With a national presence across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, Corrs Chambers Westgarth provides a full project lifecycle offering, including both contentious and advisory work. The firm’s well-established client base includes developers, private investors and public sector clients in the transport, housing and energy sectors. Spearheading the practice are Andrew Stephenson in Melbourne and Matthew Muir in Brisbane, who bring to bear expertise in bilateral investment treaty protection for inward and outward investment, and the full remit of alternative dispute resolution, respectively. Chris Ryder has established experience in high-profile construction and project disputes, while John Walter is a key advisor to state, commonwealth and private clients. Carla Mills is experienced in disputes in the engineering sector, both domestically and internationally. Ella Pope operates across a range of major projects, managing and leading bid submissions for consortiums, as well as providing strategic advice to government and private clients.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'This is a practice of extraordinary talent and depth from top to bottom. Top rate strategic thinking from the partners; excellent detailed work from those below. Clearly the market leader.'
‘Paul Brickley is one of the best lawyers I have worked with. His technical skills are outstanding and his work ethic is unmatched. Paul epitomises collaborative working, both with this client and the "other side" where required in order to reach mutually beneficial solutions.'
- 'Melissa Grinter was a delight to work with and provided timely, clear and efficient advice to our organisation during the transaction.'
‘The quality and insight of legal and business advice from Airlie Fox was second to none.'
‘Michael Earwaker is a strong, commercial and practical partner; his engineering background adds to the practical, commonsense approach he brings to matters.’
‘Joseph Barbaro has a wealth of knowledge and experience in construction contracts. David Ellenby has provided excellent support in negotiating complex agreements. Martin Byres has applied a high level of expertise and diligence in defence of a claim.’
‘Andrew Stephenson is best in class. Will spend the time with you to work through strategy and options, often picking up arguments or approaches dismissed by competitors. Endorsement from Stephenson is as good as a silk imprimatur.'
- 'Jey Nandacumaran is a revelation, with incredible attention to detail and commercial input so work product is not just the legal position but includes options for in house teams on how to take items to the business.’
‘Kirsty Sutherland, Chris Ryder and Callum Strike are best in town litigators. As a team, or individually, they outshine others.’
'Andrew Stephenson is unparalleled. The best in the business. Joseph Barbaro is astute, hard-working and keeps a close eye on the commercial picture. Jey Nandacumaran has terrific legal knowledge.'
Key clients
- Acciona
- CIMIC
- CPB Contractors
- Fortescue
- INPEX
- John Holland Group
- Queensland Government
- Santos
- Tesla
- Victorian Government
- Laing O’Rourke
Work highlights
Advising the ACEREZ Partnership (ACEREZ) on its successful bid to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the transmission network infrastructure for the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ).
Acting for Santos in construction litigation proceedings in the Supreme Court of Queensland to recover A$1.4 billion from Fluor, the contractor engaged to construct the upstream component of the A$23 billion GLNG project.
Acting for INPEX to resolve a series of ongoing, complex disputes relating to the engineering, procurement, and construction of the A$47.7 billion Ichthys project, a large offshore and onshore oil and gas project in Australia.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Matthew Muir
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Ella Pope
Practice head
Andrew Stephenson; Matthew Muir
Other key lawyers
Chris Ryder; John Walter; Carla Mills; Ella Pope; Kirsty Sutherland; Callum Strike; Jey Nandacumaran; Joseph Barbaro; Michael Earwaker; Simon Huxley; Airlie Fox; Melissa Grinter; Paul Brickley; David Ellenby; Martin Byres