Michelle Knight
Special Counsel, Sydney
For over 12 years I have specialised in construction law, assisting government and private sector clients resolve disputes on major projects, including Opal Tower, WestConnex, Queens Wharf, Ichthys, Perth Stadium and London Underground.

I have acted in a variety of disputes across many sectors, including rail, roads and tunnels, oil and gas, renewables, mining and commercial and residential buildings. I work with my clients to mitigate risk throughout the project delivery phase and, if claims arise, through formal dispute resolution processes such as mediation, adjudication, dispute resolution boards, arbitration and litigation.

Career highlights

  • Queen's Wharf: I am one of the lead senior lawyers acting for the builder in proceedings in the Supreme Court of Queensland in respect of a claim valued over $300 million.
  • Opal Tower: I was the lead senior lawyer acting for the builder in various proceedings relating to the Opal Tower, one of the most high profile matters in New South Wales. The various proceedings involved complex issues of construction, planning, property, insurance and strata law.
  • WestConnex New M5: I acted for a joint venture against a company in liquidation in interlocutory proceedings challenging an adjudicator's decision and separate proceedings appealing against the rejection of a formal proof of debt by liquidators. The dispute involved complex security of payment and insolvency issues.
  • Defect disputes: I have acted in a number of defect disputes including in relation to basement water ingress, geotechnical settlement and stability, structural design, piling design and construction, concrete durability and common building defects.
  • Security of payment: I regularly act for principals, head contractors and subcontractors to initiate and defend claims under security of payment legislation and in subsequent litigation and interlocutory applications.
  • Arbitration: I have acted in numerous international and domestic arbitrations in the road, mining, oil and gas and renewables sectors.