Piper Alderman is home to an experienced infrastructure projects and construction team specialising in electricity transmission, large-scale hydrogen, defence infrastructure, and road and rail projects. The department is under the leadership of Adelaide-based Martin Lovell, who is a key contact for clients in the gas, hybrid power, defence and transmission infrastructure sectors. Juniper Watson is recommended for her expertise in construction, infrastructure, resources and defence projects. The team’s expertise was further strengthened in late 2024 and early 2025 with the arrivals of Cris Cureton, Brent Henderson and David Starkoff from Squire Patton Boggs.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Piper Alderman’s team delivers technically strong and commercially practical advice with a deep understanding of the construction space. Their responsiveness, consistency, and hands-on involvement set them apart from larger firms. The team is collaborative, solutions-focused, and operates as a true partner to us as a client.’

  • ‘The team seeks to understand the problem or issue at hand rather than just responding to requests for action.’

  • ‘As a client, what I value most about Piper Alderman is their genuine commitment to building strong, lasting relationships. They take the time to understand our business, not just our legal needs, which makes their advice practical, commercial, and tailored.'

  • 'What makes the firm unique is how approachable and responsive the team is — you're never just another client.'

  • 'Their strength in litigation and commercial law gives me confidence, but it’s their collaborative style and deep industry knowledge that really sets them apart.'

  • 'Compared to other firms I’ve worked with, Piper Alderman feels more like a partner than a service provider. Their culture of inclusion, innovation, and teamwork shines through in every interaction. It’s clear they’re focused on delivering real value, not just legal answers — and that’s what makes the difference.’

  • ‘What sets the team at Piper Alderman apart is their exceptional responsiveness and the sense that they are genuinely invested in our success.'

Key clients

  • Department for Energy and Mining
  • Hitachi Rail
  • Department for Infrastructure and Transport
  • Landmark Homes & Properties
  • Bis Industries Ltd
  • Lucas Total Contract Solutions
  • coNEXA Infrastructure Partners
  • Renewal SA
  • ElectraNet
  • Epic Energy
  • Clarke Energy
  • Resolution Institute
  • Master Builders Association of NSW
  • Rauland Australia
  • Robert Mills Architects
  • Avopiling Australia

Work highlights

Advising the State Government on the $15.4B Torrens to Darlington (T2D) road and tunnelling project and significant procurement transactions.
Acting for the South Australian Government in relation to its AU$13 billion hydrogen hub at Port Bonython and collaboration with private sector project partners to deliver a multi-user precinct leveraging the state's renewable energy opportunities and enabling export from a clean hydrogen industrial hub.
Advised coNEXA on the structuring and development of various water utility projects around Australia, including long term supply arrangements with SA Water and the recently announced water infrastructure for Walker Corporation’s Appin development in NSW.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Martin Lovell

Other key lawyers

Juniper Watson; Cris Cureton; Brent Henderson; David Starkoff