Ms Perumal, whom White & Case described as being “responsible for the management and resolution of [high-value] and substantial commercial and construction disputes, with particular expertise in formulating strategies for the conduct of large, complex disputes”, joins the firm from Lendlease Construction Australia, where she served as general counsel for over six years as well as GC of Lendlease Engineering for almost eight years.

Speaking about the appointment, firm partner and head of the global commercial litigation practice Glenn Kurtz said: “Our disputes practice is experiencing increasing demand globally and Kate’s addition will add significant depth to our top-flight Australian-law dispute capabilities in the extremely active Asia-Pacific region.”

“Kate has a terrific market reputation in infrastructure circles in Australia and will add to our world-renowned expertise advising on large, complex infrastructure project disputes,” he said.

Partner and regional section head Andrew Clark added that Ms Perumal is an “exceptional lawyer with unique experience from her time as a GC developing the strategy for, conducting and resolving large and complex commercial and construction disputes”.

“Australia remains one of the world’s most important infrastructure and project finance markets and White & Case’s transactional and disputes practices in Asia-Pacific, alongside our colleagues globally, provide a market-leading offering for all stages of the life cycle of energy, resources and infrastructure projects,” he said.

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Firm global executive committee member and partner Donald Baker added: “White & Case’s Australian practice has been recognised as the top firm for infrastructure and construction advice, and Kate’s arrival demonstrates our ongoing commitment to these sectors in Australia and [Asia Pacific] more widely.”

“The addition of a disputes partner with Kate’s unique expertise also further strengthens the [firm’s] leading global commercial litigation practice and construction group.”