Current practice
Geoff is a partner in Freehills’ litigation practice and is based in Melbourne. Geoff specialises in the resolution of disputes arising from building, construction, engineering, mining and infrastructure projects. He has substantial experience with arbitration, litigation, expert determination, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes. Geoff’s practice also encompasses adjudication conducted under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment legislation.
Experience
Major projects & clients
Geoff’s recent experience includes:
- acting in a major domestic arbitration in respect of claims made under the Material Adverse Effect provisions of the Melbourne CityLink toll road concession, involving analysis of traffic, engineering and financial modelling
- acting for InterOil Limited in an international arbitration regarding the Napa Napa oil refinery project in Papua New Guinea. This matter involved complex engineering and delay and disruption issues and was successfully resolved prior to hearing
- acting for a principal in respect of claims made by multiple contractors arising from a substantial upgrade of a pulp manufacturing facility
- acting in Federal Court proceedings arising out of the construction of a food processing facility
- advising Uecomm Limited in respect of disputes arising from the design and construction of a fibre optic telecommunications network in Perth
- acting for Shell in an adjudication and subsequent litigation in the Supreme Court of New South Wales concerning the upgrade of an oil refinery
- advising OneLink Transit Systems Pty Ltd in respect of contractual disputes regarding the development of the Automated Fare Collection System Project
- acting in arbitration proceedings concerning the remediation of a contaminated site in Melbourne. This matter ultimately settled through a carefully structured facilitation process
- defending claims under multiple contracts for additional costs in respect of a major upgrade and refurbishment of a manufacturing and production facility
- acting for Olex Australia Pty Ltd in litigation in the Supreme Court of Victoria arising from the failure of industrial equipment, and
- acting in litigation in respect of claims arising from a major residential tower development.
Professional background
Geoff completed his Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University in Melbourne.
Geoff is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal and High Courts of Australia.
