The construction sector is a complex and constantly changing sector.  Over many years a number of unique concepts and industry usages and practices have developed and evolved. Governments are intervening more and more, introducing legislation to address issues of public or political concern. Construction and procurement contracts need to reflect those industry standards and unique concepts.

Paul Riethmuller has been working as a lawyer in the construction and procurement sector for more than 30 years.  In that time he has acted for principals, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and advisers involved in the construction and procurement of a variety of social and economic infrastructure  and energy and resources projects.

Our construction experience extends to contracts for many different kinds of infrastructure, including:

• energy – power stations, renewable energy generation, cogeneration plants, power transmission infrastructure
• LNG facilities
• rail and port infrastructure
• defence works
• roads
• commercial developments – hotels, court buildings, entertainment complexes, shopping centres
• urban regeneration
• mineral processing facilities

The contracts have involved all of the most commonly used project delivery models, including:

• construct only
• D&C
• EPC
• EPCM
• alliances
• PPPs

In addition, we regularly draft and advise on the many associated project documents often seen in any infrastructure project, such as:

• bank guarantees
• development agreements
• joint venture agreements
• O&M agreements
• confidentiality agreements
• deeds of novation
• tripartite deeds/builder side agreements
• subcontractor direct deeds
• collateral warranties
• independent certifier deeds.

Our procurement experience includes a variety of commonly used forms of contract, including:

• goods contracts
• services contracts
• FEED contracts
• contracts to supply equipment (with and without installation)
• offshore drilling contracts
• consultancy contracts
• contracts for professional services
• labour hire
• plant hire (wet and dry)
• IT procurement/software as a service contracts

In addition to project specific documents, we have drafted template contracts for many organisations to use across their operations, as well as contract user manuals/guides to assist project staff to use the template documents effectively.

We also regularly review tender documents to assist contractors and suppliers before they submit tenders.