The Legal 500

Clayton Utz is at the forefront of project advice to the public sector. Owen Hayford and the ‘irreplaceable’ John Shirbin recently advised AustralAsia Railway Corporation on the $334m sale of the Adelaide to Darwin railway project. Alan Maguire acted for Brisbane City Council on all aspects of the Legacy Way toll road project, and Joanna Pugsley advised the South Australian government on interests in the New Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Freehills’ team ‘remains composed and unruffled through the dark depths of transactions’. Peter Butler recently acted for Queensland Health on the $2bn Sunshine Coast University Hospital PPP project and Jason Ricketts advised the State Solicitor’s Office Of Western Australia on the development of the Fiona Stanley Hospital. David Templeman and the ‘particularly strong’ Josh Sgro acted for two consortiums on the Northern Territory Secure Facilities project. Patrick St John heads the group, which displays an impressive work ethic.

Mallesons Stephen Jaques’ projects team of ‘high-quality professionals’ advises sponsors and developers on major projects, and displays ‘experience, passion and commitment’. The ‘tremendous’ Nicholas Creed recently advised on offshore financing of the Karara iron ore project, and Neil Carabine and Renae Lattey played a vital role in the roll out of the National Broadband Network. Jeff Clark and Jonathan Oldham represented the successful consortium bidder in the Peninsula Link PPP with assistance from Peter Doyle, who is ‘a leader in project finance’.

Allens Arthur Robinson has substantial experience advising financiers, utility companies and large contractors. Recent highlights include advising Thiess and Degrémont on the $3.5bn Victorian Desalination Plant project and advising the New South Wales Transport Construction Authority on the South-West Rail Link. Leighton O’Brien is recommended.

Blake Dawson represents major sponsors and public bodies in multibillion-dollar, national projects. Chris Mitchell and Joanne Evans acted as lead adviser for the Federal Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on the financing, construction and operation of the National Broadband Network. The team also advised RBS in its bid for the Gold Coast Rapid Transit PPP, and David Mason acted on a number of coal-related projects.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth, which is typically ‘commercial in its negotiations’, has a stronghold in LNG and large government projects. The team recently acted for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on all facets of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project and advised a key player in the NBN project. Contractual specialist Peter Schenk is recommended for construction projects, and John Walter is highly regarded for PPPs.

Minter Ellison’s project finance specialist Paul Paxton and PPP expert Fred Tinsley advise bank syndicates and federal or state government departments on health, transport, and environmental projects. Peter Block and Stewart Nankervis recently assisted the Victorian government on the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Project.

Having already established its reputation in cross-border projects, Norton Rose Australia now operates with an increasing focus on inbound project finance. The team recently advised China Development Bank and Export Import Bank of China on two resources projects, and Vincent Dwyer acted for AGL Energy on delivery of the $1bn Macarthur wind farm. Adrian Ahern and Grant Ahearn are also recommended.

Baker & McKenzie’s projects and energy group advises on large energy developments and major project bids. Christopher Saxon and David Ryan were instructed by the New South Wales government to act on its electricity privatisation project, and Andrew Chew and Alex Hartman advised Degrémont on its role in Aquality.

DLA Piper Australia bolstered its projects team by bringing in four partners from its UK and Dubai offices, among them Damian McNair; he and Robert Edel led advice to Oakajee Port and Rail on concession agreements and construction contracts for its $6bn rail and deepwater port project. Jane Hider and John Gallagher acted for the Victorian Department of Transport in its $4.2bn Regional Rail Link project.

Gilbert + Tobin shows ‘business acumen’ and ‘industry knowledge’ in its advice to public bodies, large energy companies and domestic financiers on pan-Australian projects. The team recently advised ABN AMRO on a large rail PPP. Nicholas Grambas is a ‘leading lawyer in the project financing and infrastructure field’, and clients also recommend John Schembri.

Chambers & Company’s projects practice focuses on advising offshore financiers and inbound investment from Chinese companies. Robin Chambers has ‘strong connections’ in the PRC and a client list that includes MCC Mining and Sinosteel Australia.

Gadens Lawyers has suffered from a slowdown in traditional projects work over recent years, but its ongoing relationship with Serco continues to provide the team with involvement in some noteworthy matters. Paul Brown and Scott Laycock recently acted for M7 Motorway Corporation on an agreement with Leighton/Abi Group.

Maddocks represents state government departments and major contractors in Sydney and Melbourne. Despite this primarily Southeastern focus, the team recently had a hand in the monumental National Broadband Network project, advising Theiss Services and Silcar on the successful bid to deliver construction of NBNco’s passive fibre network. Greg Campbell is the main contact.

McCullough Robertson’s ‘courteous and professional’ team delivers an ‘exceptional service’. Michael Rochester and Russell Thirgood advised Whitehaven Coal on infrastructure development at Narrabri North coalmine. Darren White heads the team, and Brad McCosker is also a key figure.

Middletons extended its reach in energy, transport and infrastructure projects by hiring Catie Burdett from Johnson Winter & Slattery. Clients include Origin Energy and the Victorian government.

Piper Alderman’s Tim Coleman recently advised Gilat Satellite Networks Australia on a $200m supply contract with Optus. Geoff Emmett is recommended.

Brian Ambler at TressCox advises on transport, utility and pipeline projects. The team recently assisted the Sydney Catchment Authority on the Warragamam Dam Valve upgrade.