The Solar Energy Industries Association has engaged Piper Alderman to investigate the legality of the NSW Government's retrospective legislation relating to the Solar Bonus Scheme and the possibility of a class action. This continues the firm’s involvement in high profile class actions such as the stoush between Vodafone and disgruntled customers. In a recent interview with ALB, managing partner Tony Phelps said that he did not see the class actions as a change in direction for the firm, pointing out that the firm was simply using a different technique to continue its tradition of involvement in major litigation.

Meanwhile, DLA Piper Australia has been engaged as legal advisor to Housing NSW on the Glebe Cowper Street Social and Affordable Housing Project in Sydney. The project is supported by a memorandum of understanding committing the NSW Government and the City of Sydney to a partnership to investigate affordable housing on two sites totalling 3.6 hectares in Glebe.

Led by Sydney partner Scott Alden, DLA Piper will be advising on a range of legal aspects of the project including the draft tender documentation, the deed of agreement and the contract for sale of the land for market housing.