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Andrew Korbel

Partner

KORBEL-andrew-highres_LARGE

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Andrew is an experienced litigator and has been a trusted adviser to both the private sector and government for more than 20 years. He works with clients to resolve complex and high-value commercial disputes, and protects their interests in inquiries and investigations.

His recent experience ranges from massive corporate collapses to telco network joint venture disputes, and large-scale litigation between government and global pharma.

Andrew also helps importers, exporters and industry bodies to navigate trade investigations, and disputes arising from them, in Australia and internationally.

Key deals

Department of Health

Acting for the Australian Government in four heavily fought and ground-breaking claims (valued together at more than A$750 million) brought by the Government against global pharmaceutical companies, arising from delays in competition for blockbuster medicines in the Australian market.

Telecommunications litigation

Acting in litigation between two multi-national telecommunications companies over their obligations under a complex site-sharing joint venture for mobile phone towers.

Claim regarding directors' duties and conflicts of interest

Acting in an investigation of, and then litigation against, a former director of an ASX 100 company for claimed breaches of his duties in the context of that company buying another business in which he was the major shareholder and CEO. The purchaser had agreed to pay A$63 million cash plus approximately A$200 million of shares to acquire the business.

US Investment bank

Acting for a US investment bank in the defence of a claim against it arising from a series of swap transactions prior to a major corporate collapse. As an element of the defence Andrew led a successful appeal to the High Court (obtaining a unanimous decision) on a critical point of law.

Safeguard investigation into sugar imported into China

Acting for the Australian sugar industry in only the second ever Safeguard investigation conducted by the Chinese Government (and the first investigation of its type in 15 years).

Anti-dumping investigation into solar panels

Representing the Chinese photovoltaic industry in its successful injury defence in the first anti-dumping investigation concerning solar panels exported from China to Australia.