Clayton Utz gives weight to Forensic practice with two new recruits

Sydney, 4 May 2017: Clayton Utz has attracted two leading forensic specialists, Owen Bourke and Meg McKechnie, as Directors in the firm's recently launched Forensic and Technology Services (FTS) practice.

Owen is considered at the forefront of leading investigations using the Relativity eDiscovery platform for managing, analysing and reviewing evidence and is the first accredited “Relativity Expert” in the Asia Pacific. With over 15 years' experience, Owen has worked with Federal Government conducting computer forensic investigations with the ACCC and ATO, and worked in the private sector delivering sophisticated evidence collection and analysis services supporting litigation, investigations and regulatory inquiries. Recently he led the design and implementation of a case management and data analytics platform for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Meg will head up the firm's Forensic Investigations service offering nationally. A qualified investigator and a chartered accountant, Meg has over 20 years' experience investigating corporate misconduct, financial crime and corporate governance failings in Australia and Asia, including the collapses of HIH Insurance and OneTel. She has worked in both the private sector and government, holding senior roles at ASIC and APRA. She has extensive experience providing assistance to legal teams including with the collation of evidence, the provision of financial analysis and quantification of economic damages required for administrative, civil and criminal proceedings.

FTS national practice group leader Paul Fontanot said the new appointments were part of the firm's strategy to build a comprehensive client offering incorporating forensic investigation, forensic accounting, forensic technology and front end transaction services.

"We are taking the front foot to help clients identify and manage early on the increasingly common commercial, regulatory and reputation risks to their business. Owen and Meg are well known in the region for their specialist expertise in forensic investigations, and their experience will add depth to our services and boost our ability to respond to our clients' needs."