Michael Henao Joins Ashurst as Disputes Partner in PNG
Advisor - People | Mar 11, 2025 | EIN
Global law firm Ashurst has strengthened its practice in Papua New Guinea by recruiting Michael Henao as a partner to lead its disputes and regulatory practice in Port Moresby. Henao, who previously spent over seven years at Digicel Papua New Guinea, also boasts experience with the Bank of South Pacific and a past tenure at Ashurst when it was known as Blake Dawson. Expressing his excitement, Henao emphasized Ashurst's capacity to deliver optimal outcomes due to its global presence and local expertise. Ian Shepherd, a leading partner at Ashurst PNG, praised Henao's reputation in the legal community and his ability to meet client needs. This strategic hire fortifies Ashurst's comprehensive service offering in PNG, encompassing major energy projects, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and commercial legal services. Henao's arrival complements the recent addition of partner-elect Tureia Sample, who transitioned from PwC Australia last year.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Telecommunications
Geography
- Papua New Guinea – The primary focus of the article is on Ashurst strengthening its legal practice in Papua New Guinea, particularly in Port Moresby.
Industry
- Legal Services – The article focuses on Ashurst, a global law firm, and its recruitment of a new partner to enhance its legal practice, especially in disputes and regulatory services.
- Telecommunications – Michael Henao's previous experience at Digicel, a telecommunications company, highlights the intersection of legal services and telecommunications sectors.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashurst | Legal Advisory/Target Firm | Company | A global law firm expanding its presence in Papua New Guinea by hiring a new disputes partner. |
| Michael Henao | New Partner | Person | Former head of legal at Digicel PNG, joining Ashurst to lead its disputes and regulatory practice in Port Moresby. |
| Digicel Papua New Guinea | Previous Employer | Company | A telecommunications company where Michael Henao served as head of legal and regulatory. |
| Bank of South Pacific | Past Experience | Company | A bank where Michael Henao had prior experience before joining Ashurst. |
| Ian Shepherd | Ashurst PNG Partner | Person | Leading partner at Ashurst PNG who praised Henao's addition to the firm. |
| Tureia Sample | Partner-elect | Person | Recently joined Ashurst from PwC Australia, contributing to the firm's expanded capability in PNG. |
| PwC Australia | Previous Employer | Company | The prior employer of Tureia Sample before joining Ashurst. |