Biography

Stephen acts for a broad range of commercial clients including ASX-listed entities, high net worth individuals, not-for-profit groups and professional services firms. He is based in Perth and advises clients in Western Australia and nationally, with experience in domestic and international matters.

Stephen acts in complex corporate and commercial litigation in the superior courts, appearing as counsel for clients across a wide range of contentious matters. His practice spans major fraud investigations and litigation, jurisdictional disputes, extradition, group and class actions, corporate insolvency, schemes of arrangement and other reconstructions, Takeovers Panel applications, and ASIC investigations and prosecutions. He is also experienced in domestic and international acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, farm-ins and partnership and contracting arrangements.

Stephen’s practice is built on more than 30 years in litigation and corporate law, including as a founding partner of Tottle Partners. He has acted in matters involving large-scale fraud, multimillion dollar commercial disputes, ASIC enforcement proceedings and cross-border transactions. His matters have involved disputes arising from African mining projects, major electricity generation contracts and national transport operations.

Stephen combines depth in corporate and commercial litigation with direct transactional experience in acquisitions and joint ventures, giving him a practical understanding of how commercial arrangements generate disputes. He is also an experienced listed company director.

Credentials

Academic qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws
  
• Bachelor of Jurisprudence
  
• Bachelor of Commerce
  

Stephen's experience

Major electricity generator

Acting for a major electricity generator in a dispute with its primary contractor.

National transport company

Acting for a national transport company in a multimillion dollar dispute with software providers.

ASX-listed companies — ASIC proceedings

Acting for ASX-listed companies in ASIC investigations and prosecutions relating to fundraising, continuous disclosure and insider trading.

Groups of investors — fraud recovery

Acting for groups of investors in recovery actions arising from large-scale fraudulent investment schemes.

High net worth individual — African mining dispute (circa A$50 million)

Acting for a high net worth individual in a circa A$50 million dispute involving an African mining project.