David Cole joins the firm’s planning, environment and local government team. Cole has extensive experience advising clients in the private and public sectors throughout Australia. He has particular expertise in the development and implementation of environmental compliance systems for state governments, mining and resources companies, energy and telecommunication organisations and philanthopic conservation trusts.

Julie Kinnear has been promoted to special counsel in the firm’s insurance and commercial dispute resolution team. Kinnear specialised in construction liability, professional indemnity, general and products liability and policy construction. Prior to joining the firm she worked for an international risk consultant and insurance brokerage firm as a claims manager, and she has particular experience advising on indemnity issues.

Natalie Francisco has been appointed as a senior associate in the firm’s energy and resources group. Francisco has moved across to the firm from an in-house position at Santos Limited, advising the company’s on-shore commercial and operations team. She has specialist knowledge in the energy and resources sector in relation to joint venture arrangements, gas commercialisation transactions and major procurement contracts.