McCullough Robertson strengthens its National Construction and Infrastructure team with key Partner hire in Brisbane

Leading independent Australian law firm McCullough Robertson announced today the appointment of James Arklay as a Partner in the Construction and Infrastructure team.

Mr Arklay re-joins McCullough Robertson from Corrs Chambers Westgarth where he has spent the last two years. Prior to this, he worked in McCullough Robertson’s Construction and Infrastructure team in Brisbane for over eight years.

A construction specialist, Mr Arklay has represented clients in all forms of dispute resolution, including litigation, domestic and international arbitration, expert determination and adjudication under Security of Payment legislation.  He has recently acted in disputes on major projects throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific, particularly in the resources and renewables sectors – including LNG, coal, solar and wind projects.  He also has significant experience advising owners and contractors on large-scale infrastructure projects involving the development of ports, pipelines, electricity assets, roads, tunnels, bridges and rail.  Mr Arklay’s return to McCullough Robertson will see him continue to work with the firm’s Government practice clients as well as its private sector clients.

Mr Arklay commented:  “I am very pleased to return to McCullough Robertson as a Partner in its growing Construction and Infrastructure team.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to assist our clients to navigate risks and leverage opportunities on their projects, and to resolve disputes when they arise.  The firm has a special culture and commitment to client service, to which I am excited to contribute as a Partner.”

The addition of Mr Arklay as a Partner supports McCullough Robertson’s strategic growth plans, including for its Construction and Infrastructure offering. Reece Walker, Chair of Partners, commented: “The Construction and Infrastructure industry remains a key pillar in the Australian economy. It is an area in which McCullough Robertson has a long-established reputation working with some outstanding clients which we are very proud to support as they deliver their projects. We are tremendously excited about James’ return to McCullough Robertson and his appointment to our Partnership. His background and experience, not to mention his cultural alignment to the values of McCullough Robertson, mean that he will instantly add depth and capacity to our already very strong National team.”

The appointment of Mr Arklay is effective 1 February 2021. He will be based in the Brisbane office.