Ms. Patel is a certified quantity surveyor and qualified project manager. She specializes in quantum expert witness services for construction and engineering disputes in adjudication, arbitration, and litigation.
Ms. Patel is instructed directly as a quantum expert and acts as lead assistant to the appointed quantum expert on large-scale complex infrastructure and engineering projects in dispute. She is skilled in undertaking forensic analysis, assessment of variations, prolongation and disruption claims, valuation of progress claims, and development of first principles estimates. Ms. Patel is also seasoned in drafting expert reports and joint expert reports, preparing cross-examination bundles, and managing expectations of the instructing party.
Recognised by Lexology (formerly Who’s Who Legal) as a Highly Recommended Construction Expert and Future Leader in Arbitration Expert Witnesses, Ms. Patel is described as “professional and diligent,” “pragmatic in her approach to quantum assessment,” and known for producing “well-ordered and cohesive reports.” Lexology also recognises her as “a highly skilled quantum expert” and “a trusted advisor for complex disputes” highlighting her extensive experience providing quantum analysis on major infrastructure projects in Australia and internationally.
Before joining Secretariat, Ms. Patel gained professional expertise through her engagement with consulting and contracting firms, including on-site roles in Australia and New Zealand. She has performed all essential facets of quantity surveying for projects spanning diverse market sectors and delivered through different contract mechanisms. Additionally, her experience encompasses overseeing infrastructure projects from their conceptualization, through construction, to the final handover as a client-side project manager. She has also contributed to claims assessment and dispute resolution, representing the interests of clients or contractors.
Ms. Patel is a passionate industry professional who actively contributes to the industry in numerous ways, including writing articles for industry publications, delivering presentations to law firms, and speaking at events and panel discussions, all focused on topics associated with quantum expert services. Charmy serves as an active member on a number of committees.
As organizations face increasingly complex environmental challenges involving PFAS, microplastics, water quality, and product liability, Dr. Rackl brings more than two decades of experience helping clients investigate these issues, identify root causes, and navigate evolving regulatory requirements.
The New eDiscovery: Defensibility in an AI-Driven, Chat-First World
eDiscovery is entering a new era, where AI-powered review and chat-based communications are challenging assumptions about data completeness and requiring organisations to focus on governance, explainability, and defensible decision-making.
E‑Bike Batteries and Risk Issues
The continued growth of e‑bike adoption has been accompanied by risks related to lithium‑ion batteries, including fires and explosions. Recent developments in incident data, standards, and litigation trends suggest several important considerations for manufacturers, distributors, insurers, and counsel.