Michelle Porter-Wright

Director of Programme and Sub-Regional Coordinator Southern Africa (Anglophone) Countries

Michelle is counsel in Allen & Overy’s global disputes practice group. She advises owners, contractors and consultants in the administration of contracts and the resolution of disputes on major infrastructure projects.

She focuses her practice on the resolution of complex disputes, both through adjudication and arbitration. She has experience in the civil, mechanical, electrical and process engineering disciplines across EPC, EPCM, remeasurable, turnkey, and consultancy agreements, both standard form and bespoke. Her practice has a strong international focus, having worked on projects in Chile, Australia, Russia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the UK and Nigeria.

Michelle has a masters degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution from King’s College, University of London. She is published in several peer reviewed academic journals, including the South African Law Journal and the Stellenbosch Law Review.

Michelle is one of Africa’s top 50 young arbitration lawyers, as awarded by the Association of Young Arbitrators for 2020. She has been ranked both by Chambers Global and the Legal 500 during 2016, 2017 and 2019 for her work in South Africa’s construction sector. She is a 2020 Acritas Legal Star, awarded annually to client nominated, stand out lawyers across the globe.

Share Your Insights – Help Shape the Future of Construction Law in Africa!

 is committed to strengthening the construction law community across Africa, and we want to hear from you!

We’re conducting a short survey to gain insights from legal and industry professionals like you. Your feedback will help us enhance ACL’s offerings, develop impactful initiatives, and tailor resources to better support our members and the wider construction law community.


✅ Your background and interests in construction law
✅ Your awareness and engagement with ACL
✅ Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing
✅ How ACL can better serve your needs and support your growth

✔ ACL’s membership benefits, events, and training programs
✔ Solutions to key challenges in construction law and dispute resolution
✔ New ways for ACL to support legal and industry professionals across Africa

It takes just a few minutes to complete, and your insights will be invaluable!

 📩 Take the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/bEa4xnLFkG

🗓 Deadline: June 20, 2025

Thank you for being a vital part of ACL’s mission. We appreciate your time and look forward to your valuable input!