Appointment announcement - Arnold Bloch Leibler

Media release
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Appointment announcement
The partners of Arnold Bloch Leibler are delighted to announce that on 16 January 2012, Justin Vaatstra became a
partner of the firm’s litigation and insolvency practices. The firm also recently welcomed James Simpson as a
consultant to lead the workplace advisory practice in Sydney.
These high calibre, key appointments will provide additional capacity and depth of expertise to our clients and further
strengthen our unique position.
Leon Zwier, head of Arnold Bloch Leibler’s litigation practice, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Justin
Vaatstra back to the firm. He began his legal career at Arnold Bloch Leibler as a paralegal while studying at University.
Justin has unbridled enthusiasm and passion for the law and is a fierce advocate. He will bring added depth to our
litigation group.”
Henry Skene, head of Arnold Bloch Leibler’s workplace advisory practice, commented: “James Simpson is a fantastic
addition to our workplace advisory practice and will be an invaluable on-the-ground presence in our Sydney office as
we continue to expand our national practice.”
In addition, senior associates Laila De Melo (banking & finance) and Elizabeth Steer (litigation) joined the firm.
A brief biography for each is provided below.
Justin Vaatstra is an experienced commercial litigator and a partner of Arnold Bloch Leibler’s litigation and insolvency
practices. His practice focus has an emphasis on corporate insolvency and intellectual property disputes. Much of his
work has an international dimension, including cross-border issues and conflict of laws. Justin returns to Arnold Bloch
Leibler after four years practising at Coulter Roache, in Geelong, where he became a partner in 2009. Justin
commenced his legal career at Arnold Bloch Leibler as a paralegal in 2002 and was appointed as a senior associate in
July 2007.
James Simpson is a specialist across all areas of workplace law, and leads the Sydney workplace advisory practice.
He has advised some of Australia’s largest and best known organisations, as well as a number of Commonwealth and
State government departments. He is particularly known for his direct advice, and highly commercial solutions to
workplace issues.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact David Pleydell, Director of Marketing, on (03) 9229 9839.
About Arnold Bloch Leibler
Arnold Bloch Leibler is a premier Australian commercial law firm that provides strategic legal and commercial advice nationally to a diverse
range of leading Australian corporations, high-net-worth individuals and large family businesses as well as international corporations.
Arnold Bloch Leibler also has a dedicated pro bono practice providing advice on social, environmental and cultural issues to more than
150 charitable and not-for-profit organisations.
Arnold Bloch Leibler is particularly known for its expertise in banking & finance, commercial & corporate, competition, litigation & dispute
resolution, insolvency, property, taxation and workplace advisory. In these areas, the firm is regularly involved in landmark matters
and transactions.

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