Dentons’ Port Moresby practice group has a long-established presence in Papua New Guinea and is noted particularly for its expertise in the banking, regulatory, energy, mining, and infrastructure projects spaces. Recent highlights for the team include advising in relation to Newmont Corporation’s acquisition of Newcrest Mining Ltd. With a strong reputation for handling financings, restructurings, and M&A, Wavie Kendino Leki leads the group as head of office. Stephen Massa is regularly called on by clients to advise on major projects and transactions in the energy, insurance, shipping, and construction sectors, among others, as well as in relation to contentious matters. Erik Andersen has been a partner at the firm for over three decades and heads the firm’s litigation practice. He regularly advises major energy and banking clients, as well as state-owned enterprises. Jason Brooks joined the department from Ashurst in May 2024, bringing with him considerable commercial litigation expertise. Brisbane-based managing associate Rachel Austin’s diverse practice covers M&A, restructuring, and equity capital markets. Senior associate Ethel Goina is also a key contact.
L'éditorial du Legal 500
Témoignages
Collectés indépendamment par l'équipe de recherche du Legal 500.
- 'Wavie Kendino Leki is a truly outstanding partner as well as Erik Andersen. The outstanding senior associate is Ethel Goina, among others.'
- 'Erik Andersen is a standout litigator and expert in the difficult market that is Papua New Guinea. He brings a sense of gravitas and his wealth of experience is unmatched in the market.'
- 'My principal contact is with Ethel Goina, a senior associate. She responds quickly and informs me of projected timeframes to complete tasks and of delays that may arise. Her work is accurate and valued.'
- 'The quality and experience of the dispute resolution partners and team stands out - they are a learned, detailed, efficient and effective team.'
- 'The team has an in-depth knowledge of the PNG market as well as key personnel in government. It is a culturally diverse team that is able to drive outcomes and provide good coverage of any legal issues that arise. The team is very responsive, with excellent leadership.'
- 'The Dentons team is available and proactive. We are a demanding client and the Dentons team has embedded itself to such an extent that they feel part of our extended team. A pleasure to work with on a day-to-day basis.'
- 'The team displays particular strength in their ability to effectively communicate their feedback and understanding of my instructions as well as call out any issues that need clarification. This can be attributed to the standard of professionalism that the firm strives to maintain and deliver.'
Clients clés
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
- Westpac Banking Corporation
- ExxonMobil
- TotalEnergies
- Asian Development Bank
- Independent State of Papua New Guinea (The Government)
- Central Bank of Papua New Guinea
- International Finance Corporation
- Kumul Petroleum Holdings
- Origin
Points forts
Advised on the Papua New Guinean aspects of Newmont Corporation’s AU$26 billion acquisition of 100% of the issued shares in Newcrest Mining Limited by way of an Australian scheme of arrangement.
Advising TotalEnergies in relation to its proposed incorporated joint venture arrangements with respect to the Papua LNG Project in which TotalEnergies is partnering with other key players in the oil and gas industry including ExxonMobil, Santos and JX Nippon.
Acting for Puma Energy, the country’s sole oil refiner and importer of aviation fuel, and the country’s major source of diesel, gasoline and other fuel products in relation to fuel supply and foreign exchange issues.
Avocats
Les grands avocats du marché
Avocats associés reconnus parmi les leaders du marché par leurs pairs et leurs clients, régulièrement présents dans les grands dossiers dans lesquels ils sont au premier plan.
Les grands avocats de demain
Jeunes associés disposant d'une reconnaissance montante sur le marché, jouant régulièrement un rôle clé dans des dossiers majeurs.
Wavie Kendino Leki
Meilleurs collaborateurs
Jeunes avocats collaborateurs ou counsels qui se distinguent régulièrement par leur présence dans des dossiers importants du marché, et qui sont identifiés par le marché comme de jeunes talents à suivre.
Ethel Goina
Rachel Austin
Responsable de la pratique
Wavie Kendino Leki
Autres avocats clés
Erik Andersen; Stephen Massa; Jason Brooks; Rachel Austin; Ethel Goina