Profile
Kathryn is a leading projects lawyer specialising in energy, major projects and development. She has a strong focus on major infrastructure and renewable energy projects providing strategic commercial advice on significant construction and infrastructure, innovative renewable energy solutions, wind, solar and hybrid power plant projects, landfill gas projects, coal and gas fired power plants and emerging and new technologies Australia wide.
Kathryn regularly advises investors, developers, principals, operators, contractors and financiers on contractual documentation including drafting, reviewing and negotiating tenders and construction documentation, EPC contracts, infrastructure agreements, providing procurement and project delivery advice, PPP models, environmental compliance and licencing, land use approvals and access, land and groundwater contamination, Native Title, , Australian Energy Regulator compliance and enforcement, National Electricity Market advice, power purchase agreements, offtake agreements, renewable energy projects, water allocations and licenses, biodiversity conservation and all related disputes.
Kathryn draws on her practical skills and comprehensive industry knowledge obtained through her many associations and committees to add real value to her clients. Highly regarded by her peers, Kathryn has also received recognition from industry bodies including the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) Awards for Excellence – Women in Leadership Award in 2020 and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Next Generation Partner in 2021.
Expertise
Recognition
‘We have no hesitation in putting Kathryn Walker in the top 5% of legal professionals we currently deal with. She ‘gets it’, takes the lead and doesn’t need to be educated in the planning and energy sectors which relate to our projects.’
Client Testimony: Greg Toop, Managing Director – Flagstaff Park Holdings
‘We have no hesitation in putting Kathryn Walker in the top 5% of legal professionals we currently deal with. She ‘gets’ it she doesn’t need to be educated in the planning and energy sectors which relate to our projects and she takes the lead. Outcome focused from day one, understanding our strengths and weaknesses being prepared to work in a team to deliver projects is important to us.’
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, 2022 edition
Accolades
- Best Lawyers in Australia – Recognised for Construction/Infrastructure Law (Adelaide, AU) – Since 2021 edition
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Recommended for Energy (transactions and regulatory), 2020, 2021 & 2022 editions
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Recommended for Construction, 2020, 2021 & 2022 editions
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Next Generation Partner, 2021 edition
- The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia – Next Generation Partner, 2022 edition
- Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) Awards for Excellence – Women in Leadership Award, 2020
Recent deals and media coverage
- Partner takes up new post at Piper Alderman – Lawyers Weekly, 13 December 2018
- Seasoned lawyer joins Piper Alderman in Adelaide – Australasian Lawyer, 12 December 2018
- SA’s best in urban development | Career built on strong need for change – The Advertiser, 27 October 2020
Memberships
- Member, SACOME (SA) Energy Committee, 2021
- Chair, Ministerial Development Industry Advisory Committee, 2021
- Member, Urban Development Committee, Property Council of Australia (SA), 2021
- Member, Planning Committee and Executive Management Committee, Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA), 2021
- Member, HIA Planning Committee (SA), 2021
- Board member, Eldercare Inc.
Insights
22 July 2021
UPDATE: Construction Pause in South Australia – Reopening construction for Targeted Essential State Infrastructure
Read More21 July 2021
Generator slapped with $1.1 million in penalties for failing to obtain approval for the factory...
Read More03 June 2021
Wait your turn! Renewable projects at risk of “one at a time” sequencing protocols for...
Read More08 October 2020