For Josh Sgro, a new partner in Freehills’ Projects Group in Melbourne, the diversity of the transactions associated with his practice is one its strongest attractions. It’s also the main reason he has ‘avoided’ working in other areas during his career to date.
‘It’s probably a bad thing, and something that would not happen now, but I never actually rotated out of Projects when I was completing articles,’ he says with a laugh. ‘I was articled to our Practice Group Head, John Curtis, in 1998, after working part-time at Freehills for several years, and have been in Projects ever since.’
‘There’s a lot of variety of work in Projects, in the sense that generally you’re not focused on just one aspect of a transaction. I think in our area it feels like the clients need you a bit more because of the scope of each transaction, and often the need to assist them in a project management capacity as well. It’s difficult for clients to be across all aspects of say construction, financing, operations and maintenance, as well as project management, and in helping them with these things you feel a bit more integral to the whole process.’
Josh’s passion for Projects continued during a three year leave of absence in London, where he worked with international law firm Allen & Overy.
‘It may seem strange but I really enjoy the “big-ticket” infrastructure transactions – in whatever capacity (i.e. development, acquisition or financing). When there is a lot at stake it tends to sharpen the mind and, especially in a competitive tender situation, increase the satisfaction should my client be successful (and, unfortunately, the disappointment should we lose)!’
Naturally, Josh lists some of these big deals as highlights of his career to date.
‘The first big transaction I worked on was actually the franchising and public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement for the Melbourne public transport system in 1998 and 1999. We acted for what was then Melbourne Transport Enterprises (MTE), now known as Connex. MTE won the rights to the Hillside Train franchise and it was a very exciting time, even though there were some very late nights involved.’
‘More recently, some of the offshore transactions we’ve completed have been very interesting and rewarding, such as the first ever PPP in Abu Dhabi, where we acted for Macquarie. In addition, being able to assist some of our clients, like Industry Funds Management, as they grow their infrastructure businesses around the world is immensely satisfying. Being able to assist our clients compete on the world stage and acquire/develop key international infrastructure assets is very rewarding.’
‘A lot of these transactions are long term affairs, but typically there’s something very tangible at the end of them. To see that develop, whether it’s a train station redevelopment, a new hospital wing or a major new freeway, is something I find very satisfying. You think to yourself, “I played a part, albeit small, in helping to create that”.’
On the transition to his new role partner, Josh expresses similar enthusiasm, acknowledging the evolutionary process that has helped prepare him for this next step.
‘In Projects we’re encouraged to start thinking towards partnership at least a couple of years out, if that’s something you want to do. During that time you are encouraged to really focus on developing your client relationship skills, rather than just servicing the work that comes in. So in that sense it feels more like a natural progression for me rather than a sea-change of responsibility. However, ask me the same question in six months and you might get a different answer!’ he says.
‘I think it’s a very exciting time to become a partner in the projects group as we’ve got quite a young group of partners, particularly in the Melbourne office, and there’s a real sense of wanting to work together to shape things and see what we can achieve.’
Josh offers several tips for up-and-coming solicitors looking towards partnership.
‘If you’re working in Projects you really need to be flexible and adaptable. For example, some of our work takes us offshore, and as happened to me a few years ago, you can get a phone call and then 24 hours later you’re on a plane to the Middle East.’
‘In those circumstances you have to be prepared to be able to hit the ground running and start providing appropriate commercial advice wherever you find yourself (and ensuring that, in the process, you don’t breach any local restrictions on practising in that jurisdiction)’ he says.
‘The second thing is that Projects combines a number of legal disciplines. Consequently, we are expected to be able to cover a lot of areas in the transactions we work on, such as project delivery, project finance, property, environment, planning not to mention general project management skills. It can take a number of years to build your skills and feel comfortable in some or all these areas, so your development can take a little bit longer, which requires a bit more patience. Obviously, you are not expected to be an expert in all areas, but being skilled in one or two and conversant with the others does enable you to bring more value to a given transaction.’
‘Most importantly I think the key for all solicitors, not just those in Projects, is to find people who you like to work with. Rather than focusing on specific areas of law, I would recommend trying to find people who you get along with and who you can identify as positive role models, and stick with them as much as you can. It’s a much better indicator of how and where you are likely to succeed and get ahead.’
In talking about life outside Freehills Josh is reminded of a recent comment from another partner.
‘I got married last September, and on being announced as a new partner one of our senior partners said, ”This is your second marriage in the space of a year – try not to let the second marriage interfere with the first!”’
To this end Josh has recently started attending ‘very frustrating’ golf lessons with his wife, Carrie.
‘I used to play golf a little bit many years ago, but have started again virtually from nothing. Hopefully at some stage I’ll start enjoying it!’
He also pursues other interests including going to the gym and running, and good food. ‘Carrie and I both love discovering new places to eat,’ he says.
Josh's professional biography is available by clicking here.
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