melbourne regularly
offer in house yoga classes. These
classes are free and a great way to
squeeze in some extra exercise and
time to re-centre yourself.
p18
HOW TO REDEEM: Contact Corrs’
Bupa representative, Klara Talevski
to discuss the package that’s right
for you: klara.talevski@bupa.com.au
or 02 9323 9711.
When you’re on business interstate, one question
that always comes up is “where should we eat?”.
This is usually followed by silence, shrugs, looking
around for someone to ask while the more industrious
start Googling on their smartphones. More often than
not we end up somewhere adequate but not great.
Next time have the answers and avoid the tourist
traps, take a tip from your “true local” colleagues.
Best brunch: Bottom of The Harbour (21 The Esplanade,
Balmoral) – Nick Sellars, National Graphic Designer
Best under $10: Ms Chu (George St) – Nikki Sherman,
Specialist Legal Assistant
Perth
Best power lunch: Sentinel
Bar & Grill (111 St George’s
Terrace) – Mark van Brakel,
Partner
Best no booking: 9Mary’s (16
Milligan Street) – Stacy Gardner,
Lawyer
Best after work drinks:
Wolfe Lane (Wolf Lane) – Liana
D’Ascanio, Senior Associate
Best brunch: Sayer’s (224
Carr Place, Leederville) –
Matthew Hudson, Law Graduate
Best under $10:
Taka’s Japanese (Shafto
Lane) – Leeanne Mooney,
Administration Manager
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
p19
PRO BONO WRAP UP
PRO BONO WRAP UP
OXFAM & CORRS:
20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
DOING IT HER WAY
For Jodie Burger a holiday to India
changed her job and her life.
Jodie is a Senior Associate in the Sydney
office who works four days per week.
On the fifth day, she works as the
Research Institute Director at charity
organisation 40K, which works in India
to deliver cost effective, poverty reducing
education programs.
It’s one of those places you either love or
hate, and I loved it. When I came back to
Australia I had a yearning to find a way to
help Indian women and children,” she said.
Upon her return, Jodie started a Masters
in International Law and International
Relations, which was “all good” at an
academic level but she wanted something
more hands on.
In that role, Jodie heads a team of 11
researchers who look into issues relating to
development and poverty in India and guide
the involvement of the organisation in the
country in delivering education programs.
“I thought, ‘I come from a privileged
background with a fantastic job. If there’s
something I can contribute, it’s to give my
time to an effective organisation and help
people’,” Jodie said.
“I think all of us can get so bogged down
focusing on day-to-day life and work. It
takes a trip away to really switch on and
realise there are big, important things
happening in the world,” Jodie said.
“I saw an advertisement on Seek for a
volunteer research director at 40K. Taking on
the role would mean cutting down at work.
I spoke to family and friends and they were
unsure as this type of thing typically doesn’t
fit in with the “corporate culture” of a law
firm. But I thought there must be a way.”
“Before I joined Corrs I spent three months
travelling - six weeks of which was in India.
With the support of her supervising
partner, Jodie pursued this dream
through Corrs’ flexible working
arrangements. Now she balances
working as a lawyer with volunteering
and enjoys the challenges and
opportunities both roles present.
“I try to compartmentalise working as a
lawyer and working for 40K. Occasionally
I come in to work for an urgent client
matter but generally I can keep the two
very separate,” she said.
“By splitting my time, I’m more focused
when I’m at work and go about matters
with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
And when I’m at 40K, I’m at 40K. I work
11-hour days there. It’s a good balance
for me and at the moment it feels right.
“Now if I come across people, my friends
even, who avoid doing what their heart
tells them, I say, ‘If you want do it, do it!
Stop waiting’.”
Corrs is one of Oxfam Australia’s longest
supporters and this year we celebrated
our 20-year anniversary of partnership.
“Corrs is a highly valued corporate
partner of Oxfam’s,” Oxfam Executive
Director Andrew Hewett said.
This is an exciting milestone and the
outcomes from this longstanding
collaboration have changed lives and
communities around the world.
“For two decades the firm has been a
great ally, providing invaluable support for
Oxfam’s work. Moving into the third decade
of our relationship, I’m look forward to
growing our partnership and enhancing its
impact on communities in need,” he said.
“Partnering with Oxfam for the last 20
years has been a privilege and a project
we take seriously,” says Val Gostencnik,
Corrs National Pro Bono Partner.
Corrs’ partners and staff have also
undertaken more than $200,000 of pro
bono legal work over the past six years.
This has helped Oxfam navigate the
legal complexities of their work, allowing
them to focus their energy and donations
where it is needed most.
p20
ONECorrs
Summer 2011
For the first time, 55 Corrs runners laced
up and another 150 colleagues, family and
friends turned out to support the Sydney
Running Festival, which culminated in a
picnic in the Botanical Gardens.
Our team, “Corrs A Sweat”, raised money
for the 40K Foundation – a youth-led,
non-profit organisation, working to reduce
poverty in India.
Partner in Charge of the Sydney office
Robert Regan explains the day was
about contributing to and being part of a
community.
“We’re always looking to create value in the
economic and social communities that we
operate within,” Robert said.
“This milestone is a great opportunity to
reflect on the fantastic work Oxfam does
and also to recognise the different types of
support our people have generously given
to the organisation in the last 20 years.”
Corrs’ staff have made vital contributions
of both time and money including raising
more than $82,000 through Workplace
Giving to fund Oxfam Australia’s programs
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people. The firm also raised more than
$52,300 for Oxfam’s overseas work
through committed team participation
in the Oxfam Trailwalker events and
supported the Haiti emergency in 2010
with a donation of more than $13,000.
SYDNEY RUNNING
FESTIVAL
Corrs raised more than $10,000 for 40K’s
work in India. Collectively more than
$70,000 was raised for the organisation by
runners from a number of firms.
40K CEO Clary Castrission said the
organisation was thrilled with the amount
of money that was raised which topped
last year’s donation of $65,000 and was
blown away by the sense of community and
support the festival generates.
Fitzroy stars (above): The Fitzroy Stars is an
Aboriginal football club based in Melbourne. The club
promotes health and fitness, and also helps build self
esteem among the players. Oxfam Australia has been
a proud supporter of the Fitzroy Stars since 2008.
Photo: Richard Kendall/OxfamAUS
“Raising funds means a lot to us, but
we enjoy seeing the different firms and
organisations working together towards a
joint purpose,” Clary said.
“Raising money for a not-for-profit brings
people together.”
Cambodia (below): Roka, Cambodia: Dok Sal, Dol
Ham and Dok Ren now have clean, fresh water from
an Oxfam water filter. The rollout of these filters is the
first stage of a two-year water and sanitation program
in the region. Photo: Ear Techkung/OxfamAUS.
Summer 2011
ONECorrs
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PRO BONO WRAP UP
GIFTS IN TIME
The launch of Corrs’ iPad app has unchained lawyers
from the office, giving them a quick and convenient way
to review documents on the go.
In 2008, Corrs introduced “pro bono”
as an elective rotation in the graduate
development program. Since then,
graduates in each state have joined the
teams of independent legal referral
services to assist people gain access
to justice.
On occasion when graduates do not
choose pro bono as a rotation, the firm
offers the opportunity to go in-house at
such organisations as PILCH in Sydney,
QPILCH in Brisbane, the Employment Law
Centre in Perth and HPILCH Homeless
Persons’ Legal Clinic program in
Melbourne to other lawyers.
“Secondments are one of the most
valuable forms of assistance that can be
provided to a not-for-profit. To these often
cash-strapped organisations, our lawyers
and graduates are a reliable and ongoing
resource who make a real contribution to
the public interest,” he said.
“In return, secondees are challenged and
stretched in a very different way. They have
the opportunity to broaden their range
of legal, communication and managerial
skills and have greater client contact and
early exposure to the court,” he said.
In Brisbane, research clerk Matthew
Hodgson Van-Daal has spent the last year
at QPILCH, assisting people who can’t
afford legal advice. Matthew says this
‘baptism by fire’ into the legal industry has
sparked what he believes will be a lifelong
involvement in pro bono legal services.
“I’ve always been a little ignorant of
this sphere. I knew there were issues of
access to justice, but I had no idea of the
scope of them,” Matthew said.
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ONECorrs
Summer 2011
As a little-known musician named Bob
Dylan once sang: “the times, they are
a-changing”. In a world of smartphones,
tablets and cloud computing, law firms too
must keep step with the march of progress.
and flexibility in reviewing documents,”
says Brian. “It gives our lawyers the
freedom to interact with key documents
conveniently and quickly without being
office-bound.”
In what we believe is a world first in
the legal industry, the Corrs LTS team
has developed an iPad app to improve
efficiency within the firm.
More specifically, Corrs lawyers are now
able to review, tag and make notes on a
large number of documents any time
and anywhere.
The technology was developed in-house
at Corrs by LTS Director, Brian Borskjaer;
LTS Manager, Graeme Grovum; and LTS
Developer, Tri Huynh.
“The app has integrated seamlessly
into our lawyers’ day-to-day work,” says
Graeme. “In fact, it was recently used
by a litigation lawyer to take more than
18,000 documents to a client’s premises
on a single iPad.”
“Corrs Briefcase was created to meet
our lawyers’ increasing need for mobility
The service these graduates and lawyers
provide forms an integral part of the firm’s
social responsibility program, as National
Pro Bono Partner Val Gostencnik explains.
“The pro bono secondments program
is one of the ways the firm collaborates
and builds relationships with other
legal organisations to give back to the
community,” Val said.
In touch with tech
Adding to your app armoury
“Now I am in the thick of it, I have
developed this keen interest in a kind of
Alice in Wonderland way – I’m down the
rabbit hole and I can’t turn back. It is
something that will always be part of my
career,” he said.
Matthew says small, community, legal
centres like QPILCH require you to roll
your selves up and be very hands on.
“Everyday I’m on the phone to clients. I
manage many of the files and at six months
out of law school, I have already instructed
barristers. It has been an industrious way
to start in law, but it has also been really
great. I will be telling all the grads to put
QPILCH as a preference because it is such
a good experience,” he said.
Sydney based lawyer Lucy Repasky, who
has been seconded to PILCH for three
months, agrees.
“My secondment to PILCH has been a
fantastic way to give something back to
the community and at the same time
develop legal skills and confidence in
dealing with clients.
“Each day is varied and interesting. In
a normal day, I deal with requests for
legal assistance in all areas of the law
from members of the public, community
organisations, courts, tribunals, and
community legal centres. I also interview
clients, attend court, write law reform
submissions and engage in project work,”
Lucy said.
In Melbourne, Catherine Dow has spent
the second rotation of her graduate year
assisting with PILCH and can’t believe
the depth of experience this rotation
has brought.
“A few months ago, I would never
have imagined that I would have the
opportunity to regularly discuss legal
issues with barristers, prepare briefs and
referral memoranda, meet with clients
and run files,” Catherine said.
“With the guidance of PILCH staff I
have learned a lot about client service;
communicating with barristers; strategic
thinking; file management; and advocacy.
“I have also seen firsthand the outstanding
work undertaken by the dedicated staff
at PILCH and the generous lawyers
who undertake pro bono work - and the
difference that this work really makes.”
In its relatively-short life, the iPad has
risen from “giant iPod” to a legitimate
office productivity tool. Here are some
great apps (all available through the
iTunes store) that could give your iPad
the extra edge.
• Access law on your iPad or iPhone
wherever you are through the AustLii
app. Browse legislation from the
Commonwealth and from every
Australian State and Territory, and
cases from over 140 courts, tribunals
and boards. Search over
four million documents
and when you’ve found
what you’re looking for, you
can email it to anyone right
from within the App. All this
for free!
• IntApp offers its Time
Builder software as an iPad
or iPhone app. This allows
you to easily record and enter
time, and also find lost or
overlooked work. It does this by
providing you with an accurate,
consolidated report of client
and matter-related activity,
generated by automatically
monitoring key applications
including document creation,
email, calendar, phone, and
mobile devices. Time Builder
then consolidates this information
and makes it available in several ways
including: an automated email, paper
printout, web-based interface, and
directly through Microsoft Outlook.
• Despite its staid appearance, Thomson
Reuters’ Blacks Law Dictionary is
actually a great application. All rules and
case law are hyperlinked to
www.westlaw.com. At $49.99, it’s not
inexpensive, but having such a wellregarded publication in the palm of your
hand may be well worth the price.
This app is a great example of how Corrs
is taking advantage of accessible, cuttingedge technology to deliver real productivity
benefits to our staff; savings for our clients
– particularly in terms of time and print
costs; and a positive step environmentally
by reducing the need for the printing of
hard copies.
“Corrs Briefcase is not a gimmick – it is a
powerful tool for our lawyers to use,” says
partner Bruce Adkins.
“Corrs recently sent a delegation to India
and the app proved its worth by allowing us
to conveniently transport and access a large
amount of documents which, not that long
ago, would have filled up half our luggage.
Having everything at our fingertips during
the trip was incredibly convenient,” he said.
The Corrs Briefcase will be rolling out
across the firm shortly.
• Also by Thomson Reuters is the
Australia Consumer Law Converter
(ACLA), which allows you to navigate
the transition from old law to new. This
free app maps provisions of the Trade
Practices Act to the relevant provisions
in the new Competition and Consumer
Act, and vice versa. It also features a
search function allowing you to seek out
specific provisions.
ALUMNI MATTERS
In November, the Melbourne office hosted
its inaugural Alumni drinks function at the
National Gallery of Victoria.
The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for alumni
to reconnect with past colleagues.
Partner and CEO John Denton took the opportunity to
share Corrs’ 2015 strategy with guests who included
Justice Kim Hargrave, Justice Emilios Kyrou,
Tony Darvall, David Miles, Angela Nordlinger,
Barry O’Callaghan and Aubrey Schrader,
among others.
The night was a huge success with excellent
feedback received from both alumni and
current staff.
Special thanks to Alumni Partner Ben
Davidson and Savannah Bassant for all their
hard work in pulling the event together!
Our next Alumni function will be held in March
in Sydney.