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Aaran Johnson

  • Managing Partner
  • Solicitor (NSW, Australia)

Aaran is the Managing Partner of PDLegal’s Australian legal services offering and a Sydney-based litigation and corporate advisory professional with significant experience in Australia and across the Asia Pacific.

A trusted advisor known for his strategic thinking and pragmatic approach, Aaran combines deep legal expertise with commercial acumen to help clients resolve disputes, manage risk, and position their businesses for long-term success. He acts for individuals and organisations of all sizes, delivering practical, business-focused outcomes in complex litigation, contract structuring, compliance, risk management, cross-border matters, and strategic business advice.

With a well-developed network across the Asia Pacific, Aaran provides tailored solutions for clients entering or expanding into the region, as well as for international businesses seeking entry into the Australian market. His work spans diverse industries and backgrounds, always grounded in a results-driven and collaborative approach.

Aaran is as committed to his community as he is to his clients, reflected in his down-to-earth manner and ability to work effectively with stakeholders from all walks of life. Outside the office, he is a passionate supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Swans.

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Contact

  • +61 409 178 595
  • ajohnson@pdlegal.au

Key Practices

Real Estate & Construction

Restructuring & Insolvency

International Arbitration

Employment & Industrial Relations

Corporate & Commercial Advisory

International Trade

Qualifications
  • The University of Newcastle, Australia: LLB/ BA (Majoring in Broadcast Journalism)
  • The College of Law, Australia: LLM (Master of Laws majoring in Commercial Litigation)
  • The Law Society of NSW, Australia: Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation
Speaking engagements
Memberships
  • Member, Law Society of NSW
  • Member, Royal Automobile Club of Australia
  • Member & Advisor, Australia Malaysia Business Council (NSW)

Highlights

Cases
  • Brown v The Stables Perisher Management Pty Ltd (No 4) [2024] NSWSC 1153
  • Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2023] NSWSC 463
  • In the matter of Mark Bassal, The Kingdom of Thailand, Court of Justice (Both at first instance subsequent conviction and thereafter Appeal) 2023
  • Kazoo Pet Co Pty Ltd v MVI Industries Pty Ltd NSWSC 2023
  • Elderton Homes Pty Ltd (Administrators Appointed) 2022
  • Yung Jin Lee v Strathaven Holdings Pty Ltd trading as The Palace Hotel NSWSC 2022
  • In the matter of Citywide Civil Engineering (NSW) Pty Ltd (In Liquidation) NSWSC 2022
  • Nadav Soloman v Max Brenner Australia Pty Ltd, Federal Circuit Court: SYG2272/2022
  • Greenfields Development Company No. 2 & Perich Property v ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd NSWSC 2022
  • In the matter of Pacific Steelfixing Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 655
  • In the matter of Reserve Hotels Pty Limited [2021] NSWSC 487
  • In the matter of Reserve Hotels Pty Limited [2021] NSWSC 376
  • Brown v The Stables Perisher Management Pty Ltd [2021] NSWSC 1688
  • In the matter of Hawkesbury House Pty Ltd (in liquidation) [2020] NSWSC 618
  • Sandpiper Kooragang Pty Ltd v Fortis Products Pty Ltd [2020] NSWSC 1256
  • Canterbury-Bankstown Council v Payce Communities Pty Limited [2019] NSWSC 1803
  • Canterbury-Bankstown Council v Payce Communities Pty Ltd [2019] NSWSC 1419
  • Kyrollos 4M Pty Ltd v Bassal [2018] NSWSC 833
    Bobi Damcevski v Emilios Demetriou & Ors [2018] NSWSC 988
  • Personnel Concepts WA Pty Ltd v Adam [2018] NSWSC 1616
  • The Real Thing Food Supplements CC v Media Tag Pty Ltd [2018] NSWCA 318 and NSWSC 585
  • TX Australia Pty Ltd v Network Ten Pty Ltd & Nine Network Australia Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC
  • Lex Fitness Pty Ltd ATF Lex Family Trust v Australian Fitness Management Pty Ltd; Australian Fitness Management Pty Ltd v Lex Fitness Pty Ltd ATF Lex Family Trust [2017] NSWSC 157
  • Ingham Property Development Pty Ltd v Impeccable Construction Pty Ltd [2017] NSWSC 298
  • Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2017] NSWSC 9
  • Bassal v Commissioner of Police (NSW Police Force) [2017] NSWCATAD 276
  • Bassal v Savilles (NSW) Pty Ltd (No. 3) [2017] NSWSC 911
  • Ward v Loumbos [2017] NSWCA 35
  • The matters of Gondon Five Pty Ltd and Cui Family
  • Asset Management (Series of litigated disputes between 2016 – 2019)
  • Yes Family Pty Ltd v Sphere Healthcare Pty Ltd NSWSC 2016 (series of Judgments related to Preliminary Discovery)
  • Lombos v Ward [2016] NSWSC 885
  • Larsen v Grace Worldwide (Aust) Pty Ltd [2014] NSWSC 90
  • In the matter of Joe & Joe Developments Pty Ltd (subject to a Deed of Company Arrangement) [2014] NSWSC 1444
  • Joe & Joe Developments Pty Ltd (subject to a Deed of Company Agreement) [2014] NSWSC 1703
  • The matters of AT Air Group Pty Limited, Aquatic Air v Dieter Siewert NSWSC (Series of litigated disputes between the parties with multiple Judgments spanning from 2012 – 2018)
  • Lewisham Estates Pty Ltd v LMW Advisory Pty Ltd (Trading as Landmark White) NCAT COM12/50563
  • Buskermolen v Mackay & Ors 2011/88216 (5 May 2014)
  • Fabcot Pty Ltd -v- Port Macquarie-Hastings Council [2010] NSWSC 726 (2 July 2010)
Case Commentary
  • Acted for a Defendant Council in a large scale Supreme Court of NSW Commercial List dispute wherein the Council was successful in defending the claim made by a large and resourceful Supermarket (Woolworths) and involved another large Supermarket chain (Coles) and a property holding company (Fabcot Pty Ltd). The Decision was subsequently appealed in the NSW Court of Appeal, also acted in the Appeal proceedings. The complexity and size of the matter required appropriate project management as well as aspects of public relations and accountability objectives relevant to the client, the Council, and to its constituents.
  • Acted for a finance Company and resolved the matter on a commercial basis for the client; the matter involved an amount of AUD$1,250,000.00 relating to the provision of finance under Hire Purchase Agreements for several luxury boats to a business. The matter was commenced via possession proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW and several other parties, including a receiver of the business, claimed retention of title to the boats in competition with the client’s claim.
  • Acted for two plaintiff development companies in a Supreme Court of NSW Commercial List dispute involving breach of contract, fair trading, trade practices and civil liability; the amount of the dispute was AUD$10M.
  • Acted for a Building Company Plaintiff in the Construction and Technology List of the Supreme Court of NSW. Ran several injunctions in conjunction with Counsel. The Building Company was forced into voluntary administration and eventually liquidation as a result of the proceedings; the amount in dispute was AUD$15,600,000.00. Later acted for the Building Company, in liquidation, in Supreme Court, Corporations List, examination proceedings in the Corporations List against the Directors of the Defendant Companies.
  • Acted for substantial development company in defence of Office of State Revenue recovery proceedings related to assessment of Stamp Duty (approximately AUD$25M) on a AUD$140M development. Primary issues concerned the development and finance documents and legal nature of relationships between related entities involved in the development.
  • Acted for Director of AUD$140M Australian petrol supply business in Thailand Criminal Law proceedings. Successful Appeal of conviction post jail direction which allowed the client to return to Australia having spent 4 months in captivity in Thailand. Only the third time in the history of Thailand Criminal Law that a person, pending Appeal of conviction and jail directive, allowed to return to domicile.
  • Various private investigations and private inquiries in the Philippines and Kingdom of Thailand concerning due diligence, asset reviews and investment concerns.
Employment Law
  • Work health and safety (WHS) experience in responding to SafeWork NSW investigations and notices, drafting WHS policies and advising on issues surrounding possible threats to WHS.
  • Advice on breach of employer policies.
  • Anti-discrimination, including acting for employers when defending a complaint surrounding discrimination to employees or to the Australian Human Rights Commission, responding to a discrimination complaint on behalf of employers.
  • Prepare and review confidentiality and termination agreements.
  • Employee management, including advice on employee performance management, redundancies, termination and deeds of release.
  • Assist in workplace investigations and dispute notices.
    defend and advise on work, health and safety prohibition notices and prosecutions.
  • Defend and advise on underpayment, unfair dismissal litigation and unfair contract litigation.
  • Advising on restraint of trade/non-compete, confidential information and intellectual property covenants.
  • Advice and representation at conciliations and mediations together with Fair Work Commission/Federal Magistrate Court Hearings.

Highlights

Publications

  • “The Risks of Parallel Negotiations”, Law Society Journal, October 2011
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Latest Contributions

  • News
  • | September 18, 2025

PDLegal Expands Regional Footprint with Launch of Sydney Office

Find Us
  • Singapore

PDLegal LLC Singapore
1 Coleman Street 

#08-02 The Adelphi 

Singapore 179803

Tel: +65 6220 0325
Email: enquiry@pdlegal.com.sg

Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 6:00 pm

  • Thailand

PDLegal Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
6th Floor, 6 O-NES Tower,
Sukhumvit Soi 6,
Khlong Toey, Bangkok 10110

Tel: +66 2 254 6415
Email: Thailand@pdlegal.com.sg

Monday – Friday
9am – 6pm

  • Malaysia

Tan, Siew & Lee (TSL Legal)
Unit V8, Q Sentral, Level 35-02 (East Wing),
2A, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Kuala Lumpur

Tel : +603 2731 9270
Email : enquiry@tsl-legal.com

Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm

  • Australia

PDLegal Australia
PO box 951 Bondi Junction
1355 Australia

Tel : +0278137619/ +61278137619
Email : enquiry@pdlegal.au

Monday – Friday
9am – 5pm

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  • About
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