Allens handles the full spectrum of matters for clients engaged in infrastructure projects, including financing, M&A and tax structuring. It is also well-equipped to support clients in every major sector, including transport, health, resources and energy. David Donnelly (Melbourne) specialises in infrastructure projects and PPPs. Leighton O’Brien (Sydney) has a strong reputation for his work in energy and infrastructure projects, in which he handles procurement and delivery. In Melbourne, Emma Warren specialises in PPP projects, with a particular focus on the health and transport sectors. Kate Axup (Melbourne) specialises in energy projects, acquisitions and regulatory matters.
Project development in Australia
Allens
Practice head(s):
Emma Warren; David Donnelly; Kate Axup; Richard Malcolmson; Igor Bogdanich
Key clients
Acciona
Capella Capital
Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd
Tetris Capital
John Laing
GoldLinQ
Plenary Group Pty Ltd
Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Acciona Energia
TransGrid
Rio Tinto
Australian Industrial Energy
Woodside Energy Limited
Pembroke Resources
Snowy Hydro Limited
Global Infrastructure Partners
Work highlights
- Advising the Consortium on all aspects of its proposal for the North East Link road PPP.
- Advising Acciona in relation to its entry into an unincorporated joint venture arrangement with Korea Zinc for a wind farm.
- Supporting AIE in relation to the Port Kembla LNG Import Project.
Ashurst
Headquartered in Sydney, Ashurst’s nationwide practice is best known for its role in major transport projects and its expertise in emerging sectors, such as renewable energy and Infratech. Of particular note, the firm recently advised on the Honolulu Light Rail Project. Lee McDonald (Sydney) stands out for his role in the aforementioned project, in addition to Sydney Metro City & Southwest project. Angus Foley (Sydney) specialises in advising public and private sector clients in relation to major infrastructure projects and project financing transactions. Brisbane partner Alex Guy is currently advising Transport for New South Wales on the large-scale regional rail DBFM project while Krista Payne is entrusted with major mandates by the likes of Sydney Metro.
Practice head(s):
Lee McDonald; Angus Foley
Other key lawyers:
Alex Guy; Krista Payne
Testimonials
‘Ashurst has led project development on many of the major infrastructure projects across Australia in the past decade. The strength of its know-how in this space positions it as the pre-eminent practice in this area. They invest in client relationships such that they work with us in a seamlessly collaborative manner.’
‘Angus Foley and Krista Payne are star performers in this field. They deeply understand the market within which our projects are procured and how risk appetite can shift from mega-project to mega-project. There are layers of excellent SAs and lawyers underneath them that gives depth to this team. The team is responsive and friendly: a pleasure to deal with.’
Key clients
Sydney Metro
General Electric
Keolis Downer
Transport for NSW
State Solicitor’s Office
WSA Co Limited
Santos Limited
Department of Defence
University of Melbourne
Transdev Australasia
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
Edify Energy
Work highlights
- Main legal adviser for Sydney Metro advising on all aspects of the SMC&SW project.
- Advising WSA on the procurement of the A$5.3bn Western Sydney International Airport.
- Advising Transport for NSW on the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link program.
Clayton Utz
Clayton Utz’s team is experienced in major infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects, in which it provides advice in relation to financing, development, procurement and delivery. In a current highlight, the firm is advising Kawasaki Heavy Industries on its hydrogen energy supply chain project in Victoria, which is the first such project in the world. Brisbane partner Sergio Capelli is known for leading major building and infrastructure developments, with a particular focus on the transport sector. Stuart MacGregor, also based in Brisbane, specialises in energy and natural resources projects. Currently, he is advising Bravus Mining & Resources on its $16.5bn Carmichael Mine project, which represents Australia’s largest coal project. Melbourne partner Joanna Pugsley stands out for her strong track record in PPPs and social infrastructure projects. Andrew Fry, who is also based in Melbourne, regularly assists the Victorian Government with strategic transport projects, including the North East Link project.
Practice head(s):
Sergio Capelli; Stuart Macgregor
Other key lawyers:
Joanna Pugsley; Andrew Fry
Testimonials
‘Very capable of preparing bespoke collaborative contract forms for construction projects.’
‘Chris Slocombe has an excellent understanding of the details of the contract enabling quick responses to suggestions from tenderers to depart from specified clauses. He has a calm and reasonable manner in negotiating potential departures from contractual terms with tenderers.’
‘This practice works on some of the most significant infrastructures, construction, engineering projects in Australia and the region and this experience and the availability of the experienced and best practitioners from the group leads to pragmatic, reliable, fast and commercially effective advice.’
Key clients
Transport for NSW
Queensland Government
Brisbane City Council
Australia Rail Track Corporation
Sydney Metro
WaterNSW
Sydney Water
Western Sydney Airport Co Ltd
Queensland Rail
Department of Treasury and Finance
Department of Defence
Department of Transport and Main Roads
Department of Justice and Regulation
Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
VicRoads
ConocoPhillips
Mitsui & Co Ltd
Origin
Enel
Alinta Energy
Alcoa
Fortescue Metals Group
Australia Pacific LNG
Noble Group
Inpex
Vale
Antofagasta
Trafigura
Tianqi Lithium
Anglo American
Nippon Steel
Itochu
Idemitsu
China Guangdong
Work highlights
- Advising the State of Victoria in relation to the A$15bn North East Link Project.
- Advising Australian Rail Track Corporation in relation to the A$15bn Inland Rail infrastructure project.
- Serving as Australian counsel to Kawasaki Heavy Industries on the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project.
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons' team, headquartered in Sydney, primarily assists clients with project financing, M&A, regulatory compliance, antitrust law issues and litigation in the construction sector. Its range of clients is equally diverse and includes sponsors, contractors, financiers, and government bodies. Mark Upfold leads the practice from Sydney, focusing predominantly on infrastructure procurement, in addition to the acquisition, sale and financing of mature infrastructure assets. Fellow Sydney partner Chris Mitchell has over 30 years of experience advising private and public sector clients in relation to PPPs, residential developments and regeneration programmes. Among his ongoing highlights, he is advising The Australian Rail Track Corporation in connection with Inland Rail project. Brisbane Partner Craig Rogers is noted for his experience in major renewable energy and oil and gas projects, whereas Claire Rogers (Sydney) has impressive credentials in project finance.
Practice head(s):
Mark Upfold
Other key lawyers:
Chris Mitchell; Craig Rogers; Claire Rogers
Testimonials
‘The Project Development Practice have provided outstanding service and advice during the preparation and submission of planning applications and support in defending appeals of our planning approvals.’
Key clients
Transport for NSW
Transurban Limited
Thiess
APA
BHP
Lendlease Corporation Limited
Infrastructure NSW
Mirvac
Queensland Airports Limited
CIMIC
AGL
Charter Hall
Port of Melbourne Operations Pty Ltd
Multiplex
Clean Energy Finance Corp
Gladstone Ports Corporation
Brookfield
Future Fund Board of Guardians
Glencore
John Holland
Wren House Infrastructure Management Limited
Perth Airport Pty Ltd
Hobart International Airport
Tasmanian Department of State Growth
Work highlights
- Advised Wren House on the sale of its 19.99% stake in Australia’s Transgrid.
- Acted for the State of New South Wales in the infrastructure recycling project starting the process of the privatisation of ports, utilities and motorways
- Acting for INSW in relation to the design and construction aspects of the Powerhouse Museum project.
Minter Ellison
MinterEllison excels in all areas of project development, from finance arrangements to project documentation, contract administration and dispute resolution. The firm’s work also encompasses various sectors, including education, healthcare, energy, aviation and infrastructure. In a current matter, the firm is involved in the initial stages of Australian Antarctic Division’s $3bn Davis Aerodrome project, which will be the first all-weather runway and airport in Antarctica. Peter Wood has an outstanding track record in construction litigation and alternative dispute resolution focusing on the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Nicole Green has over two decades of experience providing comprehensive advice to property developers and infrastructure companies in relation to major developments. Stewart Nankervis has a well established reputation for work in significant road, rail, transport, and health care infrastructure projects, advising both state and private clients and Owen Cooper also acts on complex projects such as those in the transport and hospital sectors.
Practice head(s):
Peter Wood; Nicole Green
Other key lawyers:
Stewart Nankervis; Owen Cooper
Testimonials
‘The team is innovative and is well versed in terms of latest market intel.’
‘Minter Ellison brings a wealth of knowledge and broad experience on public-private partnership projects that complement their broad practice framework. They bring an end to end support through all stages of a project and are very strategic. their advice is always clear and concise.’
‘Partners Stewart Nankervis and Peter Owen Cooper share an enthusiasm for their work, building on their extensive experience in public private partnership projects. Stewart Nankervis is a standout.‘
Key clients
CIMIC Group
Brookfield Multiplex
John Holland
State and Federal Government departments and agencies
Lendlease
Icon
Kajima
MTR
Work highlights
- Acting for Sydney Metro across four key packages to deliver the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project.
- Acting for the Consortium comprising Pacific Partnerships, CPB, Ghella, & DIF on the financing and procurement of their shortlisted bid for the Inland Rail PPP.
- Advising DHHS on the delivery of the A$562m Frankston Hospital Redevelopment Project.
White & Case
White & Case’s team, based in Melbourne, handles infrastructure projects across Australia and Asia, providing assistance with construction contracts, land access, environmental issues, project financing and secondary market sales. Alongside this core offering, the firm is experienced in construction litigation, best illustrated by its ongoing work for ALTRAC Light Rail in disputes relating to Sydney Light Rail project. Andrew Clark specialises in transport and rail projects, however, he is also considered a leading expert in renewable energy developments. In one of his standout matters, Clark is advising Rail Projects Victoria on the $11bn Metro Tunnel project. Joanne Draper specialises in project delivery, acquisition and divestment deals, focusing on the transport, health, defence and renewable energy sectors. Alan Rosengarten is another key member of the team, with a strong track record of supporting clients with project bids and procurement strategies.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Clark
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Draper; Alan Rosengarten
Testimonials
Key clients
Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Rail Projects Victoria
Transurban Limited
UniSuper
Plenary
Hana Financial Investment
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Tetris Capital
Stary of the South Wind Farm Pty Ltd
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd
John Holland Pty Ltd
QIC
Société Générale
Macquarie Group
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
Work highlights
- Advising Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on the development $3bn financing of the 589 MW Changfang and Xidao offshore wind projec.
- Advising the Suburban Rail Loop Authority in relation to the investment case and procurement of the AUD$50bn Suburban Rail Loop.
- Advising on the Star of the South, Australia’s first proposed offshore wind farm.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
With its main offices in Melbourne and Brisbane, Corrs Chambers Westgarth advises corporations and state governments in connection with the contentious and transactional aspects of major projects. Its main areas of expertise include procurement, contract preparation, construction and operational matters. Airlie Fox (Sydney) has a strong reputation in major infrastructure projects, including transport and social infrastructure developments and heads the team alongside Matthew Muir (Brisbane). In Melbourne, David Warren is regularly instructed by clients to assist with financing transactions and project delivery. Anthony Arrow stands out for his work in major renewable energy developments for prominent international clients and John Walter continues to provide vast experience to project and litigation mandates while Peter Schenk 's expertise crosses over the construction or litigation elements of rail and other infrastructure projects.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Stephenson; Matthew Muir
Other key lawyers:
John Walter; Airlie Fox; David Warren; Anthony Arrow; Peter Schenk
Testimonials
‘Stand out individuals with very broad sector knowledge. Individually excellent legal skills and ability to respond to intellectual challenges. Rapid response, flexible and available.’
‘Airlie Fox – easy and pleasant manner. Extremely knowledgeable, very experienced, very diligent. Endless patience. Paul Brickley – flexible and extremely capable. Please and easy to deal with.’
‘The team is dynamic and fast-paced and work is resourced efficiently among partners, associates and lawyers. They’re extremely knowledgeable about the oil and gas industry and about major projects; they have good commercial know-how; have been able to offer great advice on different options for structuring transactions/projects and also negotiating strategies. They proactively identify, present and offer solutions for issues (e.g. with charts, tables, slides). The team is collaborative, accessible, responds and turns work around quickly, including unplanned or unexpected work at short notice.’
‘All the partners, associates and lawyers I’ve worked with in the projects teams are excellent professionals. Andrew McCormack, partner, is exceptional. He’s accessible, commercially savvy, proactive, dynamic and a problem solver. He’s great at delivering a major, complex project, is extremely experienced and knowledgeable about what commercial and contractual arrangements are required for the project and how to structure them.’
‘The team has great subject matter expertise for our market. They are very polite, listen to our problems and generally come up with sound, practical solutions for our problems. ’
‘The practice group focuses on my business and the internal and external pressures upon it. Appraised of these pressures, the group provides both sound and commercial legal advice.’
‘Matthew Muir represents a “go-to” resource for myself and colleagues given his extensive knowledge of the law, but also his deep knowledge of the industry and regulatory and political landscape.’
‘Corrs have a good geographical spread in Australia with good coverage nationally. I have worked with their teams in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and have found their service level and expertise to be excellent in all locations.’
Key clients
Bombardier/Alstom
DIF Capital Partners
Queensland Government
Victorian Government
CIMIC
John Holland
Bouygues Construction Australia Pty Ltd.
Fortescue Metals Group Limited
Acciona Construction Australia Ltd
Santos
UGL Limited
CPB Contractors
Downer Engineering
Pacific Partnerships
Ghella
Opal Australia
St George Community Housing
Inpex
Woodside Energy
Work highlights
- Advising Arrow Energy on the development and construction of the A$10bn first phase of its Surat Gas project.
- Representing Pulse Consortium and D&C contractor joint venture in relation to the Queensland Government’s highest priority infrastructure project, Cross River Rail.
- Acting as exclusive adviser to CuString and DIF Capital Partners in relation to the agreements for the construction of the CopperString project.
DLA Piper
Leveraging the firm’s global network, DLA Piper’s nationwide team handles domestic and cross-border projects for a varied range of clients, focusing primarily on the oil and gas, mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Alex Jones, based in Perth, advises clients on the acquisition, development and operation of natural resources and infrastructure projects; he is also experienced in administrative proceedings and judicial reviews. Brisbane partner Stephen Webb focuses primarily on financing transactions in the energy, transport and mining sectors. Alyson Eather (Perth) specialises in risk management, strategic procurement, and probity matters, particularly in the mining and infrastructure domains. Senior associate Victoria Brockhall provides comprehensive advice to clients engaged in construction projects, which includes support with risk analysis and commercial contracting.
Practice head(s):
Alex Jones
Other key lawyers:
Stephen Webb; Alyson Eather; Victoria Brockhall
Key clients
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery Pty Ltd
Thales Australia
The Design & Construction JV comprising Salini Impregilo S.p.A, GS Engineering and Construction, and China Construction Oceania
Auckland City Council
Downer EDI Rail Pty Limited
Veolia Water Australia Pty Ltd
Australian Football League
Merricks Capital
TTCL Public Company and Sojitz Corporation
Resolute Mining Limited
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Ministry of Mines and Petroleum
Government of Timor-Leste – Autoridade Nacional do Petróleoe Minerais; Maritime Boundary Office
Destination Brisbane Consortium
Atlas Personnel Services Pty Ltd
Salt Lake Potash Limited
Kalium Lakes Limited
Leichhardt Industrials Pty Ltd
Atlantic Vanadium Pty Ltd (AVPL)
EV Metals Group plc
AVZ Minerals Ltd
Blue Cap Mining Pty Ltd
China Railway Construction Company
Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), British Columbia, Canada
BNP Paribas, DBS Bank and ING
ENGIE
Sprott Resource Lending; Sprott Inc.
Valoriza Servicios Medioambietales ,S.A; Sacyr Concesiones S.L. and Plenary Origination Pty Ltd
BE Power
Work highlights
- Advising Atlantic Vanadium Pty Ltd on the re-development of the Windimurra Vanadium Project in Western Australia.
- Assisting EV Metals Group in the development and funding of a mine in the Weld Range region of Western Australia.
- Advising AVZ Minerals Ltd on the development of a large lithium and tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills’s team handles all stages of infrastructure projects, utilizing the strength of its project finance, commercial litigation, and corporate departments. In particular, the firm has impressive capabilities in PPPs, major transport and renewable energy projects, in addition to initiatives involving the transformation of cities across Australia. Toby Anderson (Sydney) is well-respected for his role in renewable energy and oil and gas project development, including in the hydro, wind, solar and geothermal sectors. Erin Wakelin (Sydney) handles various financing arrangements underpinning major infrastructure projects. On the contentious side, Geoff Hansen (Melbourne) stands out for his role in disputes regarding PPP projects, particularly in the transport sector.
Practice head(s):
Toby Anderson; Erin Wakelin; Geoff Hansen
Key clients
New South Wales Government / Transport for NSW
Macquarie
AGL Energy
CIMIC / Pacific Partnerships
Transurban
Victorian Government
John Laing
First Gen/Energy Development Corporation
Big Four Domestic Banks
Horizon Power
Norton Rose Fulbright
Based primarily in Melbourne, Norton Rose Fulbright’s practice provides full-service advice in relation to transport, energy, technology, water and natural resources projects. It is particularly well-regarded for its role in highly complex, strategic transactions, often in relation to PPP projects. Joanne Crew (Melbourne) assists clients across various industries with project financing and delivery. Joanne Emerson Taqi, who recently relocated to Sydney after co-leading the firm’s Middle East projects team, is well-known for advising sponsors, financiers and government bodies regarding complex domestic and multi-jurisdictional projects. In Perth, Paul Lingard stands out for his prominent role in major energy projects across Australia.Ren Newman
Practice head(s):
Joanne Crew
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Emerson Taqi; Paul Lingard; Ren Neimann
Testimonials
‘The Canberra based team have provided excellent support during the pandemic and have shown extraordinary commitment to us as a client’
‘The NRF Construction practice is an excellent team of knowledgeable, commercial and dedicated lawyers. Their expertise, client service and practical advice set them apart, as does their full front to back end service offering. The team has gone above and beyond to understand our business and project and have become a most trusted partner.’
‘Ren Niemann – very commercial approach, knows the market well, talks in straightforward terms and cuts through noise, approachable and good availability. Flexible with accommodating client demands and shifting transaction requirements.’
Key clients
Lendlease
Brookfield / Multiplex
ACCIONA Infrastructure
Capella Capital
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
AMP Capital
Asia Development Bank
Macquarie Capital
Plenary Group
Veolia
Department of Defence
TEC Hedland
Perth Airport
North Queensland Airport
Northern Territory Airports
AirTrunk
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures
CWP Renewables
Vestas
Goldwind
Sydney Water
Seqwater
City of Sydney
University of Wollongong
National Australia Bank Limited
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group
China Construction Bank Corporation
John Holland Group
Genex Power
Bright Energy Investments
Signal Energy Australia
HRL Morrison
Calvary Health Care
BMD Constructions
Icon Co
Work highlights
- Advised the CQC consortium on the second phase of the structured market engagement for the Circular Quay in Sydney.
- Advising NW Interconnected Power on the Asian Renewable Energy Hub.
- Advised the Exemplar Health consortium on its bid for theA$1.5bn New Footscray Hospital PPP.
Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin’s team focuses primarily on the energy sector, providing clients with full-service advice encompassing acquisitions and disposals, financing, procurement, regulatory approvals and commercial contracting. In addition, the team has a strong presence in infrastructure and healthcare projects. Melbourne partner Alexander Danne has a strong reputation for his role in numerous transactions underpinning large energy and infrastructure projects. Sydney Partner Christopher Flynn specialises in advising private and public sector clients in relation to energy and natural resources developments.
Practice head(s):
Alexander Danne; Christopher Flynn
Key clients
Acciona Infrastructure Australia
AECOM Australia
Alinta Energy
Airtrunk
Cubico
ENGIE Services Australia & New Zealand Holdings Pty Ltd
GE Renewable Energy
Growthbuilt
Healthscope
Hindmarsh Construction
HRL Morrison & Co
IFM Investors
Jemena
Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets
Meridian
Pacific Hydro
QIC
Qube
Snowy Hydro Limited
Tetris Capital
Tilt Renewables
Work highlights
- Advising State of Papua New Guinea on its negotiations with ExxonMobil on the development of the P’nyang gas field.
- Avising MP Water Pty Ltd on the build and operation of a water treatment plant at the Springvale Mine in New South Wales.
- Advising on the Malabar Biomethane Project, a joint venture between Jemena and Sydney Water to develop Australia’s first biomethane-to-gas project.
K&L Gates
K&L Gates’ Melbourne practice advises clients in relation to numerous PPP, EPC, energy and social infrastructure projects. The firm assists clients with procurement, commercial contracts and dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration and litigation. Luke Westmore focuses primarily on supporting clients engaged in energy projects. he advised Elecnor Australia on its successful bid and financial close process for its EPC contractor role on the New England Solar Farm Project. Zac Kerr is noted for his expertise in project development across numerous sectors, with a particular focus on transport and social infrastructure.
Practice head(s):
Luke Westmore; Zac Kerr
Testimonials
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Zac Kerr and his team (predominantly in Melbourne) for three years. Zac is eager to put our business first and work with us in an integrated way. He is capable of providing agile, commercial advice – which includes advising on accepting contract drafting in an effort to support a successful tender. He is a safe pair of hands.’
Key clients
RATCH Australia
Elecnor
Belectric GmbH
Acciona Construction
UGL
AusNet Services
CPB Constructors
Programmed FM
Serco Australia Pty Ltd
Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd
MM Capital Partners
Sterling and Wilson Australia Pty Ltd
Suzlon Energy Australia Pty Ltd
Canadian Solar (Australia) Pty Ltd
Venn Artibir Group Pty Ltd
Greenup Resources Pty Ltd
Doosan Gridtech, Inc.
Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A.
Nekon Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Canadian Solar on the successful financial close of the 146MWp Gunnedah solar farm project.
- Advising ISS on its bid, with John Holland Group, John Laing and Tetris Capital, for the New Footscray Hospital PPP.
- Advising the joint venture of Ferrovial and Acciona on their bid for the design and construction of the longest section of the Inland Rail mega-PPP.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP recruited Phillipa Beck and David Ulbrick to bolster its construction disputes practice in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The firm is particularly invested in the transport sector, where it handles various aspects of major projects in Australia, such as Inland Rail and North East Link. In addition, the team has a very active renewables practice, handling a variety of wind and solar projects and advising on complex issues such as grid connection and constraints. James Morgan-Payler (Melbourne) regularly handles the commercial arrangements facilitating transport, infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives. Greg Campbell (Melbourne) stands out for his strength in PPP project delivery, whereas Mark Waddell (Sydney) specialises in construction, engineering and infrastructure contract drafting.
Practice head(s):
James Morgan-Payler
Other key lawyers:
Greg Campbell; Mark Waddell; Phillipa Beck; David Ulbrick
Testimonials
‘Deep industry knowledge and knowledge of comparable projects and how they were dealt with. Very broad experience of the relevant jurisdiction. Stand-out partners.’
‘Mark Waddell – many years of experience in similar projects in the jurisdiction. Excellent grasp of the relevant legal principles, even as they are developing. Great communication skills. Easy manner. James Morgan-Payler – very experienced operator with a wealth of experience in a wide range of projects. Great communication skills, easy manner.’
‘One of the few specialist contractor-side project development firms in the market’
‘James Morgan Payler: great reputation, good problem-solving skills, strong process management Catherine Bendeich: immensely talented, rare ability to keep track of multiple, evolving issues Mark Waddell: great project experience, well-considered and excellent in negotiations ’
Key clients
Lendlease
Ventia
Acciona Construction Australia
WeBuild
Clough
Seymour Whyte
Ferrovial
Elecnor
Goldwind
Watpac
Infinite Blue Energy
Suez Australia
GS Engineering
BMD
Thales
Vestas
Qube
Work highlights
- Advising bidding parties on the primary PPP package for the circa A$9bn Inland Rail Project in Queensland.
- Advising Goldwind on the development of major construction works packages on the 800MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm project in Queensland.
- Advising the D&C joint venture on its bid for the Central Tunnelling Package of Sydney Metro West.
Allen & Overy LLP
Allen & Overy LLP's team, based in Sydney and Perth, regularly advises clients in relation to major greenfield and brownfield projects in Australia and the wider APAC markets, providing advice in areas such as project development, financing, securitisation, tax structuring and competition law. Sydney partner Simon Huxley advises sponsors, financiers and developers in connection with PPP projects across various sectors, focusing on procurement matters and commercial agreements. Goran Galic (Perth) is well regarded for his expertise in projects in the oil and gas, energy and mining sectors. Associate Melissa Grinter is also a core member of the team, given her experience handling the commercial and regulatory aspects of construction projects.
Practice head(s):
Simon Huxley; Goran Galic
Other key lawyers:
Melissa Grinter; Henry Simpson
Testimonials
‘Team of energy/power/construction specialists that work seamlessly across their offices in Australia as one team.’
‘Goran Galic is very enthusiastic, affable and client-orientated, a pleasure to work with. Simon Huxley is hands-on and takes responsibility for his work, knows the documents inside out and is someone you can trust to do a great job.’
‘Exceptional expertise covering all aspects of project development in the energy space.’
‘Allen & Overy teams have strong experiences and capabilities to understand what is an outstanding issue and what is the solution. In addition to the above strength, they are pooling multi-discipline capabilities in their corporate level to solve the raised issues not just handling by designated team only.’
‘Clients including us are frequently used to ask urgent requests and expect prompt feedback regardless of the number of pages and sorts of documents. Mr Goran Galic and Mr Henry Simpson have been incredible in their performance and flexibility to provide an excellent legal opinion in the right time. They exactly know how to achieve clients’ requests and how much resources they need to pool from other teams. In addition to timing and communication standpoints, their legal opinion is always very helpful for the client to understand potential risk and prepare/negotiate mitigation plan.’
Key clients
SK E&S
Fortescue Metals Group
Transport for NSW
Palisade Investment Partners
John Laing
Work highlights
- Providing full time dedicated legal support to the NSW Government on all aspects of the delivery of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project.
- Advising SK E&S on joint venture agreements with the other members of the Caldita-Barossa Joint Venture.
- Advised Stichting Depositary PGGM Infrastructure Funds (PGGM), in the €130m acquisition of 50% of the shares in BAM PPP Concessies B.V.
Baker McKenzie
Based in Sydney, Baker McKenzie’s practice focuses primarily on assisting clients engaged in transport projects, commercial and residential developments and greenfield and brownfield projects. It is capable of handling front and backend work in the construction sector; however, its true strength lies in corporate transactions, including M&A and IPOs. Sean Duffy advises sponsors, financiers, contractors and government bodies on sales, acquisitions, and project financing arrangements in the infrastructure sector, both in Australia and the United States. Alex Hartmann is experienced in all areas of project delivery, including contract structuring, drafting and negotiation. Partner Franco Aversa and senior associate Leanne Olden left the firm in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Sean Duffy
Other key lawyers:
Alex Hartmann
Key clients
WaterNSW
Acciona
University of Technology Sydney
Maoneng
Genex Power Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Acciona on its bid for the operation and maintenance of the Sydney Desalination Plant.
- Advising WaterNSW regarding procurement strategy, tendering and contract drafting in relation to the Warragamba Dam Wall Raising project.
- Advising UTS regarding the proposed redevelopment of a very large inner-city site.