Expert Analyses for Formal Arbitration and Litigation Proceedings

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As recent high-profile litigation demonstrates, the quantification of delay is becoming an increasingly contentious issue in construction law.

Northbank Chambers and FTI Consulting are co-presenting on the topic of Expert Analyses for Formal Arbitration and Litigation Proceedings, specifically in the realms of delay analysis and forensic accounting in the construction sector.

Philippa Ahern and William Hall of Northbank Chambers will outline practical considerations of how to instruct a delay expert and preparing for cross-examination.

Dawna Wright and Du Preez Kirstein of FTI Consulting will discuss the varying methods of delay analysis outlining their applicability in formal dispute proceedings as well as provide an overview of the practical considerations when examining economic loss.

Moderated by Jessica Wacker, Special Counsel, Clayton Utz and Mark Steele KC, Northbank Chambers.

Location of Event

This in person event will be hosted by Clayton Utz on Thursday 21 August 2025 from 5:45 pm.

Level 28, Riparian Plaza

71 Eagle Street

Brisbane QLD 4000

Cost of Event:

This in person event is free of charge for SoCLA members (you must be logged in when registering to receive free registration).

Non members: $49.50

Speakers

Philippa Ahern – Northbank Chambers

Philippa was called to the bar in March 2010. She has since appeared as counsel in a broad range of commercial proceedings, both at trial and appellate level.

She practises in a range of areas, including general commercial litigation, managed investment schemes, banking and finance, insolvency, building and construction, trade practices and intellectual property.

In recent years she has been recommended in various categories in Doyle’s Guide, including Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Insolvency & Reconstruction and Intellectual Property & TMT.

Before being called to the Bar, Philippa served as an associate to Justice Fryberg of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2002 and 2003. Subsequently, she worked as a solicitor for six years in the Commercial Litigation/Insolvency practice group at a national law firm.

William Hall - Northbank Chambers

William was called to the Bar in 2024 and accepts briefs in all areas of law, with a particular emphasis on commercial and public law. Prior to being called to the Bar, William graduated from the Master of Law at the University of Cambridge, which was awarded with First Class Honours, where he studied a diverse range of subjects including restitution, industrial law, and law and economics. While in England, William spent time in London completing mini-pupillages at leading commercial and public law chambers.

William was the Associate to the Honourable Justice D A Mullins AO of the Queensland Court of Appeal, worked as an associate at a leading international law firm where he liaised with delay experts, and has worked as a sessional academic in property law and jurisprudence.

During his time at the Bar, William has appeared for the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, has acted in building adjudication work, and has advised in building and construction matters.

Du Preez Kirstein - FTI Consulting

Du Preez is a testified delay expert with over 19 years of experience advising major engineering and construction firms across transport, infrastructure, building, power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical, and mining sectors in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

His expertise spans prospective and contemporaneous planning for live projects, forensic delay analysis, and expert witness services in adjudication, arbitration and litigation in 17 different counties.

Du Preez remains actively engaged in the claims and project management communities. He is a chartered member of the Academy of Experts, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners, and a fellow of both Association for Project Management and the Australian Institute of Project Management.

Dawna Wright - FTI Consulting

Dawna Wright specialises in the interpretation of complex data and financial information and providing expert opinions for Courts and Tribunals. Dawna has over 30 years of experience in auditing and forensic accounting, and clients value her accessibility and her hands-on approach.

A Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Dawna has worked in Canada, the United States, France and Australia, including as a Partner in both ‘Big Four’ and boutique firms. Dawna has led a wide range of matters as an independent expert witness, a consulting expert and an expert determiner.

Dawna has testified on behalf of corporates, governments and regulators. Her experience includes many construction-related disputes, ranging from property development projects to major hospital and mining projects to infrastructure assets. The opinions provided relate to account for costs incurred, economic loss, valuation, and compliance with accounting standards. She has provided expert testimony in all major Courts and Administrative Tribunals in Australia and Bermuda, as well as arbitrations in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong.

She has been recognised by Lexology every year since 2016, and was named Forensic Accountant of the year in 2021 and 2024.

Moderators

Jessica Wacker - Clayton Utz

Jessica Wacker (née Hourn) is a Special Counsel in the Major Projects & Construction team at Clayton Utz's Brisbane office.

Jess assists public and private sector clients in resolving disputes on a diverse range of projects in the Asia-Pacific region. She has experience across a range of sectors, including transport (roads and ports), social infrastructure, water and waste services infrastructure, renewable energy and mining.

Jess's passion lies in the resolution of large and complex construction disputes. She has experience in all forms of commercial dispute resolution, with a particular expertise in litigation, arbitration and statutory adjudication. Jessica is focussed on providing outstanding service to her clients. She is technically strong and has a proven ability to manage disputes strategically and commercially.

Jess is part of the back-end team, but works closely with the front-end of the practice, advising and supporting clients on project delivery and contract management issues. Jess has experience advising on, drafting and negotiating construction contracts and ancillary documents for commercial, civil and industrial projects.

Mark Steel KC - Northbank Chambers

Mark practises primarily in commercial litigation and arbitration, building and construction, succession law, and administrative law. He took silk in 2022.

Mark has appeared in Courts and Tribunals at trial and appellate level, including in the High Court, Federal Courts and Tribunals, and State Courts and Tribunals, and in an international arbitration.

Mark is an experienced mediator, and has successfully completed mediation training with the Australian Disputes Centre

Mark is a member of two committees of the Bar Association of Queensland: the Migration Law Committee; and the South Pacific Region Continuing Legal Education Committee.

Mark is a joint winner of the 2015 Australian Lawyers’ Alliance Qld Civil Justice Award.

Mark was recommended by Doyle’s as a leading construction & infrastructure barrister in 2022.