National law firm Piper Alderman has announced the appointment of Jane Kupsch as a Partner in its national dispute resolution team based in Melbourne. Ms Kupsch was an associate in Piper Alderman’s then newly-established Melbourne office from 2002 to 2004 and re-joins the firm after 12 years with a boutique corporate Melbourne-based legal practice, where she built a reputation as a commercial litigation expert.
Ms Kupsch’s experience spans a broad range of litigation and alternative dispute resolution processes across various state and federal courts and tribunals. Jane has considerable experience acting for directors and officers in litigation arising from the failure of public companies, and matters concerning the duties and obligations of directors, company officers and senior employees in a wide range of disputes. Jane has also acted for minority and majority shareholders in oppression proceedings and for various clients whose interests upon the dissolution of a family business required protection.
Furthermore, Ms Kupsch’s experience means she is well placed to advise company officers and insolvency practitioners when a company is in distress or is under external administration, and when steps need to be taken to protect or challenge the competing interests of creditors or other stakeholders. Jane’s experience acting for directors and officers means she is also able to provide practical advice to companies and their boards regarding issues such as insurance and risk management.
Ms Kupsch has been involved a number of high-profile complex litigation and insolvency cases including the defence of class actions and other proceedings concerning the Banksia Financial Group, Timbercorp, Willmott Forests and ION Limited. She has also acted for clients involved in liquidators’ public examinations and regulatory investigations and acted for a party in the Federal Court of Australia litigation brought by Asahi Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd after its acquisition of an Australian and New Zealand business.
Managing Partner, Tony Britten-Jones said he was delighted to welcome a practitioner of Ms Kupsch’s calibre and market reputation back to the team. “Our dispute resolution practice is highly regarded in the market and will be further enhanced with Jane’s appointment. Jane is a highly respected litigator and is known for her strategic thinking, tenacity and commerciality. With her technical and professional expertise, Jane adds further bench depth to our team – reinforcing our leading position in the litigation and insolvency market. Jane culturally and professionally will be a great addition to our team”.
Ms Kupsch said, "Clients want to feel part of a team that sees past the process of litigation and harnesses its combined expertise to deliver sound strategic advice and commercial outcomes. I am thrilled to be returning to Piper Alderman where the focus on key commercial practice areas and a collaborative culture will provide the perfect environment in which to provide excellent service."
Ms Kupsch is accredited under the Law Institute of Victoria’s Specialisation Scheme as an accredited commercial litigation specialist. She is a member of the committee that sets the assessment materials for candidates wishing to gain accreditation.
