Bellas is NRA's 22nd lateral partner hire since the firm's global integration with Norton

Rose Group in January 2010.

At Bakers, Bellas worked on disputes arising out of major construction and engineering projects throughout Australia and Asia, with a focus on the oil and gas industry.

He has most recently been based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where he gained exposure to significant mining projects and clients.

Bellas is experienced in mainly back-end and large scale litigation and international arbitration, but also provides project and contract advice.

Wayne Spanner, NRA's managing partner elect, said Bellas' appointment would underpin the growth opportunities for the firm in the Perth market.

Bellas will join the firm in March 2012.