Milbourne started at the Brisbane office in the firm’s energy, infrastructure and resources practice area this month.

He was previously at NRF for three years. Prior to this he worked as the general counsel at mining company Vale Australia.

Milbourne is also an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland.

He specialises in corporate governance, exploration, project development, and mergers and acquisitions, with a particular focus on political risk insurance matters.

Nick Nichola (pictured), K&L Gates’ Australian managing partner said, “Robert’s experience will both bolster our growing team in Brisbane and complement our strong global energy and resources practice. He is well attuned to the challenges facing our clients in this market and is a welcome addition to our firm.”

In February, K&L Gates also nabbed financial services group head Liz Gray from Henry Davis York after 18 years at the firm.

Last year K&L Gates took four partners from rival firms and the general counsel of Gryphon Minerals Ltd Alex Eastwood.

Earlier this year NRF poached Clayton Utz construction partner Helene Lee, Gadens insurance partner Ray Giblett and Clayton Utz energy & resources partner Keira Brennan.