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.

Scott Alden, Partner, Mills Oakley
With over 25 years of experience, Scott specialises as a legal advisor on significant projects and procurements for government clients. Scott’s role of lead advisor to significant projects often incorporates legal and procurement expertise on the same transaction, as well as strategic probity advice. In recognition of his position as a leading government lawyer, Scott was one of the first Law Society Accredited Specialists in Government and Administrative Law, both Commonwealth and State (with a focus on government commercial and procurement transactions), and has been appointed by the Law Society of NSW as the Head Assessor for that Specialist Accreditation in 2024. Scott also writes and lectures two procurement courses for the Masters Programs at both College of Law and the University of Melbourne. Scott is currently on an international committee that is in the process of drafting international Modern Slavery guidelines. He is experienced in drafting and implementing key project documents including market sounding/engagement documents, industry briefings, RFTs, tender evaluation plans, tender evaluation reports, commercial contracts and agreements and legal advices and resolutions to support decisions.