CDI Lawyers regularly advises both domestic and international clients on risk assessments, tender contracts and disputes across the transport and social infrastructure, defence, mining, oil and gas, and renewable and traditional energy sectors.

One of the preeminent law firms in Australia for infrastructure projects and construction, Ashurst is regularly turned to by private and government clients in the transport, aviation and housing sectors. Typical mandates for the team include advising on portfolio projects, PPPs and procurement strategies, as well as acting in litigation proceedings and dispute resolution. The group is led by a capable quartet: Lee McDonald, Angus Foley, Grant Rowlands and Georgia Quick. In Sydney, McDonald is well regarded in the energy transition space, while Foley is a name of note for clients in the transport sector and Quick remains the first port of call for clients engaged in construction disputes. In Melbourne, Rowlands brings to the table longstanding experience in advising on commercial property development projects. Krista Payne is recommended for her expertise in advising on project delivery models and procurement strategies. Ben Kipic has notable proficiency in construction and infrastructure project contracts and tenders.

Clayton Utz’s practice spans an array of industries, with the firm placing an increased emphasis on energy transition and social infrastructure projects. Practice strengths include the full spread of construction-related projects and complex disputes, including international arbitration. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Steven Murray in Melbourne, who specialises in the full range of front-end matters in the energy, housing and public sectors, and Chris Slocombe in Brisbane, who provides notable expertise in the full spectrum of project delivery models. Sergio Capelli is lauded for his knowledge of advising on procurement within the transport, mining and defence industries, while Joanna Pugsley, whose expertise encompasses all areas of procurement and contracting structures, is regularly sought after by clients in the energy, housing and healthcare sectors. Disputes fall under the remit of Frank Bannon, whose experience encompasses dispute resolution, expert determination and arbitration.

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.

The infrastructure projects and construction team at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP has built a strong reputation in the market for providing end-to-end project support, advising clients on regulatory compliance, procurement models, PPPs, contractual arrangements and stakeholder negotiations. The practice is led by the experienced trio of Nick Baker in Melbourne, Nicholas Carney in Sydney and Ante Golem in Perth. Leading the projects, energy and infrastructure team, Baker is a name to note in the development of greenfield projects, while Carney is regularly sought after by clients in the transport, energy, and affordable and disability housing sectors. Golem is a noted expert in dispute resolution, including class actions and international arbitrations. With strong credentials in major linear infrastructure projects, Andrew Griffiths is the go-to advisor for clients working on road, rail and transmission projects. Kate Bower is an experienced litigator who regularly acts in construction and procurement contract disputes.

Covering the entire scope of the project lifecycle, King & Wood Mallesons is well regarded by both public and private sector clients, with the team advising governments, sponsors, contractors and financiers. The practice is jointly steered by infrastructure projects and construction heads Simone Menz, Mark Upfold, Scott Budd and Hamish Macpherson. In Sydney, Upfold is well known in the market for PPPs and complex financing transactions, while Macpherson advises on a wide array of disputes, from private arbitrations to expert determinations in the transport, energy and mining sectors. In Brisbane, Budd is a highly experienced litigator and also has expertise across the full range of ADR processes. Chris Mitchell is particularly impressive in advising on urban redevelopment programs, alliancing contracting and inter-governmental agreements, while Scott Watson has in-depth knowledge of insurance products used within the resources and construction sectors. Amy Munro is another key contact, and the team’s dispute resolution expertise was broadened further with the arrival of Ben Davidson from Corrs Chambers Westgarth in April 2025.

With a particularly active infrastructure projects and construction team, Minter Ellison’s practice spans an array of industries, including utilities, health and renewable energy. The team is geared to support clients on financing arrangements, business case development, project documentation, and dispute resolution. Based in Melbourne, Cameron Ross leads the construction business unit, whilst Owen Cooper heads the infrastructure industry team. Cooper regularly advises on all elements of major PPP transactions, including procurement and contractual matters. Stewart Nankervis is a key contact for clients in the road, rail, transport, energy and healthcare infrastructure sectors, while Peter Pether, who joined from King & Wood Mallesons in January 2025, is a trusted expert in the disputes sphere. Elizabeth McKechnie is especially well positioned to handle major contract negotiations in the property development and large-scale infrastructure sectors.

Norton Rose Fulbright has a comprehensive infrastructure projects and construction offering, allowing the team to advise private and public sector clients on social, transport and renewable energy infrastructure projects. The firm’s work has a notable emphasis on energy transition infrastructure, with the team advising sponsors, international contractors and government bodies in this area. Spearheading the practice in Melbourne, Luke Van Grieken has a high level of experience and knowledge in the energy industry, advising clients on wind, solar, hydro, storage and thermal power projects. Kevin Arkwright is a reference for clients in the road, rail, mining and social infrastructure sectors. Glen Warwick is well known in the market for drafting and negotiating construction and mining contracts, while Alex Whiteside handles the full range of dispute matters, from expert determinations to adjudications and court proceedings.

Pinsent Masons LLP maintains a strong position in the market, advising clients in the road, rail, transmission, water and social infrastructure sectors on large-scale infrastructure projects. The team’s varied case load includes contractual matters, environmental compliance issues, and the full remit of disputes work. Based in Sydney, Mark Waddell heads the projects team and is a name to note in the energy sector, while Tom Heading leads the construction, advisory and disputes team in Melbourne, acting as a key contact for contractors on delay, payment and other dispute issues. Matthew Croagh is a key advisor for clients seeking to develop commercial strategies during the construction phase of major projects. James Morgan-Payler is recommended for his expertise in advising on and negotiating major project procurement.

Allens is home to a highly experienced infrastructure projects and construction team whose varied case load incudes handling PPPs, project financing, regulatory compliance matters and the full remit of disputes work. Leading the team from Sydney, Kip Fitzsimon exhibits proficiency across an array of sectors, ranging from property to energy, advising clients on bid processes, procurement and operational aspects of major infrastructure projects. In Melbourne, David Donnelly leads the projects and development group, advising on the financing of major infrastructure assets and secondary market investments. Leighton O’Brien is particularly well placed to assist in dispute resolution in the energy, roads and rail industries.

Infrastructure projects and construction work are at the heart of Baker McKenzie, with the team covering a wide array of matters across the energy, construction, housing and water sectors. The group’s lawyers exhibit proficiency across arbitration matters, contract drafting and negotiation, risk management and maintenance agreements. The department is under the leadership of seasoned Sydney-based partner Emanuel Confos, who is adept at assisting clients in the renewable energy, health, hospitality and mining sectors. Confos advises on a wide array of matters, from EPC to consultancy contracts. Harriet Oldmeadow is particularly impressive in dispute resolution and risk management matters, as well as advising on statutory adjudications. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of Melanie Harwood, who joined from an in-house role at MPC Kinetic in November 2024, bringing extensive experience handling PPPs and EPC, O&M, D&C and construct-only contracts.

DLA Piper has developed a wide infrastructure projects and construction practice, providing clients with an integrated commercial and contentious offering across the water, transport, energy and renewables sectors. Leading the team from Perth, Richard Edwards is a name to note in the disputes sphere, with his expertise spanning the construction, transport and insurance sectors. John Gallagher is particularly well placed to advise on alliance contracting and collaborative project delivery strategies, while Gitanjali Bajaj is adept in handling complex international arbitrations in the oil and gas, renewables, defence and transport sectors. Alyson Eather advises across a range of procurement, construction and EPC contracts for major projects, as well as advising on contractual market risk allocation and risk mitigation strategies.

White & Case’s practice spans a wide array of work, including procurement and tender matters, PPPs, redevelopment projects, project finance and disputes. Brad Strahorn is an experienced litigator in the infrastructure, energy and technology sectors, while Alan Rosengarten is well known in the market for advising on unsolicited proposals, competitive processes and refinancings. Joanne Draper is particularly impressive in advising on PPPs, brownfield developments and divestments. Kate Perumal maintains a strong position within the disputes sphere, handling commercial and construction cases.

Gilbert + Tobin’s lawyers exhibit proficiency across large-scale projects, financings, privatisations, and acquisitions within the infrastructure space, with the group highly active across a variety of industries, including energy, health, transport, mining, social housing, and oil and gas. Sydney-based Kon Nakousis leads the practice as head of construction, demonstrating skill in transactional and disputes matters including arbitrations for international and domestic clients. Zac Kerr is well versed in matters in an array of sectors, ranging from renewable energy to transport. George Varma is especially well positioned to handle procurement and dispute avoidance matters.

K&L Gates‘ experienced infrastructure projects and construction team regularly advise on front-end and back-end construction matters. The team provides advice on the full project lifecycle, including alliance models, franchise agreements, and regulatory compliance, as well as negotiating and drafting project agreements. The practice group is led by Sydney-based Sandra Steele, who specialises in litigation, arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution within the construction, engineering and renewable energy sectors. Simon Ashworth has a high level of experience and knowledge in the energy and resources industries, advising on procurement strategies and contractual issues. The firm was further strengthened in 2025 by the arrival of three new partners, Rob White (from Norton Rose Fulbright), Matthew Osborne (from White & Case) and Tanya Denning (from Baker McKenzie), who bring expertise in project finance, major construction projects and energy projects, respectively.

Lander & Rogers covers the full array of infrastructure projects and construction matters, from procurement advice to disputes, with the team exhibiting particular expertise in insurance claims. Tim McDonald and Charles Thornley lead the team from Sydney, handling a mix of disputes work, PPPs and procurement modelling. In Melbourne, Elon Zlotnick is a key name for developers, builders, subcontractors, consultants and project managers seeking advice on contract negotiation, drafting and administration. The firm’s reach in contentious and non-contentious matters was strengthened by the arrival of Michael O’Callaghan from an in-house role at Seymour Whyte in January 2025.

McCullough Robertson is home to a highly experienced infrastructure projects and construction team, counselling project owners, contractors and suppliers across the aviation, marine, transport and housing sectors. Typical mandates for the team include advising on tender processes, procurement, contractual matters and the full remit of litigation. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Michael Rochester in Brisbane, who specialises in the resources and energy sectors, and Chris Nielsen in Sydney, who focuses on complex contractual disputes and regulatory enforcement actions. The team was strengthened with the arrivals of Mark Riddington and Julia Lane from HWL Ebsworth in June 2024.

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.

Thomson Geer’s wide-ranging practice includes advising both domestic and international clients on procurement, tender preparation, contractual matters and construction-related claims. The team provides expert advice across the full remit of dispute resolution matters, from arbitration to expert determination and litigation. Franco Aversa is well versed in advising on project administration and construction disputes, while Andrew Kelly is a key name for principals, contractors, subcontractors, engineers and architects in the construction and engineering sectors. Jack Fan is an experienced dispute resolution lawyer specialising in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The team has experienced substantial growth in 2025 with the arrivals of Phillip Coady from Clyde & Co LLP and Steve McKinney and Sarah Ross-Smith from Ashurst (along with their teams), bringing expertise in procurement, construction and infrastructure projects.

Arnold Bloch Leibler's infrastructure projects and construction team has a proven track record of handling large-scale residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use projects, with the team advising on project structuring, risk management, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. Spearheading the practice in Melbourne, Kevin Frawley combines significant experience in commercial property and litigation to act for private developers, financiers and educational institutions. John Mengolian is well known in the market for his broad disputes practice.

Colin Biggers & Paisley's practice spans an array of matters and industries, including government work, major infrastructure projects, PPPs, and energy and mining matters. Typical mandates for the team include drafting and negotiating contracts, transactional negotiations and disputes. James Neal, who spearheads the practice in Sydney, advises clients across the construction, engineering, resources, and property development industries. The team was further strengthened by the arrival of Kerry Ioulianou, who specialises in large-scale, complex multi-party disputes, from Lander & Rogers in August 2024 and Sam Cooper, who is a name to note for energy, infrastructure, PPP, construction, probity and procurement projects, from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in February 2025.

Dentons is a strong choice for clients in the public and private sectors seeking advice on the preparation and negotiation of contracts, maintenance agreements and litigation. The practice group is co-led by experienced Sydney-based partners Marcus Graham, who specialises in the full remit of disputes, from arbitration to expert determinations, and Ourania Konstantinidis, whose expertise in the disputes sphere extends to representing developers, contractors and consultants. The firm’s reach was extended with the arrival of Nathan Abbott from Colin Biggers & Paisley in July 2024 and Matt Coleman from Baker McKenzie in January 2025.

Jackson McDonald's wide-ranging practice spans the full project lifecycle, from front-end procurement advice and risk management to back-end litigation and arbitration, with particular expertise in security of payment matters and adjudication. Heading the team in Perth, Tom Jacobs is a name to note within the mining equipment and technology sectors, while Isla McRobbie specialises in front-end construction matters.

The infrastructure projects and construction team at Maddocks is well known in the market for handling the full range of matters within the project lifecycle, from transactions to regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The department is under the leadership of a seasoned trio: Patrick Ibbotson, Andrew Chapman and Anna Scannell. Based in Sydney, Ibbotson and Chapman have strong credentials in compliance, transactional, procurement and PPP matters, while in Melbourne Scannell advises clients in the transport, civil infrastructure and development sectors. Andrew Pitney is equipped to handle all aspects of project delivery and project agreements, while Paul Woods excels in dispute resolution. The team was bolstered by the promotion of disputes-focused Andrew McGlashan to partner in May 2024 and the arrival of Larissa Toozoff, an expert in contracting and procurement, particularly for government, from Ashurst in May 2025.

Mills Oakley's practice spans an array of industries, from energy and pharmaceuticals to aviation and transport, with the team handling a range of matters, including risk allocation, contract administration and dispute resolution. Rechelle Brost leads the team from Brisbane, exhibiting proficiency in advising on major, integrated mixed-use developments, while in Melbourne, Michael Loterzo has longstanding experience in advising on mediations, conciliations, expert determinations, arbitration and litigation. Andrew Wallis leads the practice group in Sydney, and typically advises on contractual and commercial issues.

Moray & Agnew’s infrastructure projects and construction team covers a wide array of matters, from regulatory and risk management advice to construction litigation. The practice group is co-led by experienced partners Bill Papastergiadis in Melbourne, who specialises in both advisory and contentious construction matters, and Joel Sturgeon in Newcastle, who focuses on projects within the government, construction and utilities sectors. Phillip Vassiliadis is a name to note for clients handling major infrastructure and renewables projects, with particular expertise in handling mixed-use built form precinct developments.

With a particularly active infrastructure projects and construction practice, the team at Sparke Helmore Lawyers is recognised for advising principals, contractors and government agencies across the defence, water, energy, transport and housing sectors. Spearheading the practice in Newcastle, Paul Tobin specialises in infrastructure projects, building developments and the procurement of major plants and equipment. Darren Rankine is well versed in risk analysis and implementation strategy development, while Alice Chen is a name to note for private sector and government clients.

Clyde & Co LLP’s infrastructure projects and construction practice spans an array of areas, with particular expertise in the litigation sphere. The practice group is co-led from Sydney by experienced partners Matthew Smith, who specialises in construction disputes for domestic and international insurers, and James Rigney, who brings to the table extensive experience in engineering litigation and arbitration.

Gadens Lawyers‘ well-established client base spans the energy, banking, sport, education, defence, engineering and housing sectors. Brihony Boan leads the practice from Melbourne, while Jim Demack heads the practice in Brisbane, advising on a wide array of major engineering, infrastructure and capital works projects. Daniel Middleton frequently assists developers, contractors, consultants, and state-owned corporations.

The team at Hall & Wilcox is well known for advising on mid-market to large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. The group is jointly steered by Melbourne-based John O’Kane and Mark Dessi, who are noted for their depth of expertise in contractual matters and arbitration, and development documentation, respectively. Alex Hartmann handles a mix of contractual matters and litigation for mining, retail and development clients.

Hamilton Locke is particularly impressive in advising on matters across the project lifecycle, specialising in renewable energy and commercial real estate projects. The infrastructure projects and construction group is jointly headed by Sydney-based Veno Panicker and Matt Baumgurtel. Panicker specialises in project delivery, litigation and arbitration, while Baumgurtel is a name to note for projects within the energy transition sphere.

HFW is well known in the market for engineering and infrastructure projects within the renewable energy, resources and transport sectors. Spearheading the practice in Melbourne, Alex McKellar combines significant experience in front-end, project advisory and disputes matters. The firm’s reach was extended with the arrival of Sean Marriott from Clifford Chance in November 2024, adding expertise in renewable power projects and engineering disputes to the team.

Covering the entire scope of infrastructure projects and construction matters, the team at Holding Redlich regularly advises on infrastructure, commercial construction, civil construction, renewables and government projects. Helena Golovanoff leads the team in Sydney and excels in complex negotiations and contract structuring, while in Brisbane, Stephen Burton advises on a wide array of complex construction litigation, arbitration, expert determination and BCIPA claims.

Jones Day is particularly impressive in disputes relating to construction, engineering, procurement and infrastructure projects. John Cooper, who spearheads the practice in Brisbane, is a reference for building, construction, defence and manufacturing clients involved in disputes over major procurement projects. Pip Goldman and Eunice Lim are also key names for construction and engineering disputes, particularly in the energy and resources sectors.

Squire Patton Boggs’s wide-ranging practice encompasses the full range of matters across the project lifecycle, from project financing, procurement, and delivery to disputes. The team is co-led by experienced Perth-based partners Greg Steinepreis, who is knowledgeable in the energy and resources sectors, and Melissa Koo, who is a skilled litigator specialising in engineering and construction issues.