DLA Piper takes partner from global rival

She is set to officially step into the role on 2 June 2026.

Before joining DLA Piper, van der Meer spent close to four years at rival global firm Ashurst, where she worked as counsel.

With more than 15 years of experience in the LNG and energy sectors, van der Meer has worked across the full life cycle of major projects, including exploration, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

In a statement, the global law firm said she has advised on “some of the most significant” matters in Western Australia’s broader energy sector.

As demand for legal expertise in large-scale energy developments and transactions grows, DLA Piper shared that van der Meer’s appointment strengthens its energy and resources capability and its support for clients navigating the shift to low-carbon and new energy projects.

Alex Jones, managing partner at DLA Piper’s Perth office, expressed how van der Meer is a respected energy lawyer whose LNG and complex transactions experience strengthens the firm’s energy, resources and mining capabilities and its support for clients navigating the energy transition.

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“Nikki is a highly respected and trusted legal advisor with a wealth of experience advising leading multinational energy companies through complex transactions and upstream and downstream project development,” Jones said.

“Her skills complement the strength of [the] firm’s local and global LNG and natural resources team as well as the Perth office’s leading mining team, enabling us to add further value to clients as they focus on their energy transition efforts.”

Shane Bilardi, country managing partner, Australia, DLA Piper, also echoed how van der Meer’s extensive experience strengthens its energy, resources and mining capabilities and support for clients navigating the energy transition.

“Nikki’s industry experience, sector insight and commercial approach make her a strong addition to our national energy and natural resources offering,” Bilardi said.

“Her background in major LNG and energy projects, combined with her international outlook, will be of real value to clients executing complex M&A and investment strategies in Australia and across global markets.”