Series & Rankings

Many junior lawyers bemoan getting stuck reviewing discovery when they first start their careers, but for barrister Jennifer Collins it is one of the best parts of the job.

Change has never fazed Slater and Gordon practice group leader Mathew Chuk, who has used the ever-evolving class action world and tumultuous times at his law firm to build an impressive career.

Shine Lawyers practice leader Joshua Aylward knew since high school that he wanted a career that was fulfilling and would allow him to help people. He made his first foray into the law at the tender age of 19, working full-time as a law clerk in the small country town of Dalby in rural Queensland because the best way to learn was “on the job”.

Lawyerly is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Litigation Rising Stars competition, which honours 30 lawyers under the age of 40 for their work in high-stakes litigation.

Lawyerly’s Litigation Rising Stars 2021 series will profile the top barristers and solicitors under 40 whose successes in the area of high-stakes commercial litigation belie their age.  

Lawyerly’s Litigation Firms of 2020 delivered significant victories for clients last year in bet-the-company matters, thriving in a tumultuous year that saw courts and litigants adapt to virtual trials and other new norms that are sure to outlast the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payouts in class actions in 2020 largely kept pace with the previous year despite the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, with companies and other defendants paying more than $696 million to settle class actions last year.

Stepping into his role just as COVID-19 began its rapid spread across the globe, Herbert Smith Freehills’ recently appointed CEO Justin D’Agostino faced what he called a “baptism of fire”.

Lawyerly’s Litigation Firms of 2019 racked up multiple wins last year in high-stakes litigation against formidable opponents, including the country’s top regulators.

Companies and other defendants forked over big sums last year to settle more than 20 class actions, with a total of at least $734 million being paid out. Here are the top 10 class action settlements and the law firms and funders that negotiated them.