Global law firm K&L Gates has moved to expand its litigation and dispute resolution team in Sydney, with the appointment of a new partner.
The firm’s Sydney office will see a new addition with the appointment of energy disputes and investigations partner Peter Brabant, who departs Charles Russell Speechlys.
He was recognised as a valuable addition by Australian managing partner Jason Opperman, who praised Brabant’s “deep understanding of the Australian market, combined with his broad regional experience”.
The new partner brings experience in anti-bribery, corruption, dawn raids, fraud, cyber security, environmental compliance, antitrust and tax investigations. He advised in high-profile matters across the Asia-Pacific region and with clients in various sectors, including energy and resources, chemicals, mining, construction, projects and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology, and financial services sectors.
Previously occupying special counsel at King & Spalding and corporate counsel at Chevron, Brabant has spent two decades in complex dispute resolutions, international arbitration, regulatory investigation, and incident response.
Opperman highlighted Brabant will be “instrumental in enhancing our ability to support clients facing complex regulatory and commercial challenges”, adding: “Peter’s sector knowledge and client relationships will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our regional offering.”
K&L Gates highlighted Brabant’s focus on energy transition disputes and related climate change, renewable technology and carbon capture and storage issues, signalling the firm’s desire to expand in these areas.
Brabant is the fourth to join the Australian partnership in the last year with an energy sector focus, with Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia in the firm’s Perth office, Tanya Denning in Brisbane, and Matthew Osborne in Melbourne.
Lead practice area leader of the litigation and dispute resolution team, Melissa Tea, said: “Peter’s arrival marks a significant step in expanding our global disputes and resolution capabilities”, and highlighted his experience in energy transition disputes that “will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients worldwide”.
Amelia is a Professional Services Journalist with Momentum Media, covering Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily and Accounting Times. She has a background in technical copy and arts and culture journalism, and enjoys screenwriting in her spare time.
