About Scott
Scott Crabb is a highly experienced partner whose practice focuses on large and high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution. He handles international and multijurisdictional disputes, arbitrations, regulatory investigations and enforcement. Scott also advises on risk mitigation and crisis management.
Scott has acted for a wide range of private and public sector organisations in Australia and the UK in resolving disputes, and in conducting and defending commercial litigation in the superior courts, as well as advising on urgent interlocutory relief. He has appeared as counsel in proceedings in various courts and tribunals in England and Australia.
He has specialist expertise in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation, arbitration and expert determination. He is adept at using ADR processes to resolve disputes.
Scott also advises clients across industry sectors on local and international transactions involving a broad range of issues related to contracting; intellectual property (IP); media, marketing and advertising; statutory interpretation; competition and trade practices; distribution and franchising; and energy and natural resources. In addition, he advises on financial services regulation, regulatory enforcement and governance and compliance issues.
Scott holds a Master of Law degree from the University of Cambridge and postgraduate qualifications in mediation and arbitration.
He is known for his depth of experience, technical expertise and commercial judgment. He is pragmatic and solution focused.
Experience
Acted in high-profile proceedings in multiple jurisdictions commenced by a mining company and its owner, a prominent public figure, seeking to challenge the validity of an act passed by the Western Australian parliament. These proceedings involved complex arguments, including matters of constitutional interpretation.
Acted for an Australian health insurance company in Supreme Court of Western Australia proceedings over curtain wall defects at its corporate headquarters.
Acted for an Asian airline in multijurisdictional proceedings relating to enforcement of foreign judgment.
Acted for a mining company in Supreme Court of Western Australia proceedings relating to the impact of deed of company arrangement on mining royalty.
Acted for a public health body in Supreme Court of Western Australia proceedings relating to the ownership of IP in a method of manufacturing mesenchymal stromal cells.
Acted for a Norwegian conglomerate with extensive business interests in Australia in complex and high-value multijurisdictional proceedings in relation to its interests in fertiliser and ammonia plants in Western Australia.
Acted for a Hong Kong-based trading company and its founder in litigation over contractual claim in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
Acted for an Australian mining company in derivative proceedings commenced by a shareholder in the Supreme Court of Western Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Acted in IP litigation including trademark, copyright and patent litigation in the Federal Court and before the Commissioner of Patents.
Represented various parties in judicial review proceedings in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and Federal Court.
Represented and advised various organisations and individuals on investigations and the exercise of coercive powers by a range of regulatory and investigative bodies, such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Australian Tax Office (ATO), workplace health and safety regulators and mining safety regulators, including execution of dawn raids.
Represented and advised energy, resources and associated services clients on a wide range of disputes, including those relating to royalties, joint venture and shareholder agreements, offtake and farm-in agreements, contracting, administrative law, state agreements, distribution agreements and mining legislation.
Represented parties in various proceedings in the Mining Warden’s Court.
Advised on crisis management, including preparation and implementation of crisis action plans, identification of key issues, compulsory examination of officers and employees, compulsory disclosure of documentation, privilege, data management, self-reporting obligations, insurance, employment and HR management, liaising with regulators, media strategy and investor relations.
Credentials
Education
- The University of Adelaide, Postgraduate Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration, 1999
- University of Cambridge, LL.M., 1992
- College of Law Sydney, Certificate of Practical Legal Education, 1989
- University of Tasmania, LL.B. (Hons.), 1988
Admissions
- Supreme Court of Western Australia, 1996
- Supreme Court of New South Wales, 1989
Memberships & Affiliations
Member, Law Society of Western Australia
Member, Intellectual Property Society of Australia & New Zealand
Recognitions
Recommended as a Leading Western Australian Intellectual Property & TMT Lawyer in Doyle’s Guide 2020
Recommended as a Leading Western Australian Intellectual Property Lawyer in Doyle’s Guide 2016 and 2015
Named as a Preeminent Western Australian TMT Lawyer in Doyle’s Guide 2015
Legal Profiles 2001-2002 notes from its survey that “Scott Crabb has extensive knowledge and delivers his advice in terms appropriate to the listener. He also has the ability to quickly assess situations and is well organised.”
Expertise
Services
- Litigation
- International Dispute Resolution
Industries
- Advertising, Media & Brands
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Healthcare
- Life Sciences
- Mining