Mr Traill has extensive corporate M&A and joint ventures experience, advising on cross-border deals across a range of sectors, including energy and natural resources, technology, food and agribusiness, consumer and retail, telecommunications, transport and infrastructure and financial services. He has worked as a partner in Moscow since 2014 and advised international and national energy companies on upstream joint ventures and technology-focused investments, and corporates and financial investors on equity investments, M&A and joint ventures.

Mr Traill will continue to maintain a cross-border practice while working in Australia, as he assists clients operating in Australia, Asia, the US, Europe and other parts of the globe; something which NRF chief executive partner in Australia Alison Deitz said would greatly benefit the firm’s clients.

“The global energy transition is a major focus for our clients, both in Australia and overseas,” she said.

“Julian’s expertise in advising multinational energy companies on deal and growth opportunities as they seek to reinvent their businesses will build on the strong pipeline of work being done by our Australian partners, particularly in the renewable energy industry.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr Traill said: “There are huge opportunities for international energy companies looking to transition to new energy sources, such as green hydrogen. Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia is at the forefront of this work, advising on initiatives such as the Western Green Energy Hub in Western Australia.

“Oil and gas majors will continue to pursue opportunities to redeploy their capital from traditional carbon-based fuels, and other heavy-emitting businesses will continue to adapt themselves to meet climate challenges. This will lead to more M&A opportunities as companies shed their existing assets and focus on clean energy and decarbonisation projects,” he said.

“I am excited about the opportunity to support our clients on these vitally important initiatives. I am also looking forward to continuing to support our global corporate and financial sponsor clients as they pursue growth opportunities in the Australian market and elsewhere.”