HopgoodGanim has hired Kristen Kipps as a partner in its Brisbane construction practice.

Kipps started on 2 November and brings 16+ years’ experience in construction and major projects.

She joins from Thomsons, where she spent eight months as special counsel. Before that, she was at CDI Lawyers for nearly three years, where she rose from senior associate to principal.

She works on both deals and disputes. On the front end, she handles procurement, contract negotiation, project delivery and risk allocation. When things go sideways, she handles claims, variations, delays, defects and disputes.

Kipps acts for developers, principals and contractors across energy and renewables, residential and social infrastructure, and other major projects. She has also worked in project management and in-house, so she understands the commercial and operational side of major projects.

“Her appointment adds further depth to our Construction practice in Brisbane and builds on the expertise we already have in Perth,” said Managing Partner Luke Mountford.

Kipps will work alongside Perth Construction Partner Andrew Vinciullo, linking the firm’s construction teams in the two cities.

“Kristen’s experience on both the contracting and disputes sides of construction complements our existing practice well, and I’m looking forward to having her as part of the team,” Vinciullo said.

HopgoodGanim isn’t the only firm adding construction lawyers. The hire comes after Pinsent Masons poached infrastructure specialist Jonathan Stafford from Dentons in October and Lander & Rogers hired Richard Crookes Constructions GC Jennifer Tyler as a partner in August.

Source: HopgoodGanim