Construction - Australia
What the team is known for
Ashurst is especially highly regarded for its representation of government on significant infrastructure mandates. It advises on all aspects of major infrastructure projects, including structuring and planning, as well as contract negotiations and disputes. The firm offers a complementary construction practice with standalone capabilities, particularly in the field of public transport. Ashurst is also active in project finance matters, mostly representing lenders in the renewable energy sector. Key clients include Sydney Metro, the Department of Defence and the University of Melbourne.
Strengths
"Ashurst is one of the top developmental grounds for young lawyers, and they have excellent bench strength at partner level."
"They provide strength and depth of commercial, strategic and legal advice. They are always responsive and a pleasure to work with."
Work highlights
Ashurst continued to advise Transport for NSW on all aspects of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade, including the procurement strategy, contract packaging structures, and alternative procurement models and contracting approaches.
Ashurst advised the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on the AUD7.1 billion Queensland Train Manufacturing Program. This involved the procurement and maintenance of 65 trains, a manufacturing facility, a maintenance depot and a stabling yard.
Notable practitioners
Lee McDonald is a leading, Sydney-based transport infrastructure expert who regularly advises state agencies on significant rail projects.
Georgia Quick maintains a high reputation as an able litigator who is closely focused on PPP and development-related disputes. "Georgia is a very good disputes practitioner."
Alex Guy is based in Brisbane and frequently assists on large public infrastructure projects, offering a particularly well-developed capacity to handle matters for operation and maintenance contractors. "Alex is absolutely excellent. He is a top-class front-end lawyer, and is very calm and pragmatic. He is always looking for solutions."
Angus Foley is widely appreciated for the contribution of banking and financing expertise he makes to the management of large infrastructure projects.
Sydney-based David Mason advises extensively on acquisition financing mandates and is particularly active in the energy sector, where he often assists on the acquisition of gas and renewables projects. His experience extends beyond the Australian jurisdictions to include matters both in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.
Grant Rowlands is a seasoned, Melbourne-based construction lawyer who acts prominently on development projects in the sports, logistics and defence sectors. He frequently advises on construction procurement matters in the Victorian transport infrastructure sector. "Grant is a great support and resource. He is practical and commercial." "Grant is an excellent leader."
David Jardine is widely acknowledged for his front-end construction expertise and is particularly active in the transport and social infrastructure and PPP spaces.
Gareth Sage is based in Sydney and maintains a versatile profile at the intersection of construction and projects, being particularly active on construction matters associated with energy and public transport projects.