He has, the firm said in a statement, worked in energy markets in Australia and Europe and “deeply understands” ESG issues in the mining, resources, and renewables sectors, and he also has experience in governance and the regulatory environment in Australia and overseas.

Prior to joining Minters, he served as executive general manager of strategy and corporate development at energy giant AGL and was a partner at McKinsey & Company.

The news follows the firm’s promotion of 91 lawyers to more senior roles in late June, as well as the appointment of one of its partners as chair of a World Economic Forum climate governance body in early July.

Speaking about the hire, Minters chief executive and managing partner Virginia Briggs said: “Joao’s long-held focus on strategy and M&A in energy transition across all its dimensions will be of immense value to our clients, as will his perspective from his experience as an energy company executive and as an internationally experienced consultant.

“Clients need a holistic view of ESG, and Joao’s experience across the two disciplines will provide the breadth of advice our clients require.”

Mr Segorbe added: “I am pleased to join MinterEllison and look forward to assisting institutions on their large-scale ESG-related transformation opportunities and challenges.

“ESG topics have become key issues across all sectors, with challenges emerging even faster than legislators have been developing in the field.

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“MinterEllison is Australia’s leading law firm, and I hope that my experience complements and adds to the team of experts dedicated to working side by side with our clients to stay ahead of the energy transition and dealing with ESG risks.”