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Stuart Clark, Managing Partner, International
What is Clayton Utz's approach to international services?
At Clayton Utz we have adopted a multifaceted approach to delivering international services.
What we focus on is what the client needs and how to deliver the results that the client
is attempting to achieve. Sometimes we use the best lawyers in the country on the ground.
We have great relationships with a range of firms across the world.
Sometimes we will put a team of lawyers on the ground. A great example of that was the
Taiwan High Speed Rail Project where we were there for something like five years and in
our latest approach in the area of construction and international projects, we now have an
office in Hong Kong which provides a base for working across the region. At the end
of the day it's what's best for the client.
Does Clayton Utz undertake much business for international clients?
Yes, international work is a very important part and an increasing part of the Clayton
Utz practice. We act for clients both in and outside Australia. We have a range of energy
and resources projects, the delivery of major infrastructure, and advice for clients operating
in Africa, for example in the anti-corruption area. We also act extensively for clients
that are inbound into Australia, that is international clients that want to invest in Australia or
clients that have come here to, for example, defend a major class action. For me personally,
most of my clients are either in the United States or in Europe and at any time, any week
of the year, you will find Clayton Utz lawyers literally in all parts of the world.
Why did Clayton Utz choose to open an office in Hong Kong?
Opening the office in Hong Kong was the next logical step in a development process that
had been underway for a number of years. We've had teams of lawyers working in the region
for many years. We've had a team of lawyers working in Taiwan for the best part of the
last five years in the Taiwan High Speed Rail Project. It was becoming increasingly obvious
that our clients wanted us offshore. Indeed they needed us offshore. We decided that we
needed a base in the region. We looked around and we came to the conclusion that Hong Kong
would provide us with the best place to support our activities across Asia and indeed up into
the Gulf.
What are some examples of the international work Clayton Utz has been involved in?
Clayton Utz has been involved in a range of international work across the globe. Examples
that spring to mind immediately are the Taiwan High Speed Rail Project, hydro-electric projects
in Laos, anti-corruption work and defending claims against mining companies in Africa,
and infrastructure work throughout the world, ranging from motorways in California through
to major water infrastructure in Indonesia.
How do you see the international market developing in the years ahead?
The demand for Australian legal services offshore is growing and that growth will continue.
There are a number of factors driving that. Firstly, the Australian economy is becoming
increasingly globalised. Our clients are becoming increasingly active offshore and there's a
real demand for the skills and experience that Australian lawyers, that Clayton Utz
lawyers, can offer to clients who are delivering projects offshore, who are engaged in transactions
offshore, even involved in litigation offshore.
Why is Clayton Utz's international strategy so successful?
It's our people. That's what makes our international strategy successful. Our people understand
what our clients want to achieve. They take the time to understand what our clients' objectives
are. Then they have the expertise, the experience and the qualifications and most of all the
commitment to deliver those objectives. At the end of the day, it's always the people.