Sandra Steele
K&L Gates‘Outstanding construction lawyer and partner’ Sandra Steele heads the Sydney-based construction and infrastructure team at K&L Gates, specialising in contract drafting, negotiation, and dispute resolution in the projects sector. The team has dedicated capacity in both front- and back-end construction, and has experience handling infrastructure disputes both domestic and international. 'Standout partner' Simon Ashworth is recommended for his work advising on private-public partnerships for electricity transmission lines, hospitals, schools, and transport projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Simon Ashworth is a standout partner. Technically proficient and responsive. Pragmatic in his advice and ensures he understands the objectives of the business. ’
‘The partners and lawyers take the time to understand your business so that they have greater context to deliver targeted and relevant advice. We have a longstanding relationship with Simon Ashworth who is a key external service provider to our business.'
‘K&L Gates' construction team is very capable and well regarded.’
‘Sandra Steele is an outstanding construction lawyer and partner. She is eminently knowledgeable, practicable and pragmatic, Sandra's contractor-side experience means she understands my drivers and goals, and those of our clients. Sandra is client-focused and keeps me well informed. She is well regarded by her clients and peers alike.’
‘Sandra Steele provides industry leading advice. She is pragmatic, technically brilliant and a pleasure to work with. ’
‘Sandra Steele's client first attitude sets her aside from other partners. Sandra provides excellent client service. ’
‘K & L Gates has a great humanly approach to managing construction disputes. All the clients I have recommended using them have only come back with amazing reviews and feedback as to the teams legal approach. The partners manage their clients with an approach which makes them feel valued and well regarded, no matter how small the value of the dispute is. The teams strengths lies in their unique understanding of the reality of construction sites and applying this knowledge to solving complex construction disputes.’
‘Sandra Steele within the business unit stands out as she is easy to talk to, has an amazing approach to brainstorming unique dispute resolution strategies while considering key drivers. This approach means that the client feels like they are being well looked after and their best interests are at heart of the lawyers engagement and not simply a means of accruing legal costs. Sandra and her team have been commended for their amazing commitment to her clients, including going above and beyond in avoiding litigation where possible and resolving disputes expeditiously.’
Key clients
- ABB Australia Pty Limited
- CIMIC Group
- UGL Limited
- CPB Contractors
- Downer EDI (including Keolis Downer and Spotless)
- Elecnor Australia
- Icon Constructions Australia (NSW) Pty Ltd
- Opal Aged Care
- RATCH Australia
- Serco Australia Pty Ltd
- Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd
- Sydney Airport Corporation
- Windlab
- CBRE
- TMA Australia
- Americold
- Bensons Property Group
- Vanderlande
Work highlights
- Advising CPB, UGL and Hyundai Joint Venture (JV) on the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) - Network Operator Project.
- Advising Keolis Downer, Australia's largest provider of multimodal public transport, on the AU$3.6 billion Suburban Rail Loop East (SRL East), Line – Wide Delivery Alliance package in Victoria.
- Advising international facility management services company, ISS Facility Services Australia Limited, on the AU$1.1 billion New Melton Hospital PPP project in Victoria, Australia.
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Sandra Steele