Global law firm A&O Shearman has strengthened its disputes practice in Perth with the appointment of a partner from rival firm Ashurst.
After 14 years at global law firm Ashurst, Catherine Pedler (pictured) has joined A&O Shearman as a partner, bolstering the firm’s disputes practice in Perth.
Previously the head of Ashurst’s Perth disputes team, Pedler brings extensive experience in “commercial dispute resolution, contentious regulatory matters, and restructuring and insolvency”.
In a statement, A&O Shearman highlighted Pedler’s expertise in managing complex, large-scale disputes across multiple sectors, “mining, energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, property, and financial services”.
Commenting on Pedler’s appointment, David Jenaway, co-managing partner of A&O Shearman in Australia, said her arrival strengthens the firm’s Perth capability and enhances its capacity to manage large-scale commercial litigation and arbitration.
“As we celebrate 15 years in the Australian market, Catherine’s hire is key to cementing our position in Perth as the centre of excellence in the energy, resources and infrastructure sector and to maintaining our market-leading disputes capability,” Jenaway said.
“Catherine’s arrival enhances our ability to conduct large-scale commercial litigation and arbitration.”
Calum Burnett, global co-head of litigation and investigations, added that Pedler’s experience in both Australia and the UK complements the firm’s broader strategic focus.
“Catherine is a highly esteemed disputes practitioner with extensive experience in both Australia and the UK. We are delighted that she has joined us,” Burnett said.
“Her broad skill set and comprehensive disputes expertise align with our global strategic focus and will greatly enhance our offering in the Australian market, boosting our capacity to assist clients with their complex commercial disputes.”
This news follows the firm hiring a partner from BigLaw rival Norton Rose Fulbright at the start of May and the addition of a five-strong international partner team, including Australia-based partners Anna Gamvros and Ross Phillipson, also from NRF, in February last year.
