MinterEllison today announced the appointment of Tom French as a partner of the firm. Mr French is a leading specialist in dispute resolution (including litigation, arbitration, and adjudication) in projects & construction, resources, and professional practices. Mr French will be based in the firm’s Perth office.

Mr French has built a strong reputation as a leading litigator acting for top tier national and international contractors in the construction sector in Perth as well as acting for parties on major resources projects such as the Ichthys and Wheatstone Projects.

Having spent time as a barrister and a period of time seconded to a national construction contractor assisting on several major disputes, Mr French brings a broad perspective of the litigation landscape in WA.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom to the MinterEllison partnership”

Adam Handley, Managing Partner, MinterEllison Perth

“His appointment adds considerable professional weight to our growing construction disputes practice both in WA and nationally.” "Mr French's appointment continues the rapid growth of our Perth office. Mr French's admission takes our Perth partnership to 16 partners, making us one of the largest law firms in Western Australia. He joins at an exciting time, with MinterEllison Perth having shown more than 35% growth for the past 3 financial years".

Mr French holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Sciences Major) from Murdoch University, and is completing a Master of Laws at the University of Melbourne. . He has also been published in leading texts and journals on expert evidence, litigation, and international arbitration.

“Tom French also brings broad experience as a barrister and is a natural fit with our rapidly growing projects and construction practice" said Kip Fitzsimon, Head of the Construction Practice in Perth. “We are fortunate to have Tom join us at a time when MinterEllison is going through exciting changes and continued growth in Australia including in Western Australia.” Mrs Fitzsimon said.