Perth-based equity capital markets lawyers are experienced in mining matters
Clayton Utz has welcomed Bryn Hardcastle and Dave Filov, two equity capital markets (ECM) lawyers coming from Allens, as Perth-based partners joining the firm within the coming months.
In a media release, the firm said it expected the additions to strengthen its practice in corporate and resources and meet the rising demand for ECM capabilities in Western Australia and around the country.
“Bryn and Dave are outstanding additions to our partnership,” said Emma Covacevich, Clayton Utz’s chief executive partner. “Their experience will deepen our ability to support companies navigating complex, high-value transactions, particularly across the resources and energy sectors.”
Covacevich added that Mark Malinas, a partner also joining from Allens, will commence serving as Clayton Utz’s new private equity head in early February.
“We are excited to start 2026 with this coordinated investment in our corporate capabilities,” Covacevich said in Clayton Utz’s media release.
Hardcastle’s and Filov’s LinkedIn profiles provided more information about them.
“Bryn has unparalleled legal expertise in critical minerals – a high-growth sector and area of major importance in the WA market,” said David Benson, Clayton Utz’s partner in charge in Perth, in the media release.
Hardcastle has experience with Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)-listed and global mining companies. His practice has spanned critical minerals, as well as takeovers, mergers, strategic investments, sell-downs, and other complex, high-value transactions.
He has most recently served as a co-head of the ECM team of Allens, which he joined as a partner in February 2021.
Previously, Hardcastle worked as a partner focusing on capital markets, M&A, and corporate and commercial law at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers from November 2019 to November 2020 and as a partner at Hardy Bowen from 2009–13.
He served as senior legal counsel at Dubai International Capital in United Arab Emirates from 2007–09. He worked as an associate at Allen & Overy in London and Dubai from 2005–06 and as a solicitor at Herbert Smith Freehills in Melbourne from 2001–04.
In 2001, Hardcastle earned his LLB and BA from the University of Western Australia.
“Dave is involved in the rewriting of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code, giving him unique insight into mineral reporting standards and their practical application for listed resources companies,” Benson said in the firm’s media release.
Filov was a principal adviser in the ASX Listings Compliance unit. He has advised ASX-listed mining and resources companies on ECM, governance, and regulatory compliance. He has handled major placements, initial public offerings (IPOs), dual listings, M&A, reverse takeovers, and secondary capital raisings.
Alongside Hardcastle, he joined Allens as counsel in February 2021. Before that, he worked as a partner focusing on capital markets, corporate governance, and corporate and commercial law at HWL Ebsworth from November 2019 to November 2020.
At Bellanhouse Legal, Filov was a partner from March 2017 to November 2019 and a lawyer from February 2015 to March 2017. He was a lawyer in Allens’ mergers and acquisitions team from February 2008 to February 2010.
