Nick Christopoulos is a Special Counsel in the Construction & Major Projects Group.
Nick advises both government and private sector clients on a range of construction, engineering and infrastructure related matters, both during the implementation and dispute phases of projects. Nick has acted on a variety of construction disputes and is experienced in all forms of dispute resolution involving litigation, arbitration, expert determination and mediation.
Expertise
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Construction and Major Projects
NSW Public Works – West Camden Sewage Treatment Plant: Acted for NSW Public Works in its successful defence of claim in the Supreme Court of New South Wales, regarding allegations of defective design and costs to demolish and rebuild sewage treatment facilities. The proceedings involved obtaining evidence relating to various engineering disciplines from internationally renowned experts. The State successfully defended the dispute and was awarded costs on an indemnity basis.
Toll Road Concession Dispute: Acting in relation to a A$100M dispute arising out of a toll road concession, requiring analysis of traffic, engineering and financial modelling.
RailCorp – Tangara, new Outer Suburban Rail Cars, new Hunter Rail project: Advising RailCorp in relation to numerous aspects of this project. Advising on the exercise of contractual rights in relation to program, reliability and availability issues.
National Broadband Network: Seconded at NBN Co, as Senior Legal Counsel. The role involved responsibility for preparation of construction contracts and services agreements, providing ongoing advice during projects and assisting with contract administration issues. Responsible for the preparation of significant contracts awarded to Transfield (valued up to A$170M), Visionstream (valued up to A$334M), and SA Power Networks (valued up to A$300M) to roll out fibre optic broadband in the Local Network / Distribution Network to residential premises in areas of NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and contracts involving customer connections.
Security of Payment Act: Acted for Claimant and Respondent clients regarding the operation of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act. Acted in several significant adjudications in NSW and Victoria, including in relation to a claim for A$19M relating to the construction of a gas fired power station. Responsible for overseeing the adjudication process, obtaining witness statements and drafting detailed contentions.
See Construction and Major Projects