Corporate Governance & Directors' Duties
Clear advice for boards under pressure.
Strategic advice for companies, directors, charities and schools on governance, regulatory scrutiny and the crises that test them.
Directors carry personal exposure when things go wrong. We help boards meet their duties before a problem arises and act swiftly to protect the organisation and its reputation when one does.
Our experience across defamation, media and regulatory investigations means we manage the legal and the public dimensions of a corporate crisis together.
What we do
Directors' duties
Advice on compliance with statutory and general law duties, and on personal exposure.
Shareholder disputes
Oppression claims, deadlocks and disputes between members.
Regulatory investigations
Responding to ASIC, ACCC and other regulators.
Crisis response
Rapid legal and reputational response when an organisation is under scrutiny.
Shareholder class actions
Defending directors and companies in representative proceedings.
Governance for institutions
Charities, schools and not-for-profits managing complaints and public scrutiny.
Selected matters
Boards and leaders we have stood behind.
Matters our principals have acted in, including in prior roles. Many of our clients value privacy, so most of our work is never reported.
- Steven Lewis
Shareholder class action
Successfully defended and settled a class action against a public company director after a collapse.
- The firm
Council funding of litigation
Obtained a declaration that a council's funding of defamation proceedings by its mayor and general manager was invalid.
- Mark O'Brien
Sporting governing bodies
Represented prominent sportspeople in disputes with the Australian Rugby Union and the National Rugby League.
- Mark O'Brien
Ministers before ICAC
Represented government ministers at ICAC private and public hearings.
FAQs
Common questions.
General information only. Every matter turns on its facts, so speak with us about yours.
Can directors be personally liable?
Yes. Directors can face civil penalties, compensation orders and disqualification for breaching their duties under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), and personal liability for insolvent trading. Early advice is the best protection.
What should we do if ASIC contacts our organisation?
Get advice before responding. ASIC notices carry strict deadlines and obligations, and how an organisation responds at the outset can shape the whole investigation.
Can you manage the media side of a corporate crisis?
Yes. Because media law is the core of our practice, we manage legal risk and public reporting together, including contact with journalists before a story runs.
Confidential consultation
Speak with a principal today.
Everything you tell us is confidential. If a publication is imminent, call us directly so we can act before it runs.
- Urgent
- 02 9216 9827 · 24/7
- Overseas
- +61 2 9216 9827
- Office
- Level 10, 16-18 O'Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000