Woods takes the mantle on 1 July
Construction and projects partner Paul Woods has been named the successor to David Newman as Maddocks’ CEO.
Woods will take the mantle on 1 July. He was the firm’s partnership chair from 2023 to 2025 and also sat on the firm’s board; in these roles, he collaborated closely with Newman on firm strategy and operations.
“I am honoured to lead Maddocks into its next chapter. My vision is for Maddocks to be widely regarded as Australia’s best national, independent law firm – the high-quality alternative to the ‘big 8’ firms – by delivering exceptional service to our clients, fostering a strong culture, and driving disciplined growth”, Woods said.
Woods has been a Maddocks partner for almost two decades. He commenced with the firm in 2005, bringing his experience working on projects involving ports and airports, tertiary and secondary education buildings, roads, bridges, pipelines, high density residential buildings and renewable energy. He has conducted dispute resolution in the infrastructure sector, including litigation, arbitration, expert determination, statutory adjudication and mediation.
He has guided clients on the resolution of complex building and engineering disputes. He has prepared and negotiated project documents for industrial, commercial, residential and government infrastructure.
Woods’ clients have included major Australian and multi-national principals and contractors in building, engineering and infrastructure projects. He appeared before the Supreme Court of Victoria on behalf of a Tier 1 building contractor in relation to claims for delay and extra payment regarding a $120m residential development in Melbourne.
He also advised a major Victorian government procurement authority in relation to an arbitration concerning work on a landfill site; the matter involved around 30 claims for extensions of time and delay damages, as well as counterclaims for liquidated damages. He defended a multinational civil and pipeline contractor on claims involving the GLNG natural gas project in Queensland in a domestic arbitration.
“Paul is an outstanding leader who brings deep knowledge of Maddocks, strong strategic judgment and a genuine commitment to our people, clients and future. The board is confident he is the right person to lead the firm into its next phase of growth and build on the strong foundation already in place”, Maddocks partnership chair Mark Henry said.
Woods has been working with Newman on the transition over recent months, the firm confirmed. Newman has led Maddocks for six years.
