Tessa Dignam Email & Phone Number

Nairobi County, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi County, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairob

Iseme Kamau & Maema Advocates is the DLA Piper Africa member firm in Kenya.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tessa works in the dedicated construction team in BLP's UAE hub – Abu Dhabi. The construction team advises and acts in relation to complex, high profile projects including in relation to some of the UAE, and the wider MENA region's most notable developments, buildings and infrastructure projects. Tessa provides succinct and strategic advice to clients which addresses both legal and commercial priorities before, during, and after a formal dispute. In the UAE and broader MENA region, construction disputes are typically resolved by arbitration and in this role, Tessa works across a number of procedural and geographical jurisdictions, including ADCCAC, DIAC, and the ICC. Tessa also regularly advises clients at the design development and planning stages of a project, including drafting of contract documents and performing pre-tender contract risk assessments. She provides strategic and legal advice throughout the course of a project to assist project teams to manage progress and ensure compliance with the contract. This includes advising on bespoke and standard form contracts, including consultancy and fitout agreements, build only, D&B and EPC contracts. Notably, Tessa was the lead Associate responsible for drafting a complex suite of contract documents in relation to a significant commercial and residential development in Myanmar.

Abu Dhabi

Tessa works in the dedicated construction team in BLP's UAE hub – Abu Dhabi. The construction team advises and acts in relation to complex, high profile projects including in relation to some of the UAE, and the wider MENA region's most notable developments, buildings and infrastructure projects. Tessa provides succinct and strategic advice to clients which addresses both legal and commercial priorities before, during, and after a formal dispute. In the UAE and broader MENA region, construction disputes are typically resolved by arbitration and in this role, Tessa works across a number of procedural and geographical jurisdictions, including ADCCAC, DIAC, and the ICC. Tessa also regularly advises clients at the design development and planning stages of a project, including drafting of contract documents, performing contract reviews, and providing ongoing project management advice and guidance to assist project teams to manage progress and ensure compliance with the contract. This includes advising on bespoke and standard form contracts, including consultancy and fitout agreements, build only, D&B and EPC contracts. Notably, Tessa is currently the Lead Associate responsible for drafting a complex suite of contract documents in relation to a significant commercial and residential development in Myanmar.

Canberra

Responsible for drafting evidence, submissions, mediation papers, settlement agreements and internal decision briefs and briefing and management of expert witnesses in relation to multiple Supreme Court proceedings. Provides confident, concise written and verbal advice on contractual arrangements and contract management in complex, sensitive projects, while managing client expectations and commercial priorities. The work includes canvassing dispute strategy with clients and developing and implementing dispute avoidance plans or facilitating various types of ADR. Collaborates with commercial clients on the management and construction of building contracts. Supervises and delegates to junior and support staff and appears in the Federal Courts and ACT and NSW Courts.

Canberra

Practices primarily in building and construction dispute resolution but also enjoy commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution and debt recovery. Advises clients on recovery of and liability for payments under the Security of Payments legislative scheme and preparing payment schedules, adjudication applications and adjudication responses. Responsible for drafting court documents, evidence, written submissions, mediation documents and settlement agreements in litigious matters. Experienced in briefing and instructing experts and Counsel and appearances in ACAT, the ACT Magistrates and Supreme Courts and the NSW Local Court. Works with and advises a range of clients including developers, Owners Corporations, builders, subcontractors and individuals on disputes about complex contractual arrangements.

Responsible for planning, managing and delivering specifc projects to the management team and the students themselves. Significant projects include management of Open Day and two Graduation Ceremonies, and finalising compliance documentation prior to an audit by the education authority.

Drafts research reports on new and emerging markets in France, Belgium and Luxembourg which should be exposed to Australian businesses. Such reports involved extensive research in French and English on market data, opportunities and the existing trade barriers in different fields. Providing event management support to the Business Deleopment Manager at marketing and product launch events. Liaising with French suppliers, guests, media and other Embassy staff.

Event ManagementStudent recruitment and conversionMarketing and administrative support for the Scholarship programManagement of the Student Ambassador Program

Law And Arts, International Law, French, Spanish, International Relations

Activities and Societies: Law Students' Association 2008-2010, Netball Club 2007-2011, University Games Team 2007-2011, Touch Football.

Law, International Business