Connect with meSarah has over 20 years’ experience in dispute resolution and specialises in complex, multi-party building and construction disputes. She represents various construction professionals, including architecture firms, contractors, building surveyors and engineering firms, and their insurers, in legal proceedings, arbitrations and disciplinary proceedings in all jurisdictions and involving a vast array of projects – from major infrastructure and hospitals to schools and domestic buildings. Sarah also advises and acts on behalf of insurer clients in coverage disputes under professional indemnity and contract works policies.
Sarah is recognised for proactively driving cases forward, her strong commitment to her clients, and her strategic, results-driven approach to disputes. Sarah has managed many high-profile cases, including representing the architecture firm in the Victorian test case on ACP cladding, the Lacrosse case.
Sarah has developed a reputation as a thought leader in the construction space. Over the last two years, she has delivered more than 16 presentations to clients and industry groups on topics including recent developments and trends in cladding claims, claims inflation, risks facing SMEs in construction PI, and contract works policies and insolvencies in construction.
- Representing the architecture firm in the Lacrosse test case both at first instance at VCAT and on appeal to the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria. This was the test case for non-compliant cladding in Australia.
- Acting for insurers in the $400 million Lane Cove Tunnel proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW.
- Acting in a $38 million coverage proceeding concerning the new Royal Adelaide Hospital in the Supreme Court of NSW.
- Representing a leading Australian construction company in $200 million proceedings relating to the construction of the Stage 7 works at a major regional shopping centre in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
- Representing contractors in PP-R hot water system-related disputes involving a well-known Melbourne hospital and a high-rise building in Southbank.
- Acting on behalf of building and construction professionals in relation to inquiries and/or investigations carried out by professional bodies including the Architects Tribunal and Building Appeals Board.
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Inquiries, Investigations and Prosecutions
- Professional Liability
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Industrial and Commercial Property
- Australian Insurance Law Association
- Australian Professional Indemnity Group
- Building Dispute Practitioners Society
- Women in Insurance