Carter Newell has appointed Peter Nugent as a special counsel.

Nugent was previously a partner at Stubbs Barbeler, another Brisbane firm, which merged with Barry & Nilsson lawyers in November.

Previously Nugent worked at law firm Minter Ellison as a senior associate and before that at Mallesons. 

Nugent's 15 years' experience in commercial property positions the firm to work in property projects involving mixed use developments, the firm said.

His experience in master-planned, strata and community developments better places the firm to deal with the needs of clients as the property market begins to turn, the firm's CEO Peter Ellender said.

Nugents' major areas of practice include development and joint venture agreements for commercial, residential and industrial projects, as well as advising on planning and development issues and leasing and major transactions requiring due diligence and sale preparation.