Piper Alderman snags partner, special counsel from Dentons

This is only the second time the partner, who is a former managing partner at his past firm, has moved in 30 years

Piper Alderman snags partner, special counsel from Dentons
An Australian commercial law firm has scored a partner and a special counsel from the world’s largest law firm.

Piper Alderman has appointed Robert Riddell as partner in its national infrastructure and projects team in Sydney. Joining him from Dentons is special counsel Daniel Fitzpatrick. The appointments follow the firm hiring partner Andrew Rankin from DibbsBarker in June. In May, Holding Redlich hired partner Esteban Gomez from Piper Alderman.

Riddell has more than 30 years’ experience and was previously the managing partner of Gadens in Papua New Guinea, before the firm was acquired by Dentons. He is a specialist infrastructure and construction lawyer, acting both in Australia and abroad for developers, builders, and owners of retail shopping centres, aged care, industrial, and residential developments. He also has an international practice, which provides service on both soft and hard infrastructure projects, including ports, power, education, telecommunications, mining and agribusiness.

Piper Alderman is only the third firm Riddell will be part of in three decades.

“This is only my second move in 30 years of practice and I am very excited about the next chapter in my career. In my view it is the clients’ interests that come first so it was imperative that the depth and breadth of both my Australian and international practice would be well supported in the move,” he said.

Riddell said he that is confident that Piper Alderman’s extensive construction expertise will support his practice and that he is pleased his clients have been supportive of his move.

“It’s an exciting time in the construction and infrastructure sector as it continues to grow at a rapid pace. The appointment of Robert and Daniel will certainly ensure that our national team is positioned to capitalise on opportunities over coming months and years,” said Tony Britten-Jones, Piper Alderman managing partner.

Fitzpatrick, who joined Gadens in 2006, also specialises in construction law. He has particular focus on leasing and property disputes and front-end matters.


Robert Riddell



Daniel Fitzpatrick

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