Class Actions

HWLE has a long-standing track record in class action defence, since acting in Australia’s first shareholder class action. We represent corporates, insurers and individuals across a range of significant and high-profile proceedings, including ASIC-led actions and privately funded matters. Our experience spans shareholder and investor claims, consumer and financial product class actions, as well as product liability and large-scale property damage cases arising from natural disasters.

We are acutely aware of the reputational and commercial risks posed by class actions. Our team regularly works alongside PR consultants, crisis and brand managers, and senior stakeholders to coordinate a consistent legal and communications strategy. With a national footprint and extensive multi-jurisdictional experience, we are well-placed to respond quickly and scale resources as needed. We also bring a commercial edge, offering top-tier capability at a more competitive cost base, delivering both strategic value and efficiency.

Key contacts Related insights

Protecting your operations, your brand & your company

As the only Australian law firm with truly national presence, we have the resources and depth to allocate to a class action matter in any jurisdiction, and can quickly and efficiently increase resourcing when required. Our national team has strong experience working seamlessly across large multi-jurisdictional matters.

Class actions have the ability to inflict significant cost impact upon a business, ultimately decreasing profitability. Our other key differentiator in this area of law lies in the value proposition we offer clients – our leading expertise is provided at highly competitive rates, ultimately providing a more cost effective solution.

Class Actions

Our experience

  • Financial Services Company Representing several respondents to Australia’s first cryptocurrency class action as well as regulatory proceedings by ASIC. The matter involves issues of the regulations associated with cryptocurrency and payment facilities and is the first litigation of its kind in Australia.
  • Holden and Mercedes-Benz dealers Acted in separate class action and representative proceedings.
  • Superannuation Fund Advised on class action funding agreements relating to separate derivative shareholder class action suits in the banking industry.
  • NSW Government & Broadcasters Defended a class action by 300 landowners over licence fee disputes tied to compulsory acquisition laws and ‘catching bargain’ arrangements. Matter resolved commercially, mitigating reputational and financial risk.
  • PIPL Representing PIPL in an investor class action involving a global Ponzi scheme and the Sheraton Mirage acquisition. Proceedings involve $140 million asset freeze and complex trust tracing claims.
  • Major AFSL Lender Defended a consumer class action involving alleged AFSL breaches affecting over 200,000 loan customers.
  • Village Roadshow Defended Village Roadshow and its directors in a shareholder class action, achieving a favourable resolution.