Connect with meRob has more than 25 years of experience defending large and complex claims against building and construction professionals. He has represented engineers, certifiers, architects, and quantity surveyors in some of the most challenging disputes across the construction industry. His expertise spans allegations of professional negligence, breach of contract, and misleading or deceptive conduct, often involving high-value, multi-party claims and intricate technical issues.
He is renowned for his strategic approach to managing high-stakes litigation, combining an in-depth understanding of construction processes with an ability to distil and present highly technical evidence persuasively. Rob has successfully defended clients in landmark cases, achieving exceptional outcomes through tailored strategies and, where appropriate, navigating ADR. His ability to mitigate risks and manage reputational impacts for clients is a hallmark of his practice.
Beyond litigation, Rob advises building and construction professionals on liability prevention and risk management. He has built lasting relationships with insurers and insureds alike, providing practical, commercially focused advice that ensures his clients are well-prepared to navigate an evolving regulatory and claims environment.
Rob is also a leading specialist in defamation law, with a particular focus on defending insured professionals facing reputational and legal risks. He has acted for a broad range of clients, including lawyers, medical practitioners, financial professionals, and executives, in complex defamation claims brought against them in both traditional and digital media. His expertise extends to related claims involving injurious falsehood, misleading or deceptive conduct, and breaches of professional codes of conduct.
He is known for his strategic yet pragmatic approach to defending defamation matters and combines a deep knowledge and an acute understanding of reputational sensitivities. He regularly defends clients in high-profile matters and works closely with insurers and insureds to manage their liability exposures while prioritising reputational protection. Whether navigating pre-litigation disputes, securing early settlements, or vigorously defending matters, Robert provides commercially sound advice which is tailored to each client’s professional and personal stakes.
Construction
- Successfully resolving multiple claims brought by owners’ corporations against a local Sydney council concerning allegations of negligent certification of building works/fire protection services.
- Acting for a multi-national geotechnical engineering regarding multiple professional indemnity claims in various jurisdictions, including Australia and Canada.
- Successfully resolving a claim brought against leading geotechnical engineering firm arising from a structural failure of the M1 tunnel in Sydney.
- Acting for major construction corporations in defence of large, complex infrastructure claims (including the Third Runway claim).
- Successfully resolving a claim brought by a utilities operator against a major engineering firm arising from the construction of a 4.5km wastewater pipeline in New South Wales.
- Acting for insurers in defence of claims against architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, including claims arising from catastrophic failures of tunnels, excavations, formwork, scaffolding, roof and building facades.
Coverage
- Acting on a coverage dispute arising from the Lane Cove Tunnel collapse.
- Acting as coverage counsel in large, complex infrastructure claims, including claims in Asia, Africa and South America.
Subrogated recoveries
- Acting in subrogated recovery actions (including a successful recovery arising from the Lane Cove Tunnel collapse).
Defamation
- Acting in defence of litigated defamation claims brought against professionals, local councils, associations and individuals.
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Government
- Professional Liability
- Subrogated Recoveries
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Media & Communications
- Professions and Business Services
- Australian Insurance Law Association
- Australian Professional Indemnity Group
- NSW Claims Discussion Group
- NSW Engineering Discussion Group
- Law Society of NSW