In conversation with Stephen Webb

Teaching About Special Economic<br>Zones in South Africa
In conversion with Stephen Webb

Stephen Webb, a partner in the Finance & Projects practice in the Brisbane office of DLA Piper Australia, is a strong supporter of pro bono. He was the lead partner on a New Perimeter project focused on the creation of special economic zones in East Timor. Stephen has continued his involvement by teaching on special economic zones and international trade at the University of Western Cape and the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Stephen’s first project with New Perimeter was to advise the government of East Timor on economic development by analyzing options to support trade and investment and identifying best practices in existing global special economic zones. His expertise as a cross-border projects specialist with an understanding of typical investor and lender requirements was leveraged during this project.

Stephen is also part of an international team of lawyers that teaches a week-long course on special economic zones in South Africa, as part of Africa’s first Master's Degree on international trade and investment law in Africa. The highly selective course is run by the University of Pretoria and the University of the Western Cape and taught at each university on alternate years. The LL.M is targeted at graduate level students from across Africa.

As head of  DLA Piper’s Asia Pacific Renewable Energy and Climate Change Group, Stephen has advised on projects across Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America on both conventional and renewable power projects. His project experience includes advising on all forms of pipelines, transportation, petrochemical, mining projects, oil and gas projects and asset sales in the power and resource infrastructure sectors.

Additionally, Stephen (with his wife and several friends) founded and operates Spent It Well, a charity organization that directly funds foreign aid projects to make an immediate practical difference to the lives of a local community. In recent years, the charity has built seven schools, created education scholarships and is now involved in the expansion of a health clinic in East Timor.

"Stephen has made a huge contribution to New Perimeter's programs over the past five years," said Claire Donse, International Pro Bono Counsel with New Perimeter. "His enthusiasm, expertise and drive for empowering others bring so much to our programs. We are very grateful for the time and knowledge he has contributed to the firm's initiatives." 

About Stephen Webb

Stephen is a partner in DLA Piper's Brisbane office.

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"It's enormously satisfying to both be a part of a firm that takes our pro bono responsibilities so seriously and to have the opportunity to contribute personally. Some of the skills I have been able to develop on the Timor pro bono matter have also led to opportunities and, in part, a new specialty I am now thoroughly enjoying working on for other Governments."