Mr Durnall joins Bird & Bird from US-headquartered Ingenious Infrastructure, which is a division of the Ingenious Group, and Golden Square Energy Limited, where he was director of legal and business affairs.

Prior to these roles, Mr Durnall was employed as a senior associate for two different firms, where he was based in London and Sydney.

Throughout his career, Mr Durnall has advised on all aspects of the clean energy sector. He has advised on solar, onshore wind, anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy and innovative energy transactions.

In addition, Mr Durnall has advised on numerous matters related to capital markets matters. This includes advising on Australian and international IPOs, capital reductions, and private equity and venture capital fundraisings.

Bird & Bird Australia managing partner Shane Barber said he was delighted to welcome Mr Durnall to the firm’s Sydney practice.

“James is a fantastic addition to our Australian team and reinforces our commitment to being the premier law firm not just in Australia but around the world, serving industries where technology, regulation and intellectual property are driving change,” Mr Barber said.

“James joins our already busy energy and utilities sector practice as we begin a further expansion phase in the Asia-Pacific market.”

Mr Durnall echoed this sentiment, saying he was excited to join the firm.

“I am delighted to be joining the Bird & Bird team,” he said.

“I have worked with the global team as a client for many years and I am excited to be joining one of the world's pre-eminent firms in the energy and utilities regulatory space. The clean energy and renewable asset class represents a compelling and attractive investment proposition, with the Asia-Pacific market increasingly becoming a driving force in clean energy development and investment worldwide.

“It is fantastic to be a part of this vibrant and growing sector.”