José de Ponte

Partner
About

Collaborate with José and you’ll not only receive highly technical legal counsel; but also gain a dedicated partner with extensive experience who genuinely cares about your success.

José is a projects and infrastructure lawyer who brings consistent dedication and meticulous attention to his work. With extensive experience advising on large, high-profile infrastructure projects across the globe, particularly in Australia and South East Asia.

While he specialises in everything from transport projects (toll roads, airports, railways and harbours) to social infrastructure projects (hospitals, schools, prisons and social housing) and the burgeoning renewables sector, his commitment to excellence remains unwavering in all his endeavours.

In all José has advised on over 50 projects for governments, sponsors, contractors and financiers covering an array of sectors including, transport (toll roads, airports, railways and harbours), social infrastructure (hospitals, schools, prisons and social housing), mining, power (including renewables) and water treatment.

To José, law isn't just a profession—it's a true calling. He firmly believes in his role to navigate practical outcomes for his clients, always staying abreast of the evolving market.

Clients deeply trust José not just for his expertise but for his genuine care. When he stands with a client, he's fully committed, making their challenges his own.

Described by peers and clients alike as friendly, straightforward, and tenacious, José relishes the intricate challenge of crafting legal language. He sees drafting as an artful blend of precision and skill.

With José, you're teaming up with a committed partner who brings both legal know-how and a sincere desire for your success.

Professional QualificationsAttorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South AfricaSolicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales

EXPERIENCE

Key experience

Australia and New Zealand

  • Advising Transport for NSW on the Regional Rail DBFM Project to replace the entire New South Wales regional diesel rail fleet (comprising the Endeavour, XPLORER and XPT fleets).
  • Advising the joint venture of Acciona and Ferrovial in relation to their bid on the Melbourne Metro PPP Project for the delivery of the main tunnelling works, five underground stations, station fit-out, mechanical and electrical systems and specific maintenance services.
  • Advising a successful joint venture of Lend Lease Engineering and Bouygues (LLBJV) in their role as preferred contractor for the D&C of the NorthConnex motorway tunnel PPP project.
  • Advising Essential Water in relation to the design, construction and operation of a $467 million pipeline supplying water from the Murray River to Broken Hill.
  • Advising KDR on the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Operator Franchise PPP stages 1 and 2.
  • Advising Hume Community Housing Association in relation to its successful bid for the transfer of over 2000 social housing tenancies under the NSW Government’s social housing management transfer program.
  • Advising Hawkins Construction on their role as D&C contractor for the New Zealand Combined Schools 2 PPP Project.

Asia and the Pacific

  • Advising the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Kazakhstan in relation to the development of a 300-bed general hospital on a PPP basis, in or around the campus of the Karaganda State Medical University located in Karaganda city, Kazakhstan.
  • Advising the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority on the grant of concessions for the upgrade, operation and maintenance of 5 regional airports in the Philippines.
  • Advising the Government of the Solomon Islands in relation to the establishment of their PPP Centre.
  • Advising the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on the development of the concession agreement and tender documentation for the Tibar Bay Port PPP.
Languages
  • Portuguese
  • Afrikaans
  • English
Education
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of the Witwatersrand, 1994
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, 1992

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