Qualifications
Ian Roberts SC is a senior counsel with more than 30 years of experience as a lawyer including more than 25 years at the NSW Bar. His successful practice focuses on construction and infrastructure law, commercial law, professional negligence, transport law and appellate proceedings. He appears regularly in the NSW Supreme Court Technology & Construction List and Commercial List and the Federal Court of Australia. Ian accepts appointments as a mediator, referee and expert in expert determinations and also facilitates expert witnesses’ conclaves.
Ian is also interested in the role technology can play in preparing and conducting litigation, particularly since the effects of Covid-19 restrictions have changed the way we practice. He enjoys the teamwork involved in litigation and case management and values the input of solicitors, junior counsel, clients and experts. In doing so, he understands that every person in the team brings something beneficial to the case, whether that involves investigating evidence, discovery, communicating with witnesses, drafting or researching and developing a case theory.
Ian’s clients include building owners and developers, building companies, construction consultants and insurers, especially professional indemnity and marine insurers. Before becoming a barrister, Ian worked in Minter Ellison’s insurance practice group, where he specialised in defending professional indemnity claims brought against building industry professionals such as architects and engineers.
An interest in history and the social attitudes and historical bases that have shaped legal precedents helps Ian understand the importance of why a particular legal problem came to exist.
Ian was a founding director of Greenway Chambers and was heavily involved in its creation and development. He regularly participates as chair and speaker at Greenway’s Continuing Professional Development seminars, particularly the Super Series.
Outside of his work as a barrister, Ian’s obsessions include cycling and playing guitar, including in the Greenway Chambers band, Brief Encounter.
For availability requests please contact Mr Roberts SC’s secretary Lisa Maloney.
Specialisations
- Appellate
- Building and construction
- Commercial law and equity
- Professional indemnity and insurance
- Transport
Professional Recognition
- Chambers & Partners 2024 - Construction & Infrastructure Band 2 Ranking
- Doyles Guide 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Leading Senior Counsel, Construction and Infrastructure (NSW) -- Leading
- Doyles Guide 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Leading Senior Counsel, Construction and Infrastructure (Australia) -- Recommended
- Best Lawyers Australia 2021, 2024, 2026 Edition Construction and Infrastructure
Ian’s philosophy
“Measure twice, cut once.”
