About Chris
Chris is an experienced commercial litigator who acts for clients in a diverse range of disputes and litigation in all forums and jurisdictions including complex equitable claims, contract disputes and regulatory enforcements, with a specialisation in construction and infrastructure disputes.
Chris’ focus is on providing innovative and commercially focused solutions for clients in all aspects of commercial disputes and litigation.
Chris’ client base extends across both public and private corporations, federal and state government agencies, as well as individuals, in the High Court of Australia, the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Courts of New South Wales and Victoria, the New South Wales Court of Appeal, as well as the Local Court and administrative tribunals.
Chris has represented the Commonwealth of Australia, MLC Limited, the Link Group, NSW Department of Industry and Roads and Maritime Services in significant litigation.
Over the years he has gained valuable experience from secondments as in-house legal counsel at both Broadspectrum and the Northwest Rail Link JV. These opportunities allowed him to advise on claims management and provide strategic direction to project disputes.
Specialisations
Experience
Commonwealth of Australia
Instructed by the Department of Communications in defending a $1.2 billion contractual claim brought by Optus Networks Limited in the Supreme Court of NSW relating to the construction of national broadband infrastructure.
Northwest Rail Link
Acting for and advising MTR Corporation and UGL Rail Services, responsible for delivery of the $3.2 billion services component of the Sydney Metro Northwest Rail Link, in relation to claims arising on the project.
High Court proceedings
Acted for a conglomerate of Unions in successfully challenging the constitutional validity of legislation which placed restrictions on political donations (including prohibiting corporations from making political donations) under the doctrine of the implied freedom of political communication.
NSW Department of Industry, Resources and Energy and the Department of Planning
Prosecuted companies for statutory offences under the Mining Act 1992 (NSW).
Hacking and cybersquatting
Acted in Federal Court proceedings seeking urgent interlocutory and final relief against an individual arising out of ‘cybersquatting’ and internet hacking conducted by the defendant, including tortious claims and claims under the former Trade Practices Act.
Adjudication applications
Acting for and advised both claimants and respondents including Lend Lease, Cockram Constructions, M+W Group, IRIS Group and the Precision Group relating to security of payments legislation in each state and territory.