Mr Pacitti was formerly a partner at Ashurst for just over nine years, and Mr Vaughan has more than 20 years of experience in the sector.

“Their appointments late last year further strengthened the already market-leading KWM resources sector team, and their deep experience across the Asia-Pacific region adds an additional dimension of capability and connectivity across KWM’s top-tier footprint in the region,” the firm noted in a statement.

Since those October appointments, KWM has continued to bolster its Perth-based partnership with two more hires from Ashurst: Antonella Pacitti, who started her career as an articled clerk with the firm and subsequently served as a partner for nearly 11 years, and also Roger Davies, who has been a partner at Ashurst for almost 33 years.

The pair are “recognised leaders” in corporate M&A and equity capital markets transactions, KWM said, built on an “enviable deal track record” of working together to deliver for clients.

Ms Pacitti will commence with the firm next month, while Mr Davies will assume his role at a later date.

Speaking about the four partner hires, KWM chief executive partner in Australia Renae Lattey said that she is delighted to welcome the quartet.

“Their breadth of expertise in critical and emerging areas complements and strengthens our existing offering in Australia and regionally,” she said.

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“Investing in their potential also signals the bright future we see for our successful energy and resources practice and our Perth office, both vital parts of the KWM network.”

KWM partner-in-charge in Perth Nigel Hunt added: “This is a pivotal time in both M&A and energy and resources, for many reasons.

“By welcoming these talents, we’re saying to the market that we recognise the huge potential for expanding our clients’ horizons, and we have the capability and depth to deliver for them.”

All four partners will be based in the firm’s Perth office.