Gilbert + Tobin is renowned for handling complex, strategically significant, and bet-the-company disputes across the commercial, financial services regulatory, and class action arenas. The firm also has deep experience in participating in Australia's highest levels of public inquiry. The team is particularly active in advising Royal Commissions, both government bodies and the organisations being scrutinised.
Richard Harris leads a team of 11 partners and specialises in commercial disputes, including class actions and regulatory compliance. Key figures to note include Dianne Banks, Andrew Floro, Kate Harrison and Philippa Hofbrucker.
The firm’s disputes and investigations team is acting for Gina Rinehart, the owner of Hancock Prospecting, in a commercial arbitration. Hancock Prospecting is one of Australia’s most successful privately held businesses and is a significant player in the Australian mining industry. Any substantial changes to the ownership or control of the company would have significant implications for the industry as a whole. The proceeding is believed to be of national significance.
In 2023, the firm hired Silvana Wood and Lixian Liang from Ashurst as partners. Clare Pope also joined the firm as a partner from PwC.
Client feedback
“Very responsive and can always be relied upon to provide sensible advice.” – Banking and financial services
“Consistently deliver great commercial and legal outcomes for our company.” – Commercial and transactions
“Prompt advice on challenging legal issues arising in the matter, always available to assist.” – Commercial arbitration
“Gilbert + Tobin was well resourced and responsive.” – Tax
Antonia Garling
“Antonia is a pleasure to work with. Antonia is very responsive and has excellent attention to detail. She is across the detail of the matters that her team is dealing with in a way that some partners of other firms are not. She can always be relied upon to provide sensible and practical advice and meet tight regulatory timeframes.”
“Antonia can always be relied upon to provide sensible and pragmatic advice. She quickly gets across the detail of a matter and works with the client to reach the best solution. She is a pleasure to work with from a client perspective.”
“Excellent strategic advice, attention to detail and responsiveness from Antonia Garling. Antonia can always be relied upon to provide sensible and practical advice and is a pleasure to work with.”
Ilona Hunnisett
"Knowledge of our corporate structure, banking arrangements, and our operating business."
Peter Munro
“Peter is responsive and manages the client relationship well.”
Colleen Platford
“Very sharp mind on technical legal issues as well as strategy.”
