Presenters

Rory Alexander, Managing Director, Aldermane
Rory is Aldermane's founder and managing partner. He is a specialist procurement and major projects lawyer, with a focus on Defence and Government procurement and the acquisition and sustainment of complex military capabilities. He works in Canberra and Sydney and provides pragmatic and commercially-minded advice to Commonwealth departments on all aspects of the procurement process, from the initial approach to market through to negotiation and contract award. Rory founded Aldermane because he wanted to serve his clients flexibly, and without the constraints of working in a traditional law firm. He is passionate about building a team of trusted and friendly advisors who are truly collaborative and outcomes-focused. With over 10 years’ experience in the legal industry, working for both public sector and private clients, Rory is able to balance his clients’ legal risks with their commercial and political realities. Rory provides advice to his clients throughout the whole procurement lifecycle, including: developing contract structures, project designs and procurement strategies, preparing approach to market materials and tender documentation, evaluating tenders for commercial and legal risks, negotiating contracts with preferred tenderers, including in relation to liability frameworks, indemnities, performance management, warranties, intellectual property and insurance, and managing contractual compliance during delivery. During his career, Rory has received the following awards and recognition for his work with Government clients: Finalist - 30under30, Government (2019), Rising Star - Australasian Lawyer Magazine (2020), Finalist - Defence Consultant of the Year, Defence Industry Awards (2023), Finalist - Government Partner of the Year, Partner of the Year Awards (2023 and 2024), Winner - Innovator of the Year, Australian Law Awards (2023) and Winner - Projects, Energy and Resources Partner of the Year, Partner of the Year Awards (2024). Rory holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia, and is a practising member of the Law Society of the ACT and also holds an interstate practising certificate in NSW. Prior to founding Aldermane, Rory was a senior associate at the international law firm, Ashurst.


Ryan Murphy, Principal, McInnes Wilson
Ryan Murphy is a well-respected employment and industrial relations lawyer known for his practical and straightforward approach. He works with a wide range of clients, including businesses, government departments and agencies, and not-for-profits, helping them navigate complex legal challenges. Ryan is focused on delivering clear, tailored solutions that meet his clients' goals, whether that involves employment claims (during employment or relating to termination) restructures, advising on workplace issues in corporate transactions, or developing and navigating an industrial relations strategy. Clients value Ryan's responsiveness and honest advice, ensuring they receive fair, effective legal support. His expertise spans across sectors, including health, finance and superannuation, education, and startups, where he works to achieve the best possible outcomes. Ryan is as comfortable giving training over a webinar or in a room of HR professionals or inhouse counsel as he is advocating on his clients' behalf in a Commission or Court.