Seasoned partner joins K&L Gates in Sydney

K&L Gates has built a stronger Sydney office with the addition of a seasoned construction and infrastructure lawyer.

Simon Ashworth has joined the firm in the New South Wales capital from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he was a partner for nearly 12 years. Late last year, K&L Gates attracted Corrs’ former real estate head in Melbourne.

Ashworth, who was also previously with MinterEllison in Melbourne and Linklaters and Berwin Leighton Paisner in London, has extensive experience advising on infrastructure procurement matters in Australasia. He has particular expertise in procurement strategy, contractual drafting, and negotiations.

His standout mandates include 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,” Ashworth said. “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 in Australia, said Ashworth is an “important addition” to the global firm’s 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,” Nichola said.

Westmore and Kerr joined the firm from Mills Oakley in January 2018.