Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has welcomed two new partners, Anne Beresford and Michael Hogan to its Brisbane-based Projects, Energy & Infrastructure (PEI) practice.
Anne joins from Allens, specialising in energy and resources with a particular focus on oil, gas and new energy sectors. Michael joins from Johnson Winter Slattery, specialising in the development of infrastructure, energy and water projects. Each have deep experience advising clients on major energy and infrastructure transactions across the Asia-Pacific region.
PEI Managing Partner, Nick Baker, said the firm is investing in its partnership in Brisbane in response to Queensland’s expanding pipeline of energy and infrastructure projects, including preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“Queensland has major plans underway as part of its energy transition goals, involving multi-billion dollar public and private investments in renewable energy, energy storage and transmission projects.
“At the same time, the State will be delivering very significant infrastructure for the Olympics, including the construction of a new stadium and National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane and upgrades to its roads, transport and other sporting and entertainment venues.
These projects are complex and require specialist legal skills and industry experience that our firm can offer, and with the arrival of Anne and Michael it will only strengthen our offering,” Nick said.
Clare Smethurst, Brisbane Office Managing Partner, said: “We welcome Anne and Michael to our market leading Queensland team. Each bring the right mix of technical excellence and sector experience to support our clients through this exciting period of growth in our region.”
Anne and Michael join HSF’s global partnership this week.
Anne said: “The extent of the development needed to support the energy transition is unprecedented. Queensland is well placed to contribute to the transition, with its combination of gas and renewable energy resources, and its potential to be a leader in the development of new energy projects. Herbert Smith Freehills sees this potential, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining its market leading energy team.”
Michael said: “The 2032 Olympics are a large and urgent infrastructure undertaking for South East Queensland. There is also a huge challenge to develop energy and infrastructure projects in regional Queensland. The projects are vast, often involve new technologies, are technically complex and need to be delivered at pace in a tough economic and labour market. Herbert Smith Freehills has built the right balance of depth, technical expertise and creativity to help our private and public sector clients to navigate these challenges.”
HSF has more than 150 partners who operate in the energy and infrastructure sectors globally. The new hires follow the addition of Gabby Herron-Cartwright to the Brisbane partnership last month, as part of the annual partner promotion round. Gabby specialises in financing and development of major energy and infrastructure projects.
Madeleine Miller and Michael D’Agostino were also promoted to partnership in the Projects, Energy, and Infrastructure practice last month.
This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.