Ashleigh is a specialist construction, infrastructure, and resources lawyer with broad experience across both front-end contracting and back-end dispute resolution work for both major project owners and contractors, with particular specialty in the front-end establishment of major projects.

Ashleigh’s experience spans acting for major project owners including large mining corporations, infrastructure owner and operators, and major developers, as well as major commercial builders and civil contractors. Ashleigh has also worked on a seconded basis in-house supporting General Counsels and project teams during the delivery of large projects and regularly works closely with non-legal personnel involved in major projects as a valued member of the teams tasked with delivering major projects.

Expertise

• Construction and commercial contract preparation and negotiation
• Commercial advisory
• Dispute resolution

Example Engagements

Front end

• Advised major resources company in relation to all aspects of delivery of new portside fuel terminal storage and delivery facility development, including major civil contracts, ground improvement contracts, procurement templates, major tank infrastructure design and installation and early contractor involvement contracts.
• Acted for major international mining corporation in relation to $2bn mine closure project including: drafting major works contracts, services contracts, major procurement contracts, and associated legal risk memorandums; routine review of all material contracts before tender and award including consultancy agreements, variation agreements, confidentiality agreements, major works contracts, services contracts, and major procurement contracts; advising on legislative compliance obligations for a number of matters, including monitoring currency of permits and licences.
• Advised major resources company in relation to all aspects of delivery of a nation building project which involves the redevelopment of a hydropower scheme and the greenfield development of a pumped hydro scheme including major civil contracts, procurements, major tunnelling construction contracts and installation and early contractor involvement contracts.
• Performed secondment reporting to General Counsel of ASX listed mining organisation supporting all aspects of the businesses’ legal requirements during the period of the secondment for a multi-billion dollar project.
• Advised major international mining corporation in relation to contracts for redevelopment of an export facility including development of target cost estimate marine berth installation contract, marine services contract and WHS advice.
• Advised major international mining corporation in relation to mine rehabilitation contract including development and negotiation of bespoke major civil works contract for sedimentation pond rehabilitation.
• Regularly act for both major developers and national commercial builders drafting head contracts and suites of subcontracts to mirror head contract obligations in major residential and mixed-use tower developments and multi-housing residential projects.

Back end

• Advised Australia’s largest privately-owned builders in relation to extension of time claims, alleged defective works and related disputes.
• Advised multiple industry participants on the exercise of rights under the Security of Payment legislation in Australia to recover or resist disputed payments.
• Advised property developer in relation to recovery of distressed subdivision project including conduct of litigation with civil contractor.