Scott helps clients deliver complex construction and energy projects with confidence, from procurement and delivery through to resolving disputes when they arise. He leads our Band One-ranked Construction & Infrastructure and Energy practices, is recognised by the Best Lawyers Guide, and is licensed in New Zealand, New York, and Texas. With significant experience spanning New Zealand and the United States, Scott has developed a proven methodology for managing challenging projects and disputes, placing each client’s priorities at the forefront of his strategy.
Scott has advised major stakeholders on some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects and disputes, including Transmission Gully, Turitea Wind Farm, Waimea Dam, Paremoremo and Waikeria Prisons, and the Metro Sports Facility. His clients have included Mercury, Genesis, Fulton Hogan, Jacobs, AECOM, Honeywell, Fisher & Paykel, Helios, and IKEA.
In his project delivery role, Scott provides strategic, tailored advice across all phases, from tender stage through to completion. He often works in a light-touch advisory capacity, staying across progress to identify legal and commercial pinch points early and resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively. His approach focuses on clarifying a delivery roadmap upfront, preventing conflict, and acting as an independent sounding board, combining legal precision with commercial pragmatism to achieve better outcomes. When formal disputes arise, Scott takes a strategic and commercially focused approach, aiming for pragmatic resolutions that protect client interests and maintain valuable relationships.
Before joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Scott worked at Bracewell LLP in Houston, advising energy companies, banks, and private equity firms on transactions, project financing, and joint development arrangements for major energy projects. His global perspective allows him to bring world-class insights and strategies to New Zealand’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
Scott holds a Master of Laws (Energy, Environment & Arbitration) from the University of Texas and is committed to supporting New Zealand’s energy transition and enabling infrastructure that creates climate and nature-positive outcomes.
Career highlights
Advises on major infrastructure projects across New Zealand. On Turitea Wind Farm, assisted Mercury with project delivery and resolving all disputes under two major contracts during construction of New Zealand’s largest wind farm. On Transmission Gully, provided delivery oversight to the SPV and managed complex claims and dispute resolution matters over the course of the construction of what is New Zealand’s largest roading infrastructure. Advised Fulton Hogan on Waimea Dam on construction delivery, claims and dispute resolution throughout the project, which included winning a strategically important and significant adjudication claim. Advised Jacobs during the delivery of Baypark to Bayfair and helped resolve all contentious matters and close out the project without any formal dispute resolution occurring.
Acts in formal dispute resolution settings for a range of construction, infrastructure and energy clients. Has acted as counsel to Jacobs in all proceedings relating to their projects based in New Zealand, and all matters have been brought to early and favourable commercial resolution. Have had other significant successes in arbitrations which have gone to an award, including for AECOM and DIA who were successful in both the substantive outcome and with high-recovery costs awards.
Advised on the Edgecumbe Solar Farm project for Genesis Energy on the development of its Edgecumbe Solar Farm project. Advised Taylors Contracting on the Mt Cass Wind Farm, supporting with the negotiation and drafting of the Civil Balance of Plant Contract (and related supplier and subcontractor agreements) with Yinson Renewables.
Prior to joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Scott worked on major energy infrastructure projects including power plants, interstate oil and gas pipelines, onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration projects, and refineries.
Affiliations
- Member, Infrastructure New Zealand
- Member, Society of Construction Law New Zealand
- Member, New Zealand Wind Energy Association
- Member, New Zealand Hydrogen Council
Achievements and recognition
- Band 1 team, Energy & Natural Resources, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Band 1 team, Construction, Chambers Asia-Pacific
- Tier 1 team, Construction, The Legal 500 Asia-Pacific
- Recognised, Construction Law, The Best Lawyers