Fred Prickett has concluded his nearly three-decade tenure at Clayton Utz, marking a significant transition within the legal landscape. Having joined the firm in 1996, Prickett ascended to partner status in 2004. He is set to join rival firm Ashurst, a move that reflects his prominence in the field of commercial and corporate litigation.
Throughout his career, Prickett has been involved in numerous high-profile and intricate disputes. Notably, he represented Myer, one of Australia’s largest department store chains, during its defence against a shareholder class action. His litigation expertise also played a crucial role in advising Blackstone on the legal aspects of its $8.9 billion acquisition of Crown Resorts.
Prickett’s experience extends to significant cases such as his representation of Tatts, which was embroiled in a more than $500 million dispute with the State of Victoria. Additionally, he led the litigation team for Rex, which sought remedies against Qantas for alleged anti-competitive behaviour in 2021. Most recently, he defended Money3 Loans, a car financing provider, in civil proceedings initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Prickett’s departure from Clayton Utz comes at a time when the legal industry is evolving, with firms continually adjusting their strategies to remain competitive. His transition to Ashurst is poised to bolster the firm’s capabilities in handling complex commercial disputes.
The legal community is likely to watch closely as Prickett embarks on this new chapter, given his established track record and the impact he has had on significant legal matters in Australia.
