Outside of a few clear standouts the state’s solicitors lamented a lack of depth and choice within the NSW construction bar. This feature has led many firms to effectively use some of the state’s stronger commercial silks on larger matters with the likes of Bret Walker SC, Stephen Finch SC, and Garry Rich SC noted as being very effective in this regard.
Senior Counsel
Duncan Miller SC, although only having taken silk some three years ago currently sits as the state’s most widely preferred construction Senior Counsel. “He’s bright, hardworking and make every effort with clients” noted one solicitor while another saw him as “intellectually very strong”.
Veteran Frank Corsaro SC also enjoys strong favour particularly on the back of his breadth of experience and advocacy skills, as one solicitor noted “he seems to get whatever he asks the court for”.
Experienced campaigners such as George Inatey SC and Mike Rudge SC were also well regarded for the work on mid-range matters.
Junior Counsel
Amongst Junior Counsel Tim Breakspear has emerged as the “clear standout” and “an absolute star” and sat comfortably as the state’s most favoured Junior Counsel, no small feat given that Breakspear only moved to the bar some six years ago.
Frank Hicks continues to be well regarded as “a very safe pair of hands” and the fact that he is able act for both
Nuala Shaw, who these days divides her time between matters in New South Wales and Queensland, also gained note as a “tough campaigner” and “hard-nosed and great for certain matters”.
Junior juniors including former King & Wood Malleson Partners Julie Wright and former Clayton Utz Senior Associate Faye Ashworth also were noted as providing excellent value given the skills and experience they possess.