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HFW adds construction partner

Global law firm HFW has bolstered its Australia-based construction practice with the hiring of a partner for its Melbourne office.

user iconJerome Doraisamy • 09 December 2021 • Big Law
Michael Debney
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Michael Debney (pictured) has joined HFW from global rival Herbert Smith Freehills, and brings over 10 years of practice experience in Australia, the UK and the Middle East.

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In a statement, the firm said that Mr Debney has a broad advisory and transactional construction practice, with a focus on the energy, natural resources, industrial plants, transport infrastructure, and transport operations and maintenance sectors. He advises clients across every stage of construction projects, from project structuring to drafting and negotiating project agreements (including construction and procurement contracts, O&M arrangements and joint venture agreements), as well as advising on issues arising during project implementation, it added.

Speaking about the appointment, HFW Australia managing partner Gavin Vallely said that the expansion of the firm’s construction practice is a “key element” of its growth strategy in the country.

“Michael joins a team of more than 30 lawyers in Australia specialising in construction and projects, and we will actively pursue opportunities to further strengthen our offering to clients in this sector, as part of our ambitious plans for continued growth across our sectors and services in Australia,” he said.

Firm global head of construction Carolyn Chudleigh added: “Michael’s experience in both front- and back-end construction, as well as on large scale projects, is second-to-none, and his expertise and focus on major contractors is a great complement to our existing construction practice across Australia.

“In particular, his arrival really strengthens our front-end construction offering in Australia and Asia-Pacific, where we see a lot of demand from clients across a wide range of industries, including road, rail and port infrastructure, energy and renewable infrastructure, and general commercial construction.”

Mr Debney noted: “HFW’s globally-recognised construction industry expertise is perfectly aligned with my practice and there are real opportunities for some exciting synergies. I am very excited about joining the HFW team and contributing to the growth of the practice in the region.”

Jerome Doraisamy

Jerome Doraisamy

Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. In June 2024, he also assumed the editorship of HR Leader. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.

You can email Jerome at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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