whoswholegal - Analysis - Australia 2020

Clayton Utz stands out in the market with a total of eight practitioners highlighted in this chapter.
Dale Brackin is widely recommended for his detailed understanding of construction negotiations. One peer notes: “If I was in need of construction advice he would be my pick.”
The “fantastic” Sergio Capelli is renowned for his adept handling of contract documentation and procurement for major projects.
Steve O’Reilly is commended for his considerable domestic and international experience across all forms of dispute resolution, on a wide range of infrastructure and construction projects.
Frank Bannon is a seasoned lawyer with a strong track record over a broad range of construction disputes including litigation, arbitration and expert testimony.
Frazer Moss draws praise from sources for being an “excellent lawyer” and someone who is “superb to work with”. He provides counsel on procurement, project support and dispute management matters to clients.
Joanna Pugsley attracts recognition for her particular expertise in advising governments on construction and service procurement and contracts.

Seven lawyers at Corrs Chambers Westgarth are recognised here.
The “excellent” Andrew Stephenson is recognised for his strong reputation in the construction industry, where he stands out for his expert handling of contracts and dispute resolution proceedings.
Michael Earwaker has a “superb” reputation for assisting clients in high-value and sophisticated construction disputes, in litigation and arbitration.
Peter Schenk draws high praise for his impressive knowledge of the construction industry and complex infrastructure projects.
Jane Hider is revered as a “fantastic projects lawyer” for her high-level experience handling construction and infrastructure projects and procurement matters.

David Ulbrick at HWL Ebsworth is a “superb communicator” who stands out for his work on all aspects of project delivery and dispute resolution.
Marko Misko is noted for his experience spanning the full spectrum of infrastructure sectors including transport, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, for both public and private clients.

Peers say that “living legend” Douglas Jones AO with Sydney Arbitration Chambers is “internationally regarded” for his deep arbitration experience involving construction and infrastructure issues.

Ashurst’s Georgia Quick is well known for the breadth of her experience handling dispute resolution and risk management issues across the energy, construction and property sectors.

Peter Pether with King & Wood Mallesons is a “leader” in the construction sector, with deep and varied arbitration and litigation resolution expertise both domestically and internationally.

At Outlook Legal Consulting, Peter Megens enjoys an excellent reputation for his expansive knowledge of construction, infrastructure, mining and energy resources disputes.

Beth Cubitt at Clyde & Co is commended for her wide-ranging practice, which encompasses complex construction disputes, expert determination and litigation.

Donald Charrett at Expert Determination Chambers gains plaudits for his first-rate practice, which focuses on handling sophisticated engineering and construction disputes.

JBM Advisory’s Phillip Greenham ranks highly among peers for his excellence in construction projects, procurement processes and infrastructure matters.

John Cooper at Jones Day impresses with his top-tier handling of large-scale projects and procurement matters in the transport, energy and resources sectors.

Russell Thirgood at McCullough Robertson is recognised for his strong grasp of complex mining and construction disputes, having advised major corporates and Australian government entities.

At Pinsent Masons, Matthew Croagh is known for his distinguished practice and his wide-ranging expertise in construction and engineering disputes arising out of major projects.

Independent practitioner John Sharkey AM is highly experienced when it comes to construction, and oil and gas matters. He has represented clients globally in both arbitration and mediation.

At Allens, Leighton O’Brien is a “technically gifted lawyer” with an impressive track record in road and rail-related dispute resolution.

For over 25 years’ Fielding Robinson’s Mal Fielding has been an authoritative voice in the construction landscape, and has considerable experience in helping clients with commercial matters.

Duncan Miller SC at 7 Wentworth Selborne is an “excellent” and “standout” practitioner, with a “great grasp of the technical issues”.

DLA Piper’s John Gallagher is a key name in the Australian market when it comes to contracting and collaborative project delivery strategies and documentation.
Owen Hayford is “a leading specialist in the field”, applauded by sources who note he “contributes reason and logic to matters and combined them with understanding”.

At Baker McKenzie Alex Hartmann is an expert in handling contract issues, construction and commercial property projects matters for private sector and government clients.

Andrew Kelly of Thomson Geer is a first-rate construction lawyer who assists clients in dispute and transactional matters. One peer dubs him “Australia’s leading construction litigator”.

At White & Case, Hamish Macpherson receives recognition for the top-tier counsel he provides to clients on conflicts that emerge throughout a project’s life cycle.

Peter Wood with MinterEllison is a recognised expert across all forms of dispute resolution domestically and internationally across the construction sector.

Ante Golem of Herbert Smith Freehills is highlighted for his outstanding composure: “Even under the most extreme and toughest time pressures, he always remains calm.”
David Templeman is held in high regard by peers for his impressive understanding of PPP projects and infrastructure-related construction.