Housing a ‘diverse range of experience’, Ashurst remains at the forefront of the development of major projects across Australia, evidenced by its work on the Perth Metronet and the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade. Sydney-based Lee McDonald, Krista Payne and practice head Angus Foley continue to support the Parklife Metro consortium as the successful bidder on the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail PPP project, with counsel Ben Kipic advising on contracts and tender documentation for construction and infrastructure projects. Grant Rowlands leads the front-end construction, infrastructure and contracting team in Melbourne, which also includes David Jardine, a specialist in PPP, concessions, outsourcing and construction procurement.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The strength in depth is testament to the calibre of recruitment, retention and performance of the team. The leadership from partners through to senior associates is unparalleled from my experience of Australian law firms.'
  • 'Diversity of skills covering the commercial, policy and regulatory context, which is valuable in documentation drafting. Experience on both sides of transactions to provide an understanding and assessment of why certain positions are being put and how they can be navigated. Depth of experience to provide real life context to inform consideration of positions.'
  • 'Diverse range of experience that is helpful in solving project issues.'
  • 'David Jardine is very client-focused and always proactive in his approach.'
  • 'High-quality firm with great partners and good breadth. Responsive, knowledgeable, and hardworking.'
  • 'In-depth knowledge and experience in the subject matter. Provide the necessary support and advice. Organised and proficient in providing information.'
  • 'Well-resourced and high-quality team headed up by industry-leading partners.'
  • 'Angus Foley is unmatched in his field. His knowledge and understanding of the industry, its participants and trends is unmatched. He is responsive, proactive and highly engaged, and is supported by a high-quality team.'

Key clients

  • Sydney Metro
  • Capella
  • Keolis Downer
  • Transport for NSW
  • State Solicitor's Office (WA)
  • Plenary
  • Aware Super
  • Department of Defence
  • University of Melbourne
  • Department of Transport and Planning (Vic)
  • Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation
  • Department of Transport and Main Roads (Qld)

Work highlights

  • Advising TfNSW on all aspects of the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade.
  • Advising Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads on the A$7.1bn Queensland Train Manufacturing Program, which involves the procurement and maintenance of 65 trains, a manufacturing facility, a maintenance depot and a stabling yard.
  • Advised NewGen Networks (comprising Plenary, Essential Energy and CDPQ) on its bid for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) network operator role.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Angus Foley

Other key lawyers

Lee McDonald, Grant Rowlands, Krista Payne, David Jardine, Ben Kipic