National law firm Kain Lawyers has welcomed Kelly Davies (pictured) as director in its Sydney office.
Davies specialises in energy transition projects, transactions, cross-sector experience – she has advised stakeholders across the energy value chain on renewable and storage projects, energy supply and offtake, clean fuels, distributed energy solutions, and virtual power plants (VPPs), “helping both traditional and non-traditional energy clients navigate the evolving energy landscape”, the firm said.
In a statement, Davies said she is “thrilled” to join the firm and looks forward to working with the firm’s transaction team to facilitate “complex, high-impact” energy transactions. “With increasing investor interest, there is a real drive towards innovative transaction structures that support ongoing investment in the sector,” she added.
She has also advised on transactions across jurisdictions, including the UK, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Her focus on transactions covers multiple aspects of the energy value chain, spanning development, acquisition and financing of energy projects to energy procurement and execution of sustainability strategies for large businesses.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she has over 15 years of global experience, having worked at Berwin Leighton Paisner, Herbert Smith Freehills, Norton Rose Fulbright, K&L Gates, EY, and ConnellGriffin. As partner and head of power at Norton Rose Fulbright, Davies advised on matters such as the acquisition of a majority stake in the Rodds Bay solar farm, power purchase agreement for the second Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, Shell’s acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in ESCO Pacific, and the City of Sydney’s carbon-neutral energy deal.
In January 2021, Davies moved from Norton Rose Fulbright to K&L Gates as an energy partner.
Kain Lawyers managing director Michael Garry said: “Kelly’s appointment reflects our commitment to building deep capability in sectors where investor interest is accelerating. Her experience in energy transition investments positions us to support clients in unlocking value across complex infrastructure and clean energy deals.”
“As Australia moves towards its net zero targets, we’re seeing increased capital deployment in the sector. Kelly’s expertise, along with our existing transactional and projects experience across finance, M&A and property aspects of these investments, will be instrumental in helping our clients navigate this evolving landscape.”
This news follows the firm’s appointment of a new senior director in January, a new managing director in April, a new member of its board in May, promotion of a director and six lawyers in June, and a new director in September.
Carlos Tse is a graduate journalist writing for Accountants Daily, HR Leader, Lawyers Weekly.
