Login
Ex-PwC directors make Mills Oakley move
National firm Mills Oakley has acquired two ex-PwC lawyers to build out the firm’s projects and finance capability.
Grace Ormsby
Shaun Whittaker and Tony Rutherford have come on board for Mills Oakley brand in the Melbourne office, with Mr Whittaker having commenced last week, while Mr Rutherford started his tenure last month.
Mr Rutherford was also a director with PwC between 2015 and 2017.
According to Mills Oakley, “Mr Whittaker and Mr Rutherford have a track record of successful collaboration on large infrastructure projects, with Tony focusing on the construction and commercial aspects and Shaun focusing on the finance aspects”.
For CEO John Nerurker, it’s been pleasing “to reunite a successful partnership at Mills Oakley”.
“Tony and Shaun share mutual clients and have complementary skills,” Mr Nerurker noted.
“Studies have shown that clients derive superior value from legal advisors who act collaboratively from a position of familiarity with the client’s business and we are looking forward to Tony and Shaun combining strengths with their new colleagues at Mills Oakley,” he continued.
According to Mills Oakley, Mr Rutherford’s specialisation is in large scale infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors including mining, oil and gas, water, road, rail, airport, hospital and power projects.
Experienced across all forms of dispute resolution, Mr Rutherford’s recent projects have included acting for the Victorian government for the suspension and unwinding of the East West Link toll road PPP and advising Telstra in NBN negotiations.
The firm also highlighted Mr Whittaker as a “leading next-generation lawyer”, with specialisation in innovative funding outcomes for clients including major lenders, governments, corporates, start-ups and institutional funds.
He has worked on structuring and advising for social infrastructure projects in Australia and the UK, as well as advising local and international governments on revenue stream financing for infrastructure projects and has provided advice for high-profile marketplace lending platforms.
