About

Chris has practiced as a lawyer both in Australia and the United Arab Emirates for 23 years in significant construction and infrastructure projects, property law and litigation, adjudication and arbitration matters. Chris established Urban Lawyers in 2015 upon his return from the United Arab Emirates where he practiced for 7 years mainly working in house for large government developers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as General Counsel. Chris’ experience includes:

Australia

• Charles Lloyd Property Group and its affiliates – Acting as General Counsel including preparing construction contracts for various infrastructure projects, property and leasing agreements, marketing agreements, loan agreements and providing representation in dispute resolution matters.

• Red Fire Engineering – Reviewing various consultancy agreements and negotiating appropriate amendments on behalf of the consultant.

• Macpherson + Kelley Lawyers – Providing consultancy services in relation to various construction disputes and projects.

• Hachem W Hotel Melbourne – Advising Hachem in relation to the development of the W Hotel in Melbourne.

• Searoad Ferries Queenscliff – Preparing construction contract based on AS 4000-1997 for a terminal building and an administration building at the port of Queenscliff.

• Owners Corporations – Representing various owners corporations for claims arising from combustible cladding and defects in the common property of various apartment developments.

• Associated Projects – Acting for a contractor in relation to a dispute with an private school arising from the redevelopment of various facilities within the school.

• Protein Recovery Facility – Advising the developer in relation to proposed AS 4000-1997 contract and AS 4910-2002 construction contracts.

• Alto Epping Apartments – Prepared Design and Building Contract based on AS 4300-1995 for the development of 29 apartments.

• Adjudications – Acting for contractors and subcontractor in relation to outstanding payment claims under the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2002

• Nespresso Coffee Machines – Represented a distributor in relation to a dispute concerning the rollout of Nespresso Vending Machines in Victoria

• Queensland Gas Pipeline ICC Arbitration - Represented a developer in relation to various claims by the main contractor for more than AUS $1 billion arising from the design and construction of a gas pipeline in Queensland.

International

• Dubai Properties Group and its affiliates - Acting as Director of the Legal Department including preparing construction contracts for various infrastructure projects, representation in various international arbitrations before DIAC, ICC, LCIA and ICSID arising from dispute with contractors and consultants for significant infrastructure and construction projects that were suspended or terminated during the global financial crisis. Projects included Tijara Town in Dubai, Amwaj in Morocco and Dubai Towers in Doha.

• Abu Dhabi General Services – Acting as General Counsel of the Legal Department including preparing various construction contracts and consultancy agreements based on the FIDIC form of contracts and preparing facilities management agreements.

• Damac Properties and its affiliates – Represented Damac in various international arbitrations against contractors and consultants and prepared construction contracts and consultancy agreements based on the FIDIC form of contracts including the Red Book.

• Marina Bay Sands, Singapore – Advising an Australian architectural firm in relation to sub-consultancy agreements including engaging a Singaporean based firm to assist with the review.

Lectures

• University of Melbourne Construction Law Masters Program – Presented lectures on Global Perspectives on Construction Law with particular focus on the Middle East.

• Deakin University Project Management Program – Presented lecture on recurring issues in construction contracts.

Memberships

• Law Institute of Victoria

• Building Dispute Practitioners’ Society

• Society of Construction Law

• Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce

• Hellenic Australia Chamber of Commerce

Gena is an Associate at Urban Lawyers. Prior to studying law, Gena graduated from a Bachelor of Architectural Design. This sparked her interest in building and construction law, offering her a unique perspective on legal matters. Having completed her placement in a construction law firm, she became motivated to assist clients embroiled in construction relate disputes.

Gena completed her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at Leo Cussen Centre for Law and Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) from Victoria University. She also completed a Bachelor of Architectural Design from Monash University.

Memberships

• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

Practice Areas

• Construction Law

• Property Law

• Commercial Law

• Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Qualifications and Certifications

• LLB (Victoria University)

• GradDipLegPrac (Leo Cussen Centre for Law)

• BArchDes (Monash University)

Jett brings a solid foundation in law, having graduated with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) from Monash University. Jett has attained a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from The College of Law.

With valuable paralegal experience in the building, construction, and property sectors, Jett possesses practical insights and a deep understanding of the legal challenges within these areas. This hands-on experience is complemented by his commitment to social causes, evidenced by his involvement in legal clinics focusing on climate justice.

Professionally, Jett has a keen interest in building and construction law, demonstrating both a passion for the subject and a dedication to driving results for clients within this sector.

Memberships

• Member of the Law Institute of Victoria

Practice Areas

• Construction Law

• Property Law

• Commercial Law

• Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Qualifications and Certifications

• LLB - Honours (Monash University)

• GradDipLegPrac (The College of Law)

Ali is a paralegal at Urban Lawyers. She is currently completing her Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Prior to studying law, Ali graduated from a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, completing a double degree in History and Political Science. A combination of her studies in this area, and various work placement opportunities throughout her undergraduate degree sparked her interest in studying law.

Ali is interested in gaining experience and learning more about property and construction law while she completes her tertiary studies. She first gained insight into property law while working in an administrative position at BANCO Group. Moreover, she has a keen interest in pursuing and supporting social causes and learning about the ways in which the law can complement these interests.

Ali is engaged in a variety of organisations and extra-curriculars in the Melbourne University context which further complement her studies, including University Competitions (such as mooting and negotiations) and participation in socially-orientated clubs such as Naarm Students on Voice.

Qualifications and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (University of Melbourne – ongoing)

• Bachelor of Arts (University of Melbourne)

Memberships

• Victorian Women Lawyers

Nola was formerly a senior associate with Clayton Utz with over 10 years of experience, working on a number of large arbitrations in the major projects department. Nola represented Anaconda in a dispute with the contractor in relation to the design and construction of the Murrin Murrin nickel mine in Western Australia. Nola also represented Origin with respect to various claims for defects and delay against the contractor arising from the Bass Gass Project.

Nola is the practice manager of the firm and manages all aspects of the firm's activities.

Qualifications and Certifications

• BA (Monash University)

• LL.B (Monash University)