Our People

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 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.

Andrew.Mewing@batchmewing.com.au

+61 7 3059 6802

Richard leads the employment, industrial relations and safety practice at Batch Mewing Lawyers.  He delivers practical and strategic solutions to employers of all sizes on matters ranging from day-to-day human resources issues to complex collective disputes.

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 the building, construction and infrastructure sectors and beyond, including in the labour hire, transport, maritime, mining, government, real estate, retail and health 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:

• Industrial Relations: Planning, strategy, union relations, right of entry, enterprise agreements (drafting, negotiating, approval and disputes) and compliance with the ABCC’s Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016.
• Employment: Managing and resolving any issue relating to the employment relationship including conduct and performance, termination of employment, discrimination and illness and injury.
• Litigation: Bringing and responding to claims of a breach of confidentiality and/or restraint of trade, underpayment, breach of Modern Award, sham contracting, injurious falsehood and interference with contractual relations.
• Safety: advising and training employers on their duties, incident prevention and incident management.

richard.gunningham@batchmewing.com.au

+61 7 3059 6808

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.

stephanie.duffy@batchmewing.com.au

+61 7 3059 6804