Elizabeth Wilson specialises in engineering, construction and energy disputes arising out of complex high value major projects around the world. She has spent over 17 years acting for owners, contractors and designers in projects spanning across the oil & gas, power, infrastructure, mining, IT and defence sectors.
Elizabeth was recognised by Chambers UK 2016 as “a first-class senior associate; unflappable, efficient and very sharp.” She was named a Future Leader in Who’s Who Legal (Construction) 2021. In Legal 500 UK 2024 she was ranked for Contentious Construction (referred to as “quick, clever and canny”) and also a recommended individual for International Arbitration and Public International Law. She was identified in Chambers UK 2025 Construction: International Arbitration as Up and Coming:
"Elizabeth is an outstanding lawyer, a trusted advisor and a very pleasant personality. She navigates through complex, multifaceted disputes with ease and sets out a clear path forward."
“Elizabeth always delivers commercially aware legal advice. She is meticulous, thoughtful and responsive. She goes the extra mile."
Elizabeth has regularly conducted litigation in the UK Courts (in particular the Technology and Construction Court in London) and Australia; and arbitrations globally both ad hoc and governed by various major international rules. She has acted on projects in jurisdictions including the UK, Malaysia, the Middle East, South East, Central and East Asia, Trinidad & Tobago and Australia.
- Acting in relation to a >USD400 million dispute regarding the condition of an oil offshore asset as at completion / handover of an IOC’s operatorship under various Production Sharing Agreements, involving issues of defects in design & construction, obsolescence, and long term failures in maintenance.
- Advising a Malaysian state-owned entity in relation to claims arising out of a major incident at its USD25Bn refinery.
- Advised a power and utilities entity in relation to various disputes and rights under guarantees arising out of its construction investments in Europe.
- Acted for a state owned entity regarding liability for failed sub ocean floor gas transportation drilling works on a large scale LNG project in the Caribbean; as well as related litigation in the Commercial Court against insurers.
- Acted for an oil & gas aggregator in various arbitrations seated in the U.S. against downstream customers regarding liability for gas curtailments and entitlements to contract renewals.
- Acted for an international oil company in its successful defence of a class action the subject of a 5 month trial in the TCC regarding construction of a pipeline through regional Colombia and resulting alleged damage & loss of productivity to the area.
- Acted for a major infrastructure contractor in expedited proceedings in the High Court and Court of Appeal in London regarding its 25 year PFI project.
- Acted in relation to disputes arising out of defects in and delays to the construction of power plants in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Asia.
- Advised an international designer regarding drafting of contractual terms; risks and liability associated with its design obligations re a nuclear new-build facility.
- Acted for a global engineering and construction services provider (engaged as EPCM contractor) in relation to liability for defective works on aspects of an LNG project in Australia.
- Acted for Brookfield Multiplex in its TCC litigation against the designing engineer arising out of delays to construction of Wembley stadium.
- Acted for an international digital & technology consultancy regarding claims made by a utility company in relation to implementation of SAP technology in its billing systems.
- Acted for a U.S. defence contractor in relation to disputes regarding provision of design and implementation of an air traffic defence system at various military sites around Australia.
- The University of Western Australia
(LL.B., distinction, 2003) - The University of Western Australia
(BSc, 2000)
- Solicitor, England and Wales
- Solicitor, New South Wales
- Solicitor, Western Australia
- Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer:
- Counsel, 2017-2018
- Associate/Senior Associate, 2007-2017
- King & Wood Mallesons:
- Associate, 2004-2007
- Ranked by Chambers UK Construction: International Arbitration Up and Coming, 2024 and 2025
- "She is a very switched-on partner."
- “Elizabeth is an outstanding lawyer, a trusted advisor and a very pleasant personality. She navigates through complex, multifaceted disputes with ease and sets out a clear path forward.”
- “Elizabeth always delivers commercially aware legal advice. She is meticulous, thoughtful and responsive. She goes the extra mile.”
- Named by Legal 500 UK Public International Law, International Arbitration, and Construction: Contentious – Recommended Lawyer, 2025
- Ranked by Legal 500 Construction: Contentious Tier 4, 2024
- Ranked by Legal 500 UK International Arbitration and Public International Law – Recommended Individual, 2024