Andrew Orford and Nada Raphael have rejoined the firm in Brisbane and Perth respectively.

Both return as special counsel after spending the past several years working for major players in the energy and resources sectors.

Orford has more than 12 years' experience in the construction and resources sectors. He returns to Minter Ellison after five years with the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), where he was the contracts and commercial manager and, most recently, the senior manager responsible for the procurement function.

In that role, he provided strategic direction as the lead for all key commitments and commercial arrangements within BMA.

Joining the firm's construction, engineering & infrastructure team, Orford will focus on dispute management and resolution. 

Julie Whitehead, head of Minters’ Brisbane construction, engineering & infrastructure practice, said: “Construction disputes are a significant drain on productive resources for clients. The uncertain economic climate has meant increased pressure for projects to remain on time and on budget, and this pressure has seen a steady increase in disputes.

"With his extensive experience in contract administration, claims preparation and claims management, Andrew adopts a strategic and commercial approach and understands how to avoid and manage the risk of disputes. His private sector front-end expertise and specialist back-end skills will help us to deliver the timely and cost-effective solutions clients want," she said.

A planning and environmental law specialist, Nada Raphael started her legal career with Minters 10 years ago. Most recently, she was senior legal counsel with Fortescue Metals Group Ltd advising on statutory approval processes and compliance across Fortescue’s port, rail and mining projects. She was also responsible for negotiating key outcomes with relevant government authorities and contracting parties. 

With private and public practice experience of providing legal and strategic advice on the application of environmental and planning law, Raphael will focus on major commercial developments and energy and resources related projects.