Kathryn Finlayson - Profile, Parnter, Brisbane

I am a dispute resolution specialist, with a particular focus on competition, regulatory and administrative law matters for regulated industries. Through working with clients in the energy and resources, infrastructure, agribusiness and health industries, I resolve high risk, complex regulatory investigations and commercial disputes. Clients seek my specialist expertise in utilities litigation and competition / anti-trust matters, including authorisations, notifications, compliance training and advice. I regularly appear in the superior and appellate courts and Commonwealth tribunals.

I have represented clients in all forms of alternative dispute resolution and work with clients to resolve matters on commercially acceptable terms where it is possible to do so. I pride myself on being easy to work with, calm under pressure and responsive to deadlines. I also have a background in media law and defamation, copyright and software licensing matters.

Career highlights

Wilmar Sugar Australia - achieved a favourable award the first deemed arbitration with sugar growers after controversial amendments to the Sugar Industry Act 1999 (Qld)
Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal – resolved the largest restitution claim ever filed in the Supreme Court of Queensland (worth more than $400 million with a counterclaim of more than $600 million) in an out-of-court settlement
Ergon Energy – acted in relation to the company’s 2010–15 and 2015–20 regulatory pricing reset processes, including proceedings in the Australian Competition Tribunal
Queensland Ballet – contributed to the firm’s partnership with the ballet company, advising on all aspects of corporate governance, contracts, media and intellectual property
Passionately committed to women in the law, acting as a mentor to junior female lawyers, and previously as President of the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (2011–2013)