Gain a clear, practical roadmap for navigating defect claims in the post Pafburn landscape. Examine how defect claims are now framed under the DBP Act, why liability exposure has shifted and where litigators are most commonly being caught out. Ideal for lawyers seeking a strong grounding in contemporary defect litigation, this program emphasises actionable insights and real-world lessons from the courtroom and negotiation table for all building and construction lawyers.

Presenters

Carlos Mobellan, Barrister & Mediator, Third Floor St James Hall Chambers
Carlos is a barrister who specialises in building cases with an emphasis on matters arising under the Home Building Act 1989, the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. Carlos was admitted as a solicitor in 1997 and was called to the Bar in 2004 where he was awarded the Bar Practice Course prize. Carlos has appeared for and against homeowners, Owners Corporations, builders, government agencies and property development companies.


Ashley Cameron, Barrister, Greenway Chambers
Ashley Cameron has a commercial practice that focuses on building and construction, insurance, equity and commercial litigation. She represents government, individual and corporate clients, working closely with instructing solicitors and in-house counsel to ensure a practical and commercial approach to resolving disputes. Ashley’s excellent research, legal analysis and written and oral advocacy skills help her get to the nub of any dispute efficiently and make her an asset both in and out of court. For four years before becoming a barrister, Ashley worked in the commercial litigation teams at TressCox Lawyers and HWL Ebsworth and was promoted to senior associate within 2.5 years of admission. She was also the tipstaff to NSW Supreme Court judge, the Hon Justice Robert McDougall. Ashley was voted in as a member of Greenway Chambers within three months of completing readership. She is regularly called on to present on building and construction and contract law. Doyles Guide Leading Construction & Infrastructure Junior Counsel – New South Wales– Recommended 2023 Ludlows Award 2018 (awarded to the individual who receives the highest overall mark in the NSW Bar exams) Katrina Dawson Award 2018 (awarded annually to one woman who has passed the NSW Bar exams and is committed to starting practice at the Bar).


Christopher Humby, Barrister, University Chambers
Chris practices across all areas of the construction, engineering, energy and technology sectors. Chris has particular experience acting in large scale and complex construction and engineering litigation and arbitration – in both the domestic and international contexts. He is regularly instructed as counsel (both led and unled) in litigation, arbitrations, mediations, and expert determinations. Chris is recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a leading construction and infrastructure junior counsel in Australia (2024 – 2026) and South Australia (2023 – 2026). As a solicitor he was noted by Legal 500 UK 2021 for International Arbitration and selected as a “Rising Star” by US legal publication Law360 for 2019 in the area of construction. Chris is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He is also a co-author of the forthcoming update to Brooking on Construction Contracts.


Veno Panicker, Partner, Hamilton Locke
Veno is an expert in the legal issues facing the construction and infrastructure sectors. Clients benefit from his 20+ years’ experience operating within the construction industry, advising on matters from tenders and contracting through project delivery, claims and completion. He approaches his work with positivity and assertiveness and is driven to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes for his clients. Veno is the lead construction and infrastructure partner and is based in Hamilton Locke’s Sydney office. He specialises in advising on complex transactions, as well as major project dispute resolution, enabling him to provide counsel across the entire project cycle. He advises major contractors, developers and consultants across the project’s spectrum – from real estate, new energy and civil projects. Prior to joining Hamilton Locke, Veno led the Construction and Infrastructure team at Blackstone Waterhouse, as well as working at Minter Ellison, Maddocks and DibbsBarker.