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Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed energy and infrastructure projects specialist Jonathan Stafford as a partner in its Sydney office, a move the firm said further strengthens its capability across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Stafford joins the firm’s projects team with more than 20 years of experience advising contractors on the procurement, contracting and delivery of major energy and infrastructure projects.
His experience spans transport, energy, telecommunications and social infrastructure, with a particular focus on supporting Tier 1 contractors through complex bid and delivery environments, the firm said. In addition to his private practice experience, Stafford spent two years in a senior role within a major infrastructure business, which the firm said gave him firsthand insight into the commercial, operational and risk considerations that shape project bids and delivery.
He joins from Dentons, where he has served since early this year, and prior to this, he was a partner at DLA Piper and Colin Biggers & Paisley for six and a half years each.
The news follows the firm’s appointment of a new senior partner in August and its election of a new managing partner in October.
It also follows its addition of a special counsel for its technology, media, and telecommunications practice in Sydney in September.
Speaking about the appointment, Pinsent Masons’ head of Asia-Pacific, James Morgan-Payler, said Stafford’s arrival reflects growing demand from clients who are navigating increasingly complex energy and infrastructure projects.
“Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region continue to see significant investment in energy, transport and other critical infrastructure. Clients are looking for advisers who understand both the legal and commercial realities of delivering major projects,” he said.
“Jonathan brings a strong track record advising contractors on some of the market’s most significant projects, together with valuable experience gained from working within a major infrastructure business. That combination makes him an outstanding addition to our team.”
Pinsent Masons’ head of projects Asia-Pacific, Mark Waddell, added that Stafford’s experience would further strengthen the firm’s contractor-side offering, noting that he has built his career working alongside contractors on bids, contract negotiations and project delivery.
“Jonathan has spent his career working alongside contractors through bids, contract negotiations and project delivery. He understands how projects are procured, priced and delivered because he has worked alongside contractor teams throughout the project lifecycle,” he said.
“His ability to combine legal expertise with commercial insight is highly valued by clients and aligns strongly with the way we work at Pinsent Masons.”
Stafford said he was excited to join the firm at a time of significant investment across the energy and infrastructure sectors: “Pinsent Masons has built a leading projects practice across Australia and Asia-Pacific, with deep sector expertise and a strong focus on supporting clients throughout the project lifecycle.
“There is significant investment underway across energy, transport and social infrastructure, creating both opportunities and challenges for project participants. I look forward to helping clients navigate complex procurement processes, contract structures and delivery risks as they bring projects to market.”
