Sydney, 22 November 2021: Clayton Utz was among the winners at the 2021 Australian Communications Industry Awards (the ACOMMs) announced on Thursday 18 November, in the Services to Industry - Professional Services category.
We were recognised for excellence as a professional services adviser to the telecommunications industry, reflected in our client base (which includes nbn, Optus, Meta, Amazon and Apple, as well as key government agencies), leadership in industry and regulatory developments, client service, complex and high-profile work in the sector, and community and pro bono commitment.
Partner Bruce Lloyd leads our Telecommunications team, which includes partners Timothy Webb, Kirsten Webb, Geoff Hoffman, Joel von Thien and Damien Gardiner.
Among highlights over the 12 months, the team has advised long-term clients, nbn and Optus - two of the biggest players in the industry - on several high-stakes, strategic and industry-shaping transactions.
This included advising nbn on its lead role in the national COVID-19 telecommunications working group to allow a co-ordinated response by Australia's five largest telcos to the fundamental shifts in network traffic as Australian businesses and consumers moved online during the COVID lockdowns. Geoff Hoffman and Clayton Utz Corporate National Practice Group Leader Rory Moriarty also led the team that advised Optus on its $250 million acquisition of amaysim, Australia's largest mobile virtual network operator, which completed in early 2021.
Our team was also recognised for demonstrating leadership in service delivery to telecommunications clients through strategic secondments, knowledge-sharing, and continuing legal education (CLE) programs and professional development for clients' legal and commercial teams, including a 'Rising Stars' executive education program for in-house counsel identified by their organisations as high-potential future leaders.
Bruce Lloyd said the team was pleased to be recognised for its contribution to the industry:
We have a committed, specialist team of lawyers who over many years have developed a deep industry knowledge of the telecommunications sector and understanding of emerging issues, which in turn enables us to assist clients on some of their most complex and innovative matters. We're proud to be a part of the industry's continued growth and evolution.
The ACOMMs aim to celebrate excellence in Australia's telecommunications industry, including in the areas of innovation, technology, customer service, and suppliers (including professional service suppliers).