Asia Pacific Telecommunications Limited v Optus Networks Pty Limited [2007] NSWSC 350

New South Wales Supreme Court

CITATION : Asia Pacific Telecommunications Limited v Optus Networks Pty Limited [2007] NSWSC 350

HEARING DATE(S) : 2 April 2007

JUDGMENT DATE : 18 April 2007

JUDGMENT OF : Bergin J

DECISION : Orders to be made restraining the solicitors from acting further for the defendant in these proceedings.

CATCHWORDS : [LAWYERS] – Application in 2005 to restrain defendant's solicitors from acting for the defendant dismissed on basis of 'Chinese Wall'/'information barrier' put in place to prevent the disclosure of confidential information – confidentiality undertaking given by solicitors and sworn evidence that there would not be "any involvement" in the present proceedings – solicitor the subject of the affidavit and confidentiality undertaking signs consent short minutes of order – new application to restrain the solicitors from further acting for the defendant

LEGISLATION CITED : Civil Procedure Act 2005 Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005

Asia Pacific Telecommunications Limited v Optus Networks Pty Limited [2005] NSWSC 550 Prince Jefri Bolkiah v KPMG [1999] 2 AC 222 Belan v Casey [2002] NSWSC 58 CASES CITED : D & J Constructions Pty Ltd v Head & Ors trading as Clayton Utz (1987) 9 NSWLR 118 Grimwade v Meagher [1995] 1 VR 446 Hooker Corporation Ltd v Darling Harbour Authority (1987) 9 NSWLR 538 Kallinicos v Hunt (2005) 64 NSWLR 561

PARTIES : Asia Pacific Telecommunications Limited (plaintiff) Optus Networks Pty Limited (defendant)

FILE NUMBER(S) : SC 50044/05

COUNSEL : Mr F Kunc, Ms V McWilliam (plaintiff) Mr Martin Einfeld QC, Mr S Habib (defendant)