Stuart Clark

GD Search & CO and Monsanto: The successful defence of GD Searle & Co and Monsanto Corporation in the landmark Gravigard (Copper 7) intrauterine contraceptive device litigation. This quasi-class action was described by the trial judge in his judgment as: "the longest running and most complex product liability action yet heard in Australia".

Fen-Phen class action: The successful defence of the Australian Fen-Phen class action litigation. The class action proceedings were ultimately dismissed by the Federal Court of Australia with an order that the class plaintiff pay the costs incurred by the defendant in opposing the class action.

Sydney Water Corporation: Representing the Sydney Water Corporation in the Royal Commission arising out of contamination crisis that affected the Sydney water supply and two subsequent class actions in the Federal Court of Australia.

St Jude Medical Inc: The defence and subsequent resolution of the class actions that were brought against St Jude Medical Inc in relation to implantable cardiac pacemakers. The Courtney class action was the first involving a drug or medical device to be taken to verdict. The proceedings established a number of important principles in Australian class action jurisprudence.

BP Australian Limited: The successful defence of BP Australia Limited in class action proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The class comprised petroleum retailers who were endeavouring to recover moneys paid to BP (which it had then paid on to the NSW Government) in respect of licence fees that the High Court of Australia held to be unconstitutional.

Government investigations: Representing both corporations and individuals who are the subject of investigations or inquiries initiated by government agencies in both Australia and in other parts of the world. Stuart's experience includes the representation of corporations that the subject of investigation by the US Department of Justice, the Securities and the Exchange Commission and Food and Drug Administration. This work includes matters arising under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Criminal cases and white collar offences: Prior to joining Clayton Utz as a partner Stuart practised as a barrister at the New South Wales Bar where his experience included prosecuting federal criminal cases on behalf of the federal Director of Public Prosecutions. Since joining Clayton Utz Stuart has acted in the defence of both corporations and individuals who have been charged with a range of white collar offences.