A partner at Herbert Geer for four years, Irwin has acted for institutional investors, lenders and other capital providers, specialising in major projects and infrastructure.

He recently advised Canada’s second largest pension fund, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, on a series of investments in Australian public–private partnerships.

Prior to Herbert Geer, Irwin was a senior associate at Allens.

Bakers’ managing partner Chris Freeland admitted that Irwin’s experience in the Singapore and Hong Kong offices of his previous firms was highly valued by Bakers. Irwin has also worked as a lawyer in Korea and Cambodia.

In July last year, Bakers poached two lawyers from King & Wood Mallesons: tax partner Ellen Thomas and employment lawyer Sean Selleck, now a partner.

A few months later, in October, Bakers lost global head of mining and metals David Ryan to Herbert Smith Freehills.