New partner moves from another global firm as prospects heat up in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, firm says
Pinsent Masons has boosted its construction advisory and disputes team in Australia with the hire of a new partner in Melbourne from a fellow global law firm.
Phillipa Beck has added to the firm extensive experience in project delivery and disputes in the energy and infrastructure sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Her expertise includes public-private partnerships, the firm said.
Beck moved from Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), which announced her appointment prior to the firm’s merger with Henry Davis York in 2017. Prior to joining the NRF partnership in Australia, she was at her own consulting firm, as well as Clifford Chance and Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
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Beck’s appointment comes after Pinsent Masons hired an infrastructure and energy duo in Australia from NRF last year. Pinsent Masons said that the latest appointment has been made with an eye on opportunities in infrastructure in both Australia and beyond.
“There is a strong and expanding pipeline of major projects across Asia Pacific. Phillipa brings valuable experience that is well suited to our sector-focused approach. Her skills in advising clients on mega projects developing flexible, innovative solutions that provide the foundation for a project's successful delivery will be an asset to the firm,” said Matthew Croagh, who heads Pinsent Masons Australia.
Croagh, who was appointed to the leadership post last year, also joined Pinsent Masons from NRF in 2017.
The firm said that Beck’s practice covers risk management, dispute avoidance, and all forms of dispute resolution.
“Australia ranks as a world leader in infrastructure development, but challenges around its ability to meet infrastructure demand is set to intensify,” said Fraser McMillan, head of the Pinsent Masons construction advisory and disputes practice in Australia. “Phillipa has the right skillset to work alongside project teams across the firm supporting clients in finding the right solutions to tackle these challenges; whether that be through joint ventures or other frameworks,” he said.
Pinsent Masons has been building its infrastructure and energy team in the Asia-Pacific region. In Australia, it has more than 100 specialists in the area, based out of its offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Last year, the firm picked one of its lawyers from the Asia-Pacific region to be its global head of infrastructure.