Simon Palmer

• Provided legal advice and support to the senior management team on all corporate matters in a fast paced environment where there are competing priorities;
• Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Advised on contractual claims and insurance claims, subpoeana to produce;
• Analysed potential legal risks associated with proposed business activities having regarding to information researched online;
• Monitored legislative developments relating to regulatory compliance issues;
• Undertake training to front line personnel for governance and risk mitigation;
• Performed research on relevant statutory provisions impacting corporate operations.

Achievements

• Proactively advised stakeholders on need for change to comply with Unfair Contracts Act amendments, providing guidance and amending all downstream contracts resulting in mitigating risk of offending the legislation;
• Drafting position papers for my line manager to provide submissions to the Anti-Dumping Commission of product imported to Australia by competitors resulting in the inferior product being investigated;
• Review internal evidence on substantial commercial contractual claim resulting in advice that there were poor merits of success resulting in no loss of reputation;
• Drafted the Modern Slavery Policy and Statement resulting in compliance with the Federal law; and
• Established excellent working relationships with stakeholders through day-to-day interactions and regular training for those requiring it resulting in better performance.

• Provided legal advice and support to business units on contractual, regulatory and compliance matters;
• Drafted, negotiated and reviewed a variety of commercial contracts, such as service agreements, leases and purchase orders;
• Conducted research on legal issues related to the company's operations and industry regulations;
• Prepare training materials and deliver training to staff in face-to-face and online formats so as to have those delivering better equipped to understand contract and legal risk;
• Developed strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with transactions or other activities;
• Prepared memoranda to General Counsel for relevant changes in laws and key case law which may affect operations;
• Assisted in the development of corporate policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Achievements

• Advised on legislative changes under the NSW Building Practitioner's Act and the Victorian equivalent resulting in awareness and compliance by management and relevant internal stakeholders;
• Advised local General Counsel of amendments required to employer's insurance such to ensure insurance responds where employer contracts out proportionate liability legislation; and
• Advise on a novation solution where the contractor was insolvent and unable to complete a property development resulting in project completion.

• Actively monitored changes in legislation affecting company operations; provided guidance on regulatory developments that may impact the business;
• Drafted correspondence to external parties concerning various legal issues;
• Prepared legal opinions in response to questions from management relating to contractual rights and obligations;
• Collaborated with colleagues across departments on projects that involve multiple stakeholders;
• Ensured that all forms used by the organization are compliant with applicable laws; and
• Advised clients on intricacies of law, fostering informed understanding of legal rights and obligations.

Achievements

• Advising on significant urgent Covid-19 procurement supply contracts for the State of NSW where my employer was the procurer for health products resulting in a satisfactory risk profile alround;
• Advised on tender and contract negotiations for the NSW Department of Justice facilities management account, resulting in board understanding risk and additional legislative compliances to successful undertake the work;
• Undertaking reviews of bespoke project proposals and tenders in the energy industry such as Powerlink Qld and Transgrid resuling in a risk plans and risk workshops for subcontractors to ensure that WHS and other risks were managed;
• Advising the critical environments manager on environmental compliance issues oursourced to subcontractors and managing risks, resulting in the final subcontract providing for absolute obligations regarding compliance;
• Advised senior management on requirements for Modern Slavery legislation resulting in a compliant policy and submitted MS Statement;
• Acted as chief privacy officer and advisor to Whistleblower hotline, receiving complaints from accounts held, including for NSW government accounts.

• Reviewed, drafted and negotiated a wide range of commercial contracts, including license agreements, services agreements, joint venture agreements and purchase and supply agreements.
• Provided proactive and well-researched advice to various silos of the business including water, energy and environment;
• Conducted legal research and analysis in order to advise clients on complex legal issues;
• Undertake training in lunch and learn format on issues where delivery staff were left wanting;
• Prepared reports for executive management regarding changes in legislation that may affect the company's operations;
• Advised on content negotiations between parties involved in disputes or contractual disagreements; and
• Mentored other members of the legal team and regularly reported to the Head of Legal.

Achievements

• Successfully completed the contract negotiations on some infrastructure projects, including advising on risk related matters including in relation to Sydney Water panel and various tenders and designs concerning wind farms and solar farms;
• Advised on a spill from Eraring Power Station including providing a contract to assist with the investigation;
• Negotiated two separate panel agreements with Sydney Water internal stakeholders resulting in good working agreement for both parties;
• Undertook review of contract for decommissioning Lidell Power Station, which included elevating high risk issues to risk committe and providing assistance on risk plan.

Experience across law firms and NSW Goverment agencies, the most relevant provided below:

NSW Office of Fair Trading, Manager Home Building Unit where 3 years experience included (May 1999 to May 2002):

• Preparation and advice in respect of house notes, ministerial correspondence, what were termed FOI applications
• Managing a team of 5 including another qualified lawyer and meeting group KPIs;
• Undertaking commercial and policy work on behalf of the unit and outsourcing of recoveries to a panel of 3 law firms, including managing the budget;
• Providing summaries advice to management and the Director-General's office in plain clear English regarding high profile matters, including those which are the subject of media attention;
• Provide training to stakeholders to upskill them on matters of importance including those which are subject of individual employee's KPIs; and
• Undertake research of caselaw including review of external legal advice to check its correctness;
• Provide prompt and exemplary customer service to the customers of Fair Trading.

Highlight

• Successful defence of challenge from a residential builder to interpretation of legislation in Sleigh v Fair Trading Administration Corporation.

Housing NSW, contract legal officer, 2006

• Undertake policy work for Housing NSW on proposed projects considered as directed by the Grade VI legal officer;
• Research and advise on litigation matters involving assets of Housing NSW; and
• Advise the advocate team (who appeared in NCAT) on tenancy related matters, likely outcomes.
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