Ashurst adds longstanding Baker McKenzie partner to energy practice

Cunsolo has spent the last five years as a partner at Baker McKenzie, having previously been a special counsel, as well as in-house counsel at Origin Energy.

She brings deep expertise in energy regulation, revenue contracts, and retail contracting across the full value chain of the energy sector. Her experience spans renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution networks, energy storage, and electric transport infrastructure.

“I am excited to be joining Ashurst at such a pivotal time for the energy sector in Australia,” Cunsolo said.

“The firm’s commitment to innovation and integrated solutions, combined with its strong client base, presents a unique opportunity to help clients manage the evolving energy industry and opportunities presented by the energy transition. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen Ashurst’s strong PET offering.”

This news comes after the firm nabbed a 29-year veteran from HSF earlier this month, as well as its departure from the Canberra market in the month prior, with national law firm Thomson Geer taking over Ashurst’s entire Canberra office and acquiring at least 50 staff.

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Ashurst also promoted 20 partners globally, including three in Australia in April. In recent months, the firm has also added five risk advisory partners to its ranks (two in February and three in October) and named a new BD chief in November.

Cunsolo’s appointment is part of a strategic move to service growing client interest in the renewable energy sector, which comes as the Australian energy market sees significant investment in renewable generation, energy storage, and the introduction of hydrogen and offshore wind assets, according to projects and energy transition (APAC) co-practice head Dan Brown.

“We are delighted to welcome Aylin to Ashurst. Aylin’s regulatory knowledge, strong market profile, and alignment with our core client base will enhance our capabilities in this sector,” he said.

“Her experience in revenue contracts and regulatory matters is particularly valuable as the secondary M&A market becomes more active and as governments introduce new revenue underwriting support and review market rules to achieve renewable energy targets.”