Australian pro-bono trailblazer honoured for her work

Global firm advises on landmark Aussie satellite deal… Former Hall & Willcox partner joins NRF…

Australian pro-bono trailblazer honoured for her work
Australian pro-bono trailblazer honoured for her work

The global head of pro-bono at Herbert Smith Freehills has been recognised for her work in increasing participation of the indigenous population in the legal profession.

Brooke Massender was awarded the CareerTrackers co-chair’s award at an event in Sydney last week, honouring her long-standing support for its Indigenous Interns program.

Herbert Smith Freehills was the first law firm to joint he program back in 2011, and the firm’s regional managing partner Andrew Pike says it reflects Ms. Massender’s contribution to the board as a trusted advisor.

“It demonstrates what an important relationship this is for our firm, and the leading role that Brooke has played over many years in providing legal and strategic advice and nurturing our interns,” he said. “Their contribution to our firm culture is enriching and valuable and our interns bring fresh insights to the work we do for our clients.”

Global firm advises on landmark Aussie satellite deal

Bird & Bird has advised ASX-listed Speedcast International Ltd. on a landmark deal to supply managed satellite services to NBN Co Ltd.

The 10-year agreement valued at up to AU$184 million is Speedcast’s largest deal by value to date. Bird & Bird also advised the firm on agreements with Gilat Satellite Networks to supply the underlying platform.

The team was led by Sydney-based partner Thomas Jones, assisted by senior associate Michael Stojanovic.

Shane Barber, Bird & Bird's Managing Partner in Australia commnted: "As a firm, we are focused on working with innovative clients who are being shaped and transformed by the digital world. This project with Speedcast and nbn is an exemplary demonstration of our vision in practice."

Former Hall & Willcox partner joins NRF

Natasha Toholka will join the team at Norton Rose Fulbright in Melbourne later this month.

The experienced restructuring and insolvency partner was most recently with Hall & Willcox and has almost 20 years’ experience working closely with financiers and insolvency practitioners.

“A major attraction for our combination with Henry Davis York was its significant and well respected banking and finance, and restructuring and insolvency teams,” said NRF managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner. “The addition of a partner of Natasha’s calibre will further our investment in these areas, as well as our overall offering to domestic and international financial institutions.”

Ms. Toholka will join the firm on 26th February.

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