book a virtual meeting Search Search
brisbane

one eagle – waterfront brisbane
level 30, 1 eagle street
brisbane qld 4000
+61 7 3235 0400

dandenong

40-42 scott st,
dandenong vic 3175
+61 3 9794 2600

melbourne

level 7, 600 bourke st,
melbourne vic 3000
+61 3 8615 9900

sydney

grosvenor place
level 11, 225 george st,
sydney nsw 2000
+61 2 8298 9533

hello. we’re glad you’re
getting in touch.

Fill in form below, or simply call us on 1800 888 966

Pacific Legal Network expands reach with three new affiliate law firms

15 September 2020 Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor Erin Fuge (née MacKinnon) e: erin.fuge@mk.com.au d: 0411 259 340 m: 0411 259 340
Read Time 2 mins reading time

Australian legal and business advisory group Pacific Legal Network has significantly expanded its reach in the Pacific with three firms in three countries joining as affiliates.

PLN is a national practice group of Macpherson Kelley.

New Zealand firm Cavell Leitch, John Peter Munnell Lawyers in Papua New Guinea and Reeder & Simpson P.C. from the Marshall Islands have all joined the network in the past three months.

With affiliate law firms in almost every country in the Pacific, PLN is able to offer seamless legal support for Australian and international companies already doing business or seeking to expand into the region.

PLN founder John Ridgway says that with a growing population, significant natural resources and attractive tourism assets, Pacific nations are increasingly seen as opportunities for investment.

“Our affiliate law firms give clients access to local lawyers we know and trust to navigate the unique legal and regulatory landscapes clients encounter in that region. We are the only legal services network operating across this region,” John said.

PLN often works with companies engaged in commercial deals, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory issues. Key areas that are seeing significant work include financial services, telecommunications and infrastructure.

“Impact investment services and initiatives that counter the impact of climate change are two of the real game-changer areas of law that have taken shape in the Pacific over recent years,” John said.

He said that despite the global economic slowdown caused by COVID-19, economic activity across the PLN affiliates has remained strong.

“The region has a young population and governments are wanting to provide what they see people in first world countries have – from access to the internet to renewable energy. PLN is presently involved in a number of exciting projects involving mobile telephone roll-outs and hydro, energy-to-waste and solar initiatives. Given the importance of the impact of climate change on the Islands, we are particularly happy to be involved in so many renewable energy projects across the region.”

A key to working in the Pacific includes managing client expectations and finding innovative ways of dealing with gaps in local laws which have not managed to keep up to speed with global technological changes.

“By using our affiliate law firms, clients get access to the best local experience and critical know how,” John said.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.

stay up to date with our news & insights

Pacific Legal Network expands reach with three new affiliate law firms

15 September 2020 Erin Fuge (née MacKinnon) e: erin.fuge@mk.com.au d: 0411 259 340 m: 0411 259 340

Australian legal and business advisory group Pacific Legal Network has significantly expanded its reach in the Pacific with three firms in three countries joining as affiliates.

PLN is a national practice group of Macpherson Kelley.

New Zealand firm Cavell Leitch, John Peter Munnell Lawyers in Papua New Guinea and Reeder & Simpson P.C. from the Marshall Islands have all joined the network in the past three months.

With affiliate law firms in almost every country in the Pacific, PLN is able to offer seamless legal support for Australian and international companies already doing business or seeking to expand into the region.

PLN founder John Ridgway says that with a growing population, significant natural resources and attractive tourism assets, Pacific nations are increasingly seen as opportunities for investment.

“Our affiliate law firms give clients access to local lawyers we know and trust to navigate the unique legal and regulatory landscapes clients encounter in that region. We are the only legal services network operating across this region,” John said.

PLN often works with companies engaged in commercial deals, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory issues. Key areas that are seeing significant work include financial services, telecommunications and infrastructure.

“Impact investment services and initiatives that counter the impact of climate change are two of the real game-changer areas of law that have taken shape in the Pacific over recent years,” John said.

He said that despite the global economic slowdown caused by COVID-19, economic activity across the PLN affiliates has remained strong.

“The region has a young population and governments are wanting to provide what they see people in first world countries have – from access to the internet to renewable energy. PLN is presently involved in a number of exciting projects involving mobile telephone roll-outs and hydro, energy-to-waste and solar initiatives. Given the importance of the impact of climate change on the Islands, we are particularly happy to be involved in so many renewable energy projects across the region.”

A key to working in the Pacific includes managing client expectations and finding innovative ways of dealing with gaps in local laws which have not managed to keep up to speed with global technological changes.

“By using our affiliate law firms, clients get access to the best local experience and critical know how,” John said.