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Stable policy settings has made Australia the “Goldilocks jurisdiction” and created more demand than ever for its lawyers, a partner from the recently merged Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer shared.
Reliable markets and highly capable legal professionals have set Australia apart as an attractive jurisdiction for investors and businesses looking to expand, particularly given the ongoing political volatility unfolding in other parts of the world.
In conversation with Lawyers Weekly, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) partner Nick Baker – in the projects, energy and infrastructure team – shared that Australia evolved into the “Goldilocks jurisdiction” after a “long period of uncertainty”.
“It looks like Australia will have relatively stable policy settings for the sorts of transactions and investment needed to transform its energy systems, build digital infrastructure, and deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Baker explained of his practice area.
“The capital needed to fund these projects is global and in a relative sense Australia looks to have the right balance to attract that capital.”
With “important, economy-shaping transactions” underway with major Australian clients and global investors, Baker said there is obvious opportunity for the nation’s lawyers to boost their portfolio.
Baker said this is especially because Australian lawyers have always been in global demand for their skills, and their “pragmatism, sector knowledge, commerciality and can-do attitude”.
“We know from experience that global clients experience exceptional service from Australian lawyers,” Baker added.
Referencing the projects, energy and transaction space specifically, Baker said because energy transition, digital infrastructure and housing are problems experienced across the globe, lawyers “have the opportunity and skills to confidently take that experience offshore”.
“Energy in particular is a skill set that is transportable and the work in Australia has, for a long time, been considered leading and globally relevant, and Australia has long been considered a leader in the development of infrastructure as an asset class,” Baker said.
On the firm’s recent merger with US firm, Kramer Levin, amid geopolitical tension, Baker said HSF Kramer is accustomed to operating “in a wide variety of political and cultural environments”.
“Handling complexity is what our clients value from us and a skill our lawyers seek to develop at HSF Kramer. We know who we are and our core values. Our people and our clients provide us the feedback that guides us and helps us to stay aligned,” Baker said.
With a long history on advising US clients, Baker said HSF Kramer has been able to “connect the dots and do more” for clients, particularly in providing a corridor to “leading global transpacific disputes and transactions capability, with strengths in equity, M&A, restructuring, real estate, IP and employment”.
“It also creates exciting pathways for our people to experience working with and in the world’s largest legal market.
“And we are already investing in the next phase, with plans to expand our US presence in sectors such as energy, infrastructure and technology,” Baker said.
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
