He has experience in infrastructure and power, having previously advised on several coal-fired power plants as well as geothermal and hydropower projects.

Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner said the new hire reflected Indonesia’s growing importance in the south-east Asian region.

“No global legal business that professes to have close links to Asia can afford to ignore the real and growing potential of Indonesia,” Mr Spanner said.

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“The appointment of Benny is a further boost to our corporate team in Jakarta, particularly in growing our energy, infrastructure, mining and commodities capability in the Indonesian market.”

Mr Bernarto expressed excitement at joining a global firm.

"I’m delighted to be joining Norton Rose Fulbright and to be part of a global team with such an enviable reputation," he said.

In the year to date, NRF has added four lateral partners: John Elliott, Andrea Rezos, Emanuel Confos and Simon Currie.

However, the firm has also been hit with significant defections, including the loss of partner Greg Hipwell and three other lawyers from its commercial practice in March.