Johnson Winter Slattery has opened a representative office in New York as the independent Australian law firm expands its support for U.S. corporations, private capital investors and advisers deploying capital into Australia.
The office will practice Australian law and is designed to provide U.S.-based clients with more direct access to the firm’s transaction, regulatory and disputes capabilities across Australia.
Johnson Winter Slattery said the expansion responds to significant growth in U.S. investment into the Australian market.
The United States remains Australia’s largest source of foreign investment, with activity particularly relevant to Johnson Winter Slattery’s private equity, venture capital, technology and energy practices.
The New York opening also gives JWS a differentiated position among Australian firms.
The firm said it will be the only Australian law firm with a dedicated presence in the United States.
Rather than building a U.S. law practice, the office will act as an on-the-ground connection between American investors and Johnson Winter Slattery’s Australian legal teams.
That could be particularly valuable in cross-border transactions where U.S. buyers, financial sponsors and advisers need to navigate Australian regulatory requirements while coordinating transaction work across time zones.
The office will be led by Corporate Partner Andrew Turner.
Turner’s practice focuses on cross-border mergers and acquisitions and foreign investment.
The New York team will work closely with JWS’s foreign investment and competition lawyers on Foreign Investment Review Board approvals, antitrust matters, regulatory strategy and transaction execution.
Foreign investment approvals can become a significant part of transaction planning for overseas investors acquiring Australian businesses or assets.
Maintaining a New York presence allows JWS to engage with U.S. clients and their advisers earlier as deals are being evaluated rather than relying exclusively on coordination from Australia.
The strategy builds on the firm’s existing relationships with U.S. corporates, financial sponsors and professional advisers.
Johnson Winter Slattery operates Australian offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide in addition to the new New York location.
Its practice advises Australian and international corporations, investment funds and financial sponsors across transactions, regulatory matters and disputes.
The firm has established particular strength in corporate transactions, private equity, technology and energy, areas that also represent major sources of cross-border investment activity between the United States and Australia.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our US clients continue to pursue significant opportunities in Australia and we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with clients and their advisers, providing seamless real-time access to our leading Australian legal expertise.”
Jeremy Davis, Managing Partner of Johnson Winter Slattery
“US investors are increasingly confronted with complex Australian regulatory issues and market differences that impact deal execution. Our presence in New York allows us to closely guide clients and their advisers as opportunities develop.”
Andrew Turner, Corporate Partner at Johnson Winter Slattery
