About Linker Legal

Committed to excellence.

A specialist corporate, commercial and technology legal practice.

Bringing together over 50 years of experience, Linker Legal offers a rare blend of agility and exceptional capability. Our two primary lawyers come with top-tier law firm pedigrees, blue chip in-house counsel credentials along with formal dispute adjudication and appeals expertise.  When challenges or opportunities arise, we’re uniquely placed to assist our clients through our backgrounds as client, decision-maker and advisor.

Our Approach

Boutique in size, best-in-class in delivery.

Agility

We are agile and responsive.

Accessibility

We make specialist top-tier expertise readily accessible.

Innovation

We embrace complexity and pioneer new approaches.

Integrity

We rigorously champion ethics, fairness and justice.

Our People

Fred Linker
Principal

Fred Linker - Principal
M: +61 407 101 849
E: fred@linkerlegal.com
Connect with Fred on LinkedIn

  • Fred is a senior commercial lawyer, with experience in a top-tier law firm, leading investment bank, and multiple NYSE-listed US multinational technology companies.

    Fred combines first-class legal skills and client-focused commercial acumen with a fine-tuned understanding of how to deliver desired business outcomes.

  • Corporate:

    Advised listed and private Australian and international corporations on complex corporate transactions including capital raisings, re-capitalisations, mergers and acquisitions. Conducted due diligence, briefed boards, prepared prospectuses, acquisition agreements, joint venture agreements and other transaction documents. Liaised with regulatory bodies such as ASIC, ASX and FIRB.

    Commercial:

    Assisted various multinational companies in the preparation and negotiation of sponsorship agreements for major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, and advised on film financing for Australian productions and the establishment of Fox Studios Australia at the Sydney Showground. Expert in distribution and supply of goods and services, sales agency, procurement and tendering.

    Technology, Media & Telecommunications:

    Negotiated complex turnkey telecommunications infrastructure contracts, capacity upgrades, software licenses, JVs/alliances, and resale/distribution arrangements with leading IT and Telco companies. Provided regulatory advice to Australian telecommunications carriers in relation to the Telecommunications Act and other relevant legislation. Advice on cybersecurity, privacy and data protection.

    Financial Services:

    Previous experience as the Head Equities Lawyer for Bankers Trust Australia Limited Investment Bank. Advised BT Equity Finance on IPOs, BT Private Stockbroking on regulatory and contractual issues including the Know-Your-Client" and "Disclosure of Interest" obligations. Assisted BT Structured Equities with documentation and regulatory approvals to bring new products to market such as Australia’s first barrier index warrants.

    International and General Counsel:

    Regional General Counsel for two NYSE-listed multinational companies, Ciena and Nortel, including 12 years as Ciena’s Head of Legal (Asia Pacific), leading cross-cultural teams of lawyers, contracts managers and paralegals across the region, including India. Exceptional face to face negotiation experience across Asia, including in particular Japan, China/Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore.

    Board Appointments:

    • Board Member and Company Secretary for Steps & Holes Theatre Company Limited.

    • Company Secretary for SCCL Australia Pty Limited, a licensed Australian telecommunications carrier.

    Security Clearance:

    • Australian Government Security Clearance NV-1.

Deborah Ziegler
Executive Counsel

Deborah Ziegler - Executive Counsel
E: deborah@linkerlegal.com

  • Deborah is a senior corporate and commercial lawyer with top-tier law firm pedigree, as well as a Senior Tribunal Member and Appeal Panel Member at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

    Deborah is also a nationally accredited mediator and is on retainer with an ASX-listed corporation to assist in assessing and resolving disputes with suppliers.

  • Corporate:

    Advised listed and private Australian and international corporations on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including drafting and negotiating documentation and advising on corporate structures as well as corporate governance issues (including directors’ duties and conflicts of interest, and preparing constitutions, board papers and other governance documentation).

    Commercial:

    Distribution and supply of goods and services, sales agency, licensing and manufacturing, trade practices and fair trading.

    Intellectual Property:

    Extensive experience in IP issues, including trademarks, passing off, copyright and designs.

    Dispute Adjudication:

    Deborah currently serves as a Senior Member of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and as a member of NCAT’s Appeal Panel. In those roles, Deborah hears evidence and decides cases, and appeals, in accordance with the law, in building, strata, tenancy, business and consumer matters.

    Mediation:

    Deborah has excellent credentials and experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. She is a nationally accredited mediator, conducted pre-hearing conciliation sessions at NCAT over many years, and also worked as a Forum Facilitator, Forum Sentencing - Crime Prevention Division for the NSW Department of Justice.