Former Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Chairman David Knott is joining leading law firm Allens Arthur Robinson (AAR) as a Special Adviser.
Mr Knott will assist the firm’s legal teams in advising clients on regulatory, corporate governance, financial services and commercial issues.
‘David is one of the most widely respected figures in the Australian business community, with a distinguished record of private sector work and public service topped by his appointment as ASIC Chairman in 2000,’ said AAR managing partner Tom Poulton.
‘We’re delighted that David accepted our approach to return to the firm where he began his career as a lawyer and partner.’
‘With more than 30 years of legal, investment banking and regulatory experience, David brings to our firm an immense wealth of knowledge and expertise that will benefit our clients in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond,’ said Mr Poulton.
Mr Knott will also consult with clients on developments in his areas of expertise and on broader strategic issues.
Based in Melbourne, he will begin working out of AAR’s offices from February.
‘In one sense, I’ve come full circle in returning to the firm where I began my legal career back in 1971, ‘ said Mr Knott, ‘but it is of course now a very much larger organisation with an expanding presence in the Asia Pacific region and a substantial international client base.’
‘That means new challenges, and I look forward to working with partners and lawyers whose approach and professionalism I’ve long respected,’ said Mr Knott.
‘In returning to the private sector, I am keen to work with and advise a diverse range of Australian and international companies. Being a special adviser at AAR affords me the opportunity to do that.’
Allens Arthur Robinson acts for more than 60 of Australia’s, and 20 of the world’s, top 100 companies and has been voted Asia Pacific Law firm of the Year, Regional Law firm of the Year and Australian Law firm of the year by peer juries in London, Hong Kong and Sydney.
