About Me

I'm a dispute resolution and regulatory investigations partner in our Sydney office. I work with clients to solve complex issues facing their businesses, whether that is a commercial dispute or engagement with regulatory agencies.

I have over 18 years of experience in helping clients resolve disputes and deal with regulators, working on some of the most complex and high-profile cases in Australia.

Most recently, I have been involved in advising on three of the four most high-profile disputes arising from cyber incidents, as well as major commercial disputes in the defence, automotive, technology and financial services sectors. I have also advised clients on anti-bribery and corruption law issues, internal investigations, contract interpretation and administration, compliance with corporations laws, white collar crime matters, multi-jurisdiction investigations and regulatory investigations and litigation.

I have extensive cross-border disputes experience involving jurisdictions such as the USA, Guernsey, Jersey, Iceland, the BVI and Luxembourg. I help international clients navigate the complex commercial and regulatory framework in Australia across various sectors.

Before joining our firm, I was a Litigation and Regulatory partner at a large international law firm where I led the Australian Defence and Aerospace practice.

I am a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and have been involved in founding and leading a global employee resource group for LGBTQ+ lawyers and acting as a champion of change on a gender equity network.
Experience
  • Acting for major technology companies in responding to high profile cyber incidents including litigation and regulatory investigations
  • Acting for an international defence contractor on disputes with third-party vendors.
  • Advising defence contractors on Australia's export control laws.
  • Advising on shareholder disputes including prosecuting urgent proceedings in superior courts to protect client interests.
  • Conducting a review of a "Big 4' regulated financial services company as part of a response to a regulatory investigation.
  • Acting for various global technology companies in Australia including on interpretation of contracts, disputes arising with customers and vendors.
  • Advising global companies on disputes arising under distribution agreements covering Australia.
  • Acting in proceedings relating to payment processing under credit card schemes for a major financial services business and advising on payments issues.
  • Acting for a global automotive sector client in disputes in Australia including a complex Supreme Court action and advising it generally on its Australian operations.
  • Acting on Corporations Act matters including schemes of arrangements, securities law issues and white-collar crime.
  • Advising on response to cyber incident matters including engagement with law enforcement, privacy regulators and third parties with adverse positions.
  • Acting for companies in responding to requests for information from regulators including documents and witness interviews under compulsion.
  • Responding to complex investigations by regulators in various jurisdictions including a significant and high-profile dawn raid.
  • Advising multi-national companies on anti-bribery and corruption issues, procedures and providing training.
  • Advising on sanctions and defence export control matters.
Education

Studied

  • Bond University, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Bachelor of Arts

Admissions

  • Solicitor, New South Wales
  • Solicitor of the High Court of Australia
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Testimonials

'Jonathan is fantastic at managing all aspects of litigation – the technical legal aspects, process-driven aspects and client communication and management in order to run litigation efficiently and effectively'

Benchmark Litigation 2024

'Jonathon Ellis is a stand-out partner; an expert in his field, but very approachable and commercial.'

Legal 500 APAC, Dispute Resolution 2024

'Jonathon Ellis is brilliant at bringing together great teams and keeping everything on track, while always focused on achieving the client's goals and protecting their interests.'

Legal 500 APAC, Dispute Resolution 2024

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