K&L Gates Adds Top Construction Partner to Sydney Office

Sydney - Global law firm K&L Gates has appointed leading construction and infrastructure lawyer Simon Ashworth as a partner in its Sydney office. Ashworth joins K&L Gates from Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

Ashworth advises consortia and contractors on a wide range of infrastructure procurement in both Australia and New Zealand, concentrating in procurement strategy and contractual drafting and negotiations for energy/resources and infrastructure projects with a particular focus on transport and social infrastructure. He has advised on a number of government infrastructure projects for both public and private sector clients including the Sydney Light Rail PPP, Grafton Prison PPP, Auckland Prison PPP, Wiri Prison PPP, Gold Coast Light Rail PPP, Cross River Rail PPP, Sydney Growth Trains, and Australia’s new Antarctic Icebreaker.

“Having worked internationally on major infrastructure projects in the past, I was largely drawn to K&L Gates by the firm’s global footprint and collaborative approach,” stated Ashworth. “The ability to leverage global best practice from international counterparts for major projects in Australia means we can provide world-class advice to our clients here on the ground.”

Nick Nichola, K&L Gates’ Managing Partner, Australia, commented: “Simon is an important addition to our expanding projects, real estate, and construction practice. His international experience will boost our construction and infrastructure capabilities, alongside Sydney construction and infrastructure partner Sandra Steele. Simon will also work closely with our energy, infrastructure and resources group and in particular, Luke Westmore and Zac Kerr, who also joined the firm in the past year. We are thrilled to welcome Simon to the firm.”

Ashworth’s addition follows the November 2018 appointment of Melbourne partner Randall Gerkens to the projects, real estate and construction team.