Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering (University of Sydney)1976
- Diploma of Law, Barristers and Solicitors Admission Board, 1993
- Fellow & Grade 1 Arbitrator, Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia
Prior to coming to the Bar, Steven was a qualified Civil Engineer and Chartered Professional Engineer with 17 years of direct ‘hands-on’ experience in all facets of the building and construction industry. For the last 3 of those years, whilst studying law, he built a strong and successful practice as a consulting engineer where he provided expert evidence and expert advice to various parties in numerous building and construction disputes.
Since being admitted to the Bar in 1993, Steven has utilised his experience as a Civil Engineer by developing and maintaining a specialised practise in all aspects of building and construction disputes.
Due to previous experience as a civil engineer, he is regularly appointed by the parties and/or by the Supreme Court to act as Referee, Arbitrator, Expert Determiner, Mediator and Facilitator. He has appeared in the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court and in the New South Wales Civil & Administrative Tribunal.
Since coming to the Bar Steven’s expertise, fairness, independence and knowledge of the law is highly respected by those who practise in building and construction disputes. These qualities are reflected in the ongoing flow of appointments by various nominating authorities, the parties themselves and/or by the Court.
Steven regularly conducts arbitrations, mediations and expert determinations and also acts as a member on several Dispute Avoidance Boards on a number of major infrastructure projects in New South Wales.
He is currently serving on, and/or has served on, numerous ADR committees including International President Dispute Resolution Board Foundation, NSW Bar Association ADR Committee Member, Arbitration Board of Management - University of Adelaide, NSW Chapter Chair of the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia (now Resolution Institute).
Professional Recognition:
- Doyles Guide Leading Construction & Infrastructure - Junior Counsel – Australia, 2024
- Doyles Guide Leading Construction & Infrastructure - Junior Counsel – NSW, since 2018
- Australasian Law Awards: Excellence Award, Australian Arbitrator of the Year, 2020, 2022, 2023
