International: United States desk
Your Australian legal partner for US investment and cross‑border growth
As one of the leading national independent law firms for US companies and their advisers doing business in Australia, McCullough Robertson is deeply embedded in industries that drive the Australian economy.
With longstanding mandates for major US brands, our team offers unparalleled insight and experience in all key sectors including energy and resources, technology, life sciences, agribusiness, food & beverage, government and critical infrastructure.
Investing in a foreign market demands precision, foresight, and courage — qualities we share with our US clients as we help them navigate the commercial drivers and compliance frameworks that matter most to US investors. Whether acting as local counsel on inbound investments, joint ventures, regulatory issues or disputes, we pride ourselves on being collaborative, conflict-free, and aligned with your standards of service and responsiveness.
Local, Australian legal expertise with a global lens
For many US-based companies, McCullough Robertson is the trusted advisor for navigating complex legal challenges in Australia. We combine deep Australian regulatory insight with a commercial, deal‑driven approach that aligns with the expectations of US deal teams. Whether you are entering the Australian market, expanding an existing footprint or executing complex cross‑border transactions, we will work closely with you to deliver responsive, pragmatic advice across the full deal lifecycle.
Comprehensive cross-border solutions for US-based companies
We are committed to helping US companies seamlessly manage their investments into Australia with jurisdiction-specific advice, as well as assisting Australian clients with their overseas ventures. As a full-service independent firm, we partner with you to uphold your client relationships and deliver strategic advice across all aspects of cross-border transactions.
Cross-border mergers and acquisitions
Managing the transaction lifecycle across deal structuring, due diligence and managing regulatory approvals.
Private equity and venture capital transactions
Facilitating venture capital and seed funding transactions.
Cyber security, privacy and data protection
Risk planning and governance as well as incident response to cyber threats or breaches.
Banking and finance
Inbound lending structures, due diligence on Australian assets, and local law securities and guarantees.
Intellectual property and trade marks
IP commercialisation, licensing, collaboration, confidentiality and agreements for emerging technologies
Financial services regulation and funds management
Supporting licence applications and funds structuring as well as investigations and enforcement matters.
Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)
Managing FIRB clearance, merger control and meeting other regulatory approvals and obligations.
Competition and consumer
Compliance with Australian Consumer Law, including competition law, acquisition guidance and consumer protections.
Equity capital markets and capital raisings
IPOs, secondary raisings and venture capital
Tax structuring and advisory for cross-border investments
Strategic amalgamations and restructures, together with specific advice on income tax, fringe benefit tax, consolidation rules and rollovers.
Employment arrangements
From executive appointments to employee incentive plans and equity/option issuances, our team cover the full spectrum of contractual employment obligations and arrangements.
Cross-border disputes and enforcement
Disputes, arbitration, enforcement of foreign judgements, evidence gathering under the Hague Convention and service of foreign proceedings and documents
News and insights
Meet our US leads
Our cross‑border offering is supported by partners who bring deep experience across corporate, technology, IP and capital markets.
Belinda Breakspear
Partner
Intellectual Property | Trademarks | Technology | Data privacy
Trade mark Star in IP STARS 2025
IT & Telecommunications team recognised in Chambers and Partners 2025
Naomi Omundson
Partner
Corporate Advisory | Equity Capital Markets | Mergers and Acquisitions | Technology | Life sciences