Van Brakel has acted for leading corporations in the energy & resources sector on matters ranging from major engineering, project and joint venture disputes and arbitrations, through to director and shareholder disputes. He has also acted in significant regulatory investigations and civil penalty proceedings.

Van Brakel spent just over three-and-a-half years as a partner at Corrs, and before that he spent 13 years with Clayton Utz. Van Brakel has worked on a number of major cases, including acting as principal solicitor and instructing partner for Fortescue Metals in its seven-year battle with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

Tim House, global head of litigation at A&O, welcomed the appointment: “Mark’s appointment ... reflects our determination to be recognised as a compelling choice for complex and significant disputes and contentious regulatory issues. Mark joins the team established by Sydney litigation partner John Samaha to provide strong [litigation] coverage in Australia.”

Geoff Simpson, managing partner of A&O’s Perth office, said: “Mark is a recognised leader in his field. We are delighted to appoint Mark as lead litigation partner in our Perth office and extend our offering in Perth.”

Simpson added that van Brakel’s appointment takes the firm’s Australian partner tally to 21, supported by over 150 staff.

A&O’s global litigation practice includes more than 385 lawyers across 21 offices in 16 countries.