Jessica Nesbit
Special Counsel, Sydney
I am a construction law specialist acting for major public and private sector clients including in the property development, office, industrial and education sectors. Clients value my commercial approach, project management skills and ability to clearly and concisely draft complex arrangements.

As part of my role in large-scale property development transactions and construction projects, I regularly advise on, draft and negotiate a range of project documentation including agreements for lease, design and construct, construction management, supply and installation, licence and operation and maintenance agreements.

My experience includes advising clients on issues as they arise during the course of a project as well as assisting with contract administration and the preparation of claims and responses to claims.

Career highlights

  • University of Sydney: Wattle Creek Energy Hub: Acted for the University throughout the bid phase and full documentation phase for the engagement of Spark Renewables to investigate and develop a hybrid renewable energy facility on the University's Arthursleigh property. The Wattle Creek Energy Hub is intended to generate up to 500 megawatts of electricity from the sun and wind and includes the installation of a large-scale battery with a capacity of up to 350 megawatt hours of electricity.
  • Lendlease Development: Acted for Lendlease Development in relation to the development of 839 Collins Street, Melbourne. The development comprises a 20-level premium-grade office tower across 38,092.25sqm. Valued at $430 million, the project involved the preparation of an agreement for lease, lease and a number of ancillary transaction documents.
  • Dexus: Acted for Dexus since 2015 on various development projects, including the acquisition and development of 90-100 Mount Street, North Sydney, a 34-level premium-grade office tower across 41,163 sqm NLA and the $229 million sale and development of a 15 storey office building with 25,228 sqm NLA at 105 Phillip Street, Parramatta.
  • Optus Campus Renewal: Acted for Singtel Optus on one of the largest commercial renewal deals of leasing space in Australia. This deal secured Optus' on-going presence of its head office at Macquarie Park. The project included extensive asset enhancement works to cater to Optus' evolving requirements including, a new campus arrival zone, upgrade works to the current base building and extensive fit out works within the campus.
  • TAFE NSW: Meadowbank Education & Employment Precinct: Preparation and negotiation of an Early Contractor Involvement Agreement, a D&C Contract and various Early Works Contracts and Consultancy Agreements for the TAFE Meadowbank Campus. The $218 million project transforms TAFE's Meadowbank site into a technology-focussed campus and sits alongside a new primary and high school to form the Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct.
  • TAFE NSW (High Volume Government Procurement): Ongoing advice and support to TAFE NSW, Australia's largest vocational education and training provider, on a range of procurement and construction matters, including the GC21 Contract and MW21 Contract standard forms, managing contractor contracts, maintenance agreements, consultancy agreements and TAFE NSW's suite of pro forma construction contracts.
  • Flow Systems: Acted for Flow Systems (now Altogether Group), an independent multi-utility service provider, on the drafting and negotiation of a design, build, operate and maintain agreement for the provision of sewerage and recycled water services to a significant mixed use development. Also acted in relation to the preparation of a Project Delivery Agreement for the construction of water recycling facilities and the provision of recycled water services.