Fred Prickett, a prominent figure in commercial and corporate litigation, has concluded his nearly three-decade tenure with Clayton Utz. He has decided to join rival law firm Ashurst. Prickett, who began his career at Clayton Utz in 1996, rose to the position of partner in 2004 and has been a key contributor to the firm’s litigation practice.
Throughout his career, Prickett has handled a variety of significant and complex disputes. Notably, he represented Myer, one of Australia’s leading department store chains, in its defence against a shareholder class action. His expertise has also been sought by prominent organizations, including Blackstone, for litigation related to its $8.9 billion acquisition of Crown Resorts.
High-Profile Cases and Contributions
Prickett’s legal acumen has positioned him as a sought-after litigator in high-stakes cases. He played a crucial role for Tatts, a major gaming and lottery company, in its dispute with the State of Victoria, which involved claims exceeding $500 million. Additionally, he led the litigation team representing Rex in its pursuit of remedies against Qantas for alleged anti-competitive behaviour in 2021.
Most recently, Prickett defended Money3 Loans, a car financing provider, against civil proceedings initiated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). His extensive experience in navigating complex legal challenges has made him a prominent name in the Australian legal landscape.
A New Chapter at Ashurst
As Prickett transitions to Ashurst, he is expected to bring his extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of litigation to the firm. The move reflects Ashurst’s commitment to strengthening its litigation capabilities and expanding its portfolio of high-profile cases.
Prickett’s departure from Clayton Utz marks the end of an era for the firm, where he has been a vital part of its success in commercial litigation. His new role at Ashurst is anticipated to enhance the firm’s strategic position within the competitive legal market.
With a career marked by significant achievements, Fred Prickett’s move is set to make waves within the legal community, as he embarks on this new chapter at Ashurst.
