The new operation is headed up by current Jones Day Perth partner-in-charge John Cooper.

In addition, corporate lawyer Brett Heading joined the office as a partner after 36 years at McCullough Robertson, including a stint as the firm’s chairman.

Jones Day managing partner Stephen Brogan pointed to Queensland’s importance as a “strategic source of energy, natural resources and agricultural products for the growing Asian economies”.

“We have clients involved in significant disputes in connection with major energy and resources projects in Queensland and sophisticated M&A transactions, many of which are cross-border,” he said.

The office will focus on M&A, major projects and project-related disputes, with an emphasis on natural resources, construction, transport and agriculture. 

Mr Cooper suggested opening in Brisbane was “a natural progression” for the global player.

“Lawyers from our offices in Sydney and Perth are currently active on a number of significant Queensland matters for clients of the firm and an office in Brisbane, along with the addition of Brett, will allow us to better serve those clients, look after the interests of our other valued clients, and develop relationships with other major companies with operations in Queensland,” he said.

Mr Cooper was the lead lawyer on the successful Transcity JV bid for Northern Link – now called Legacy Way – and the Gateway Upgrade Projects.

Mr Heading, meanwhile, was previously a member of the Takeovers Panel and has held both government and ASX-listed company board positions.

The new office takes the number of Jones Day lawyers practising in Australia up to 60.