Regional law firm Fox and Thomas has expanded its footprint into Brisbane, establishing a new office in the state capital and appointing a senior lawyer from an international firm to lead the new venture.
Goondiwindi-based law firm Fox and Thomas has expanded its services with the opening of a new Brisbane office, appointing former Hamilton Locke senior associate Nick Knowlman as principal to lead the new venture.
Knowlman will also spearhead the firm’s renewable energy practice, bringing specialised experience in advising on renewable energy projects, rural and commercial property, land access, carbon initiatives, and agribusiness.
In a statement, Fox and Thomas expressed how Knowlman’s extensive experience in complex rural transactions and renewable energy projects makes his appointments a strategic move to strengthen its “specialist legal services that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural and regional clients across Australia”.
Michael Cowley, director at Fox and Thomas, highlighted the firm’s growing demand for legal services in the renewable energy sector and expressed confidence that Knowlman’s expertise would be instrumental in meeting this need.
“Many of our clients are being approached by renewable energy developers proposing large-scale wind, solar and battery projects,” Cowley said.
“Nick’s background in agribusiness, combined with his understanding of the risks and complexities involved in renewable energy projects, means we can offer expert advice to clients in the new and fast-moving sector.”
Speaking about his new role, Knowlman emphasised the complex legal challenges landowners face when entering renewable energy agreements, especially concerning long-term obligations and risk exposure.
“While renewable projects offer potential income and diversification for landowners, there are some significant legal considerations – particularly around biosecurity, decommissioning obligations and indeed what happens if a project fails,” Knowlman said.
“We see the market trends and can offer clients practical and commercially focused advice to protect their interests.”
