The lawyers behind a multibillion-dollar class action against BHP over the fatal 2015 Samarco dam disaster in Brazil, are opening an office in Sydney.
Global law firm Pogust Goodhead has corporates who fail to uphold their social and environmental responsibilities in its sights as it establishes an Australian presence with the opening of an office in Sydney’s legal district at 126 Phillip Street.
Pogust Goodhead is bringing a case against BHP, the world’s biggest miner, on behalf of over 700,000 claimants in Brazil following the collapse of the Fundão Dam in 2015. The collapse killed 19 people and released 50 million metres of toxic waste, destroying entire villages and livelihoods. The case is the largest class action of its kind and is set to go to trial in London in October 2024.
The new office in Sydney is expected to serve as a base to launch new claims against Australian corporations who fail to uphold their obligations.
Global Managing Partner Tom Goodhead said:
“We are delighted to be launching in Sydney. We are establishing a base in BHP’s backyard to ensure we explore every avenue in our fight for justice for the victims of one the world’s worst environmental disasters.”
“The mining sector in Australia plays a vital role in ensuring the availability of increasingly important rare and critical minerals, which makes it a major driver of economic growth and wellbeing. However, with this enormous wealth and influence comes a responsibility to the communities in which they operate – a responsibility premised on basic decency and fairness.”
“We are investigating a number of new cases against Australian multinational corporations, such as BHP, in which their commitment to this responsibility has been seriously thrown into question. With the launch of our Sydney office, we are putting Australian corporations on notice that we are ready to hold them to account.”
Described as ‘the first legal unicorn’, Pogust Goodhead, has seen huge growth in just over five years and now represents over three million clients worldwide. It is also accumulating a sizeable war chest, enabling it to confront some of the world’s largest corporate entities on behalf of its clients which include some of the most disadvantaged people on the planet.
In October last year the firm announced a landmark US$550m investment partnership with US-based emerging markets investment manager Gramercy. The firm employs over 700 staff and has offices in London, Rio, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Miami, Philadelphia and now Sydney.
The Sydney office will be headed up by Partner | Head of Australia, Amie Crichton and Partner, Joshua Carton. With over 15 years’ experience, including across top-tier Australian and global firms, Amie is a highly sought after disputes specialist and commercial litigator. She has a proven track record in defending and prosecuting claims across the consumer, financial services, technology, resources and infrastructure sectors, with a primary focus on complex multi-party disputes and high-profile class actions. Amie is joined in the partnership by long standing colleague and complex commercial disputes and class action specialist, Joshua Carton
Partner | Head of Australia Amie Crichton said:
“Pogust Goodhead’s arrival in Australia is more than just another player in the legal field. What sets the firm apart is its global reputation and extensive network. In bringing their resources, knowledge and invaluable strategic partnerships to Australian shores, the firm is empowering individuals to seek justice on an unprecedented scale. This launch also signifies the firm’s recognition of Australia’s importance as a hub for representative proceedings and underscores its confidence in the country’s sophisticated class action framework. Pogust Goodhead is poised to leave an incredible mark, cementing their status as trailblazers in the pursuit of justice.”
