National firm Sparke Helmore Lawyers has added a partner to its projects and government commercial team, as well as a special counsel who specialises in contract law and dispute resolution.
New Sparke Helmore Lawyers partner Paul Calvert joined from Gadens in late January, bringing with him specialist knowledge in projects, construction and infrastructure law.
Calvert regularly acted for developers and principals, builders and developer-builders of all sizes, state and local government departments, suppliers, consultants, and bank and non-bank leaders.
This has seen him act in projects throughout the east coast, Tasmania, Western Australia, and on some of Queensland’s “largest and most iconic projects”, according to Sparke Helmore.
National practice group leader for projects and government commercial, Paul Tobin, said Calvert is a “highly regarded expert known for his collaborative approach”.
“It’s also a great leap forward for us to have someone of Paul’s calibre take the lead in growing our construction practice across Queensland,” Tobin said.
On his new role, Calvert said the opportunity was an “exciting one”.
“The firm’s commitment to regional areas, including the recent opening of a Cairns office, as well as the strong cross-referral culture, means that I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career at Sparke Helmore,” Calvert said.
Sparke Helmore also added Martin Kelly, a special counsel with over 18 years of experience as a commercial lawyer.
Kelly is based in the Newcastle office but will also maintain a regular presence in Darwin to ensure a continuity of service for his longstanding Northern Territory clients.
National practice group leader for corporate and commercial, Julien Castaldi, said Kelly’s extensive local knowledge and expertise “will be valuable in strengthening our Darwin presence” alongside Darwin local managing partner George Roussos.
“Martin will also build on our current offering by taking a hands-on role with our clients in Newcastle and regional NSW.
“We are excited to welcome Martin to the team,” Castaldi said.
Kelly said he was pleased to join the firm and continue his well-established presence within the Northern Territory.
“I am equally looking forward to reconnecting with longstanding friends and colleagues in Newcastle and regional NSW and making Newcastle my new home,” Kelly said.
