The Society of Construction Law Australia (SoCLA) is hosting its 13th National Conference from May 6 to 8, 2026, at the Hilton Sydney. This premier event brings together professionals from the construction law sector to discuss and address current challenges and opportunities within the industry.
The conference theme, "Building Certainty in an Uncertain World," will explore topics such as energy transitions, housing shortages, technological innovations, and global shifts impacting construction law. Attendees can expect insightful sessions led by industry experts, including keynote addresses from Bernard Salt AM, Professor Douglas Jones AO, and Dr. Sean Brady.
In addition to the main conference sessions, the event offers exclusive social and networking opportunities, such as Welcome Drinks on Wednesday evening and a Gala Dinner. These events provide delegates with the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and foster professional relationships.
This conference is ideal for legal professionals, construction industry stakeholders, and academics seeking to stay informed about the latest developments in construction law and to engage with leaders in the field.
Speakers(7)
Bernard Salt AM
Founder at The Demographics Group
Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia's leading social commentators. He has written six best-selling books, hosted a TV show on SkyNEWS Business, and a top-rated podcast. After a 20-year career as a Partner in a global advisory firm, he founded The Demographics Group to provide advice on demographic, social, and property trends.
Dr Sean Brady
Dr Sean Brady has acted as an expert witness in numerous proceedings involving a wide range of constructed facilities. He is a Chartered Professional Engineer, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a director of the Society of Construction Law Australia, and a member of the Singapore International Mediation Centre's Panel of Experts. In 2020 he completed the Brady Review, investigating fatalities in the Queensland mining industry. The review analysed 20 years of incident data and resulted in 11 recommendations for industry and regulators to reduce fatality and incident rates. He also speaks, podcasts, and writes on failure, human behaviour, data analytics, and engineering disasters.
Dr. Sean Brady
Chartered Professional Engineer
Dr. Sean Brady is a Chartered Professional Engineer and Fellow of Engineers Australia. He has acted as an expert witness in numerous proceedings involving a wide range of constructed facilities. In 2020, he completed the Brady Review, investigating fatalities in the Queensland mining industry.
Jane Hider
Partner at King & Wood Mallesons
Jane Hider is a partner in the Construction team at King & Wood Mallesons, practicing in all forms of construction and infrastructure procurement. She advises across the entire project lifecycle and lectures in Negotiating Construction Contracts at Melbourne University Law School.
Monique Carroll
Arbitration Counsel and Arbitrator
Monique Carroll is an experienced arbitration counsel and arbitrator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a Listed Arbitrator for several international arbitration centres. She has over 19 years of experience resolving disputes across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, and technology.
Penny Bond
Barrister at Quayside Chambers
Penny Bond is a barrister practicing from Quayside Chambers in Perth, specializing in construction and infrastructure disputes. She has experience in large-scale disputes across various sectors, including oil and gas, mining, and energy infrastructure. Penny has been recognized in Doyle's Guide as a Rising Star in Construction Law.
Prof. Douglas Jones AO
International Arbitrator
Prof. Douglas Jones AO is a leading independent international commercial and investor-state arbitrator with over 40 years' experience. He has been involved in over 190 arbitrations across more than 30 jurisdictions worldwide. He holds professorial appointments at Queen Mary College, University of London, and Melbourne University.
Event Details
- Date
- May 6-8, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia
- Hilton Sydney
- Pricing
- $1,225 - $1,550
- Audience
- Legal professionals, construction industry stakeholders, academics