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Michael Batch
Michael is the co-founder of Batch Mewing Lawyers. He jointly leads the firm which prides itself on understanding the challenges faced by the construction industry, and driving the best outcomes for clients.
Michael advises on dispute resolution strategies for complex construction disputes, involving multi-parties, and multiple claims including for variations, latent conditions, bank guarantees and defective works.
Michael has nearly 20 years’ experience in construction law and litigation obtained at firms in Australia and the UK and in-house at some of Australia’s leading contractors.
Clients praise his advice for being pragmatic, clear and considered. His comprehensive understanding of how major contractors operate based on his own in-house experience gives him an appreciation of how legal and commercial risks fit within the bigger picture.
Michael has experience advising on major infrastructure projects both across Australia and the UK including the Clem7 Tunnel, Wembley Stadium, the National Broadband Network, Olympic Dam, the North West Rail Link, Gold Coast Light Rail, WestConnex, the Gateway Upgrade North, Inland Rail, Defence Projects, and various school and high rise development projects.
Michael has been recommended as a leading construction litigator in Queensland by the prestigious Doyles Guide.
Andrew Mewing
Andrew is Co-Founder and Principal with in depth experience in advising construction, infrastructure and energy sectors in transactional and disputed matters concerning the engineering, procurement, construction and operation of major projects across Australia and internationally.
Andrew was recently chosen by his peers as one of the best construction and infrastructure lawyers in Australia. The 11th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Australia was published with an article and interactive table by the Australian Financial Review.
He has advised in both private practice and in house for some of Australia’s largest construction and engineering companies and understands the commercial and technical drivers in the delivery of major projects. While Andrew is a technically focused lawyer, he also has a commercial attitude and a relentless approach to high performance. Andrew is committed to helping his clients to manage their risks and solve problems.
Andrew advises on complex and large scale projects across the full range of procurement models. His experience spans a diverse range of projects in the technology, retail and processing sectors.
He has significant expertise advising contractors and other industry participants in relation to all matters arising in connection with the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004, the Subcontractors’ Charges Act 1974, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991.
Andrew is an accomplished sportsman having represented Australia in swimming. He continues his driven approach, honed through years as an elite sportsman, in the way he helps clients set and accomplish their goals.
Richard Gunningham
Richard leads the employment and safety practice at Batch Mewing Lawyers. He delivers practical and strategic solutions to employers of all sizes on difficult human resource issues, complex industrial relations matters and safety law issues.
Richard advises clients on how to build their relationship with their workforce on an individual and collective level. He prioritises avoiding and managing disputes but if a dispute escalates he is an experienced litigator focused on delivering his clients’ preferred outcomes.
Richard has deep experience working with clients in all industries.
Working in house in “front line” industrial relations roles has given Richard the negotiating and advocacy skills he brings to his practice. He appreciates the value of concise and practical advice.
Richard’s experience includes:
- Employment: Managing and resolving any difficult employment issue including dismissals, discrimination, sexual harassment, workplace investigations, underpayments and award interpretation/disputes.
- Industrial Relations: Planning, strategy, union relations, right of entry and enterprise agreements (drafting, negotiating, approval and disputes).
- Safety: defending prosecutions, incident response, dealing with safety regulators, advising and training employers on their duties.
- Litigation: Bringing and responding to claims of breach of confidentiality, restraint of trade and defamation/injurious falsehood.
Stephanie Duffy
Stephanie is a construction contracts specialist with experience gained in-house and in private practice.
Stephanie primarily acts in front-end contract drafting and negotiation matters.
Stephanie has advised in relation to a wide range of projects, including commercial, industrial and residential developments, civil and infrastructure projects and engineering and mining projects.
Her experience includes preparing and advising on various forms of contracts for contractors, suppliers, principals and consultants. She regularly prepares contract suites for various industry participants to reflect their particular business needs.
She is focused on applying strong technical drafting skills and providing commercial and practical advice to assist clients to best position themselves for each project.
She regularly advises in relation to the legislation impacting the construction industry, including contractor licensing, project trust accounts, regulation of contracts and compliance matters.
Chris Hargreaves
With more than 15 years experience in dispute resolution, Chris provides practical, commercial and business driven advice. As a senior lawyer, Chris’ primary role at Batch Mewing is to offer supervision and mentoring to the team, with a particular focus on litigation, insolvency and securities matters as they arise. Chris supports our lawyers and clients with a strong technical knowledge combined with the ability to simplify complex tasks and issues.
With extensive commercial experience and as a business owner himself, Chris’ advice is always focused on seeing that our clients’ broader interests are considered as part of any legal matter that might arise.
Chris is an author and experienced public speaker. He regularly gives seminars and publishes articles, updates and videos. His focus is on providing valuable information about legal issues that is approachable, useful, and user friendly.
Ryan Purcell
As a senior associate in the Batch Mewing team, Ryan brings years of commercial experience with him from both his involvement in the insolvency industry and his dual Law and Business degrees from the Queensland University of Technology.
Ryan has a keen interest in getting involved in the building and construction sector and is already providing massive value to our clients with his hands on contributions towards improving their contract administration efforts.
Tyler Atkins
Tyler is a senior associate with Batch Mewing Lawyers who has worked for the firm since completing a dual bachelor of Law (Honours) and Science (Biology) at the Queensland University of Technology.
Tyler primarily assists our clients with contentious legal disputes including at adjudication, in court and under contractual dispute resolution regimes. In seeking to solve our clients’ problems Tyler applies in equal part a keen interest in crafting creative legal arguments and deploying strategic commercial tactics.
Kent Fawke
Kent is a senior associate with Batch Mewing who brings years of commercial experience with his background working for small businesses, a large multi-national corporation, and for multiple not-for-profit and community organisations. Kent holds dual degrees in Law (Honours) and Business (International Business/Economics) from the Queensland University of Technology.
Through his studies and varied work experiences, Kent brings a down-to-earth, commercial, and pragmatic approach to clients’ opportunities and challenges.
Ethan Campbell
Ethan is an Associate at Batch Mewing Lawyers in the Building and Construction team. Ethan holds a Bachelor of Justice (Criminology and Policing) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology.
Ethan assists our clients with high value adjudications, contractual disputes and contract administration. He takes an honest, detailed and methodical approach to strive to deliver our clients’ desired results.
Mackenzie Beldan
Mackenzie is an Associate in the Employment & Safety team at Batch Mewing Lawyers. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology.
Prior to commencing at Batch Mewing, Mackenzie was employed at a national building industry association, where she developed a keen interest in employment law and industrial relations, particularly within the construction sector.
Mackenzie has experience drafting and reviewing a range of legal documents, including employment contracts, workplace policies, and labour hire agreements. She has a particular interest in discrimination and privacy law matters, as well as modern award diagnosis and interpretation.
Kelly Simon
Kelly is an Associate at Batch Mewing Lawyers with a keen interest in construction disputes, including through litigation and adjudication, as well as contract formation and reviews. Kelly also has experience in debt recovery and insolvency, and has successfully appeared before the Supreme Court for winding up orders.
Prior to Batch Mewing Lawyers, Kelly worked in a barristers chambers in Brisbane city, specialising in construction law. She strives to deliver a detailed, analytical and collaborative approach to assisting clients.
Joshua Saunders
Josh is an Associate at Batch Mewing Lawyers, holding a dual Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and a Bachelor of Government and International Relations (Public Policy) from Griffith University.
Prior to his time as a law clerk and law graduate at Batch Mewing, Josh was a legal research assistant at Griffith University, analysing the intersection of law and sustainable infrastructure development in Southeast Asia.
Josh enjoys working on construction disputes and litigation with a particular interest in both domestic and international commercial construction arbitration. Josh takes pride in delivering quality outcomes for clients by taking a practical and collaborative approach to matters.
Tayla Jansen
Tayla is an Associate in the Construction & Infrastructure team. She holds a dual Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Environmental Science from Griffith University and has completed her Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Prior to being admitted as a legal practitioner, Tayla worked with Batch Mewing Lawyers as a Law Clerk and a Law Graduate while completing her studies.
Predominantly focused on front-end work, Tayla provides an analytical approach and strong attention to detail in assisting clients by preparing contract suites, contract reviews, special conditions and contract departures. With an environmental science background, she has a keen interest in areas where construction intersects with planning and environmental law and takes great pride in helping clients in the clean energy and renewables space to deliver exciting and sustainable projects.
Kate Ahnfeldt
Having been part of the Batch Mewing Construction and Infrastructure team since her time of admission, Kate has gained invaluable experience in front-end legal work in the construction space. Kate’s primary focus is assisting clients with construction contracts, including the preparation, review and negotiation of agreements for projects of varying sizes. Having advised on projects in the commercial, industrial, residential, civil, engineering and mining sectors, Kate has experience in providing tailored advice to clients to suit their business and project-specific needs.
Taking a holistic approach to drafting and advice, Kate has prepared contract suites and template agreements which have assisted clients to best position and protect their business interests. Acting for contractors, suppliers, principals and consultants, Kate applies a detail-orientated approach to both drafting and advice.
Nicholas Easey
Nicholas is a lawyer in the Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety team at Batch Mewing Lawyers. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology.
Before joining Batch Mewing Lawyers as a law clerk, Nicholas gained valuable experience working in a suburban law practice, focusing on commercial and personal legal matters. From these experiences, Nicholas developed skills in reviewing and drafting legal documents, client communication, and commercial-based dispute resolution.
Nicholas is particularly interested in areas of law concerning discrimination, privacy, workplace health and safety, as well as the use of emerging technologies.
Ella Kimler
Since becoming part of the Batch Mewing Construction and Infrastructure team, Ella has worked on a variety of front- and back-end legal work within the construction sector. In her experience of advising on projects in the commercial, residential, civil, engineering and mining sectors, Ella is dedicated to offering commercial and practical solutions tailored to assist clients in successfully navigating each project.
Ella has developed a keen interest in preparing comprehensive contract suites and template agreements that have significantly helped clients protect their business interests effectively. She also assists clients with adjudications, contractual disputes, and contract administration. Ella's commitment to clients ensures that they are well-prepared and strategically positioned at every phase of their projects.
Patrick Wallis
Patrick has recently completed a Bachelor of Business (International Business)/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, with expected admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner in mid 2024.
Prior to joining Batch Mewing Lawyers, Patrick spent four years in workers’ compensation insurance, developing an understanding of employment dynamics which he now utilises within our growing Employment and Industrial Relations Team. His professional interests lie in litigation and alternate dispute resolution. Although he is new to the profession, Patrick draws on his prior education and experience to identify commercial outcomes tailored to his client’s needs.
Patrick is a passionate advocate for client interests and takes pride in delivering timely, effective solutions.
Dakota Russell
Dakota has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Management) / Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, and is currently undertaking a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with expected admission as an Australian Legal Practitioner in early 2025.
Throughout his time at Batch Mewing Lawyers, Dakota has assisted clients through numerous front-end contract negotiation, back-end dispute, adjudication and litigation matters. He strives to ensure a friendly and detail orientated approach when delivering our clients’ desired results.
Anna Sideris
Anna recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) from the Queensland University of Technology.
Prior to joining Batch Mewing, Anna worked as an in-house paralegal where she was responsible for various environmental regulatory licensing. Anna also spent several years in the health industry where she provided crucial front-of-house assistance.
Anna is engaged in a number of volunteering opportunities in the areas of environmental, civil and criminal law. She hopes to utilise her versatile background to provide clients with insightful and well-rounded support.
Jemika Dearberg
Jemika recently graduated with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) / Bachelor of Environmental Science degree with a minor in Behavioural Science (Psychology), from the Queensland University of Technology.
Prior to joining Batch Mewing Lawyers, Jemika worked as a soil scientist in QUT’s Sustainable Agriculture Program at the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy. During her tenure, Jemika honed her skills in critical data analysis, project management, client communication and cross-cultural competence.
In the Construction Team at Batch Mewing Lawyers, Jemika aims to strategically apply her experience to help clients involved in disputed construction matters.
Kiera Rivers
Kiera is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Arts with dual majors in criminology and archaeology at the University of Queensland.
Outside of Batch Mewing Lawyers, Kiera is involved in pro-bono work in criminal law at the Caxton Legal Centre and serves as an executive member of the UQ Law Society.
As a key supporting member of the Nissan Arena team, Kiera leverages her community engagement and communication skills to provide clients with considered and practical service.
Maeghan Saldumbide
Maeghan is in her third year studying a dual Bachelor of Law (Honours) / Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry, at the Queensland University of Technology.
Whilst new to the construction space, Maeghan brings a dedicated and enthusiastic approach to her role. Her commitment lies in fostering healthy client relationships and developing her legal skills, to deliver the best possible results for clients.
Maeghan is particularly eager to assist clients with a diverse range of front-end construction matters, where she looks forward to providing practical and insightful advice.
Oliver Greenwood
Oliver is studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) at the Queensland University of Technology with expected completion in July 2027.
Prior to his time at Batch Mewing, Oliver gained valuable experience in customer service and volunteering roles, where he honed his communication and project management skills to provide clients with clear and pragmatic support.
Although new to the construction space, Oliver has a particular interest in contentious legal disputes and is eager to broaden his experience through a variety of complex construction matters.
Nicole Labuschagne
Nicole is the Office Manager and Paralegal and has over 15 years’ experience working in leading Australian, South African and English law firms. The last 5 years of Nicole’s career have been devoted specifically to construction law.
Nicole is driven to achieve excellent outcomes for clients with her high attention to detail. She works closely with the legal team at Batch Mewing by providing invaluable assistance across a broad range of matters.
The experience she brings from working in international law firms has given her a key insight into the best practice for the construction and infrastructure industries.
Wendy Wallis
Wendy is a highly experienced chartered accountant and finance manager who has lead the finance team at Batch Mewing since 2016.
Wendy’s background includes roles in commerce, international banking and prudential regulation, from which she developed a strong understanding of the challenges of cashflow forecasting, taxation planning, and financial and management accounting. In particular Wendy has an interest in assisting emerging business with the financial analysis required to support ongoing operations and the development of financial strategies for sustainable business growth.
Jacinda Luong
As part of Batch Mewing's Corporate Services team, Jacinda partners with legal professionals across the firm to improve on business development initiatives, projects, and engagement.
Jacinda is responsible for delivering client engagement and communication solutions across the firm's practice areas. She holds a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Marketing and Public Relations) from the Queensland University of Technology.
