Mr Andrew Stephenson > Corrs Chambers Westgarth > Melbourne, Australia > Lawyer Profile

The sizeable arbitration team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth enjoys a strong reputation for its work in domestic and international disputes across a number of sectors – ranging from energy and natural resources to and life sciences – as well as matters relating to investment treaties. Since Joshua Paffey rotated out of the position in August 2022, the team has been led by Nastasja Suhadolnik, a dual-qualified (New York and Australia) practitioner who was promoted to partner in July 2021. Paffey, meanwhile, remains active, particularly in the resources and commodities spaces. Former barrister Charles Scerri KC is at the forefront of the firm’s efforts to develop its capacity to deliver advocacy in-house, while national projects practice head Andrew Stephenson and construction specialist Michael Earwaker are also noted.

Noted for its focus on public-private partnerships (PPPs) and integrated construction capabilities, the projects group at Corrs Chambers Westgarth represents a mix of state governments and commercial entities on some of the most significant contentious and non-contentious matters within the road, rail, social infrastructure and waste sectors. As head of projects, Andrew Stephenson has a particular specialism in matters involving technology, construction, and engineering – notably including international arbitration. Matthew Muir is deputy head of projects, advising on all aspects of project delivery, claims management and dispute resolution. Chris Ryder is a market veteran who advises on high-profile construction disputes and projects, while John Walter has extensive experience advising clients on engagement between the public and private sector. Other key names to note include David Warren, who advises on major transactions surrounding PPPs, rolling stock procurement and energy projects, and Carla Mills, who regularly advises on both public and private sector-driven matters.