The 'large team of very competent experts' in Minter Ellison's projects, infrastructure and construction team handles project work from finance arrangements and business case development to project documentation, contract administration, and dispute resolution. The construction business unit is led from Melbourne by Cameron Ross, while Owen Cooper heads the infrastructure industry group. Cooper combines industry experience with technical expertise, often sought after by government clients. In Sydney, Elizabeth McKechnie advises on large-scale, often first-of-their kind property development matters. Stewart Nankervis, a key name in Melbourne, has sector expertise spanning road, rail, transport, energy, and healthcare infrastructure. In Brisbane, Andrew Orford leads the firm's construction disputes practice. Peter Pether joined the team from King & Wood Mallesons in January 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Special Counsel placed on our mega project has been incredibly valuable, responsive and knowledgeable. ’
‘Peter Wood has been an excellent client relationship partner and the can do attitude has been well received.’
‘ME have a large team of very competent experts which are available to give timely advice on a large range of topics.'
'Being involved in a large number of large infrastructure projects, with experience on both client and contractor side, gives ME a very good understanding of the current market expectations and risk appetite which saves time and money for us as clients.’
‘I value Stewart Nankervis very highly as he is willing to discuss strategy and commercial issues on complex projects for my consideration whilst giving sound legal advice.'
‘MinterEllison have an outstanding major projects group with true hands-on construction expertise and an ability to leverage a deep bench of experience in all areas required to successfully develop a major project.'
- 'MinterEllison are one of the few 'one stop shops' in the major project space. Dealing with other law firms only reinforces why we continue to use MinterEllison. ’
‘David Pearce is exceptional. Technically brilliant, commercial and pragmatic in approach and above all great to deal with.'
Key clients
- Rail Projects Victoria
- Plenary Group
- Victorian Department of Health
- Queensland Department of Health
- Hydro Tasmania
- John Holland and CPB Contractors
- Government of South Australia
- Australian Government (Antarctic Division)
- NSW Government, Victorian Government, Hosing Australia Funding, Homes Victoria
- Victoria University
Work highlights
- Advising the Victorian Department of Health on the procurement and delivery of the AUD 900 million New Melton Hospital Project.
- Advised Dexus on all aspects of the development of Atlassian's new headquarters in Sydney, within the New South Wales State government-led tech Central precinct.
- Advising Queensland Rail on all risk management, governance and procurement aspects of the of Cross River Rail and the Inner City European Train Control System projects.
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.
Peter Pether
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Owen Cooper
Elizabeth McKechnie
Practice head
Cameron Ross; Owen Cooper
Other key lawyers
Elizabeth McKechnie; Stewart Nankervis; Jonathon Williams; Peter Wood; Andrew Orford; David Pearce; Peter Pether