Both new partners have extensive experience advising clients on major energy and infrastructure transactions across the Asia-Pacific region. PEI managing partner Nick Baker said HSF is investing in its partnership in Brisbane in response to Queensland’s expanding pipeline of energy and infrastructure projects, including preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“Queensland has major plans underway as part of its energy transition goals, involving multibillion-dollar public and private investments in renewable energy, energy storage and transmission projects,” he said.

“At the same time, the state will be delivering very significant infrastructure for the Olympics, including the construction of a new stadium and National Aquatic Centre in Brisbane and upgrades to its roads, transport and other sporting and entertainment venues. These projects are complex and require specialist legal skills and industry experience that our firm can offer, and with the arrival of Anne and Michael, it will only strengthen our offering.”

Beresford joins from Allens, where she was a managing associate. She has more than a decade of legal experience and specialises in energy and resources with a particular focus on oil, gas and new energy sectors.

“The extent of the development needed to support the energy transition is unprecedented. Queensland is well placed to contribute to the transition, with its combination of gas and renewable energy resources, and its potential to be a leader in the development of new energy projects,” she said.

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“Herbert Smith Freehills sees this potential, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining its market-leading energy team.”

Hogan joins from Johnson Winter Slattery, specialising in the development of infrastructure, energy and water projects. He has more than 17 years of legal experience and has held senior roles in-house and in private practice firms.

“The 2032 Olympics are a large and urgent infrastructure undertaking for South-East Queensland. There is also a huge challenge to develop energy and infrastructure projects in regional Queensland. The projects are vast, often involve new technologies, are technically complex and need to be delivered at pace in a tough economic and labour market,” he said.

“Herbert Smith Freehills has built the right balance of depth, technical expertise and creativity to help our private and public sector clients to navigate these challenges.”

HSF now has more than 150 partners who operate in the energy and infrastructure sectors globally. This news follows the reappointment of Sydney-based corporate lawyer Rebecca Maslen-Stannage as its senior partner and chair of its global LLP council, effective until 30 April 2029, as well as the recent naming of eight new partners Down Under, its hiring of a real estate partner from Corrs Chambers Westgarth, and its naming of four new executive counsel in Australia.

It also follows the partnerships of both HSF and US-based firm Kramer Levin voting in favour of a merger, which will create a US$2 billion turnover practice. The merged entity, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, is expected to launch on 1 June.

Speaking about the two new additions, Brisbane managing partner Clare Smethurst said: “We welcome Anne and Michael to our market-leading Queensland team. Each brings the right mix of technical excellence and sector experience to support our clients through this exciting period of growth in our region.”