The firm builds on its corporate law and energy capabilities
Clayton Utz has promoted a new partner in Tim Stanton and welcomed a pair of new hires from Baker McKenzie: Jim Peterson and Lisa Houston.
Stanton joined the partnership on Monday. He is an expert in project finance matters, which he has worked on across the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors both in Australia and overseas.
“The ongoing energy transition requires a substantial capital investment over the coming years, and I'm eager to support my clients as they explore investment opportunities in this space”, he said. “I'm particularly excited to work with clients on the continued development of Australia's offshore wind industry, and those involved in other transition technologies, particularly in energy storage and hydrogen. This space will continue to grow in Australia as the transition accelerates and we seek to export clean energy to the Asia Pacific”.
He also highlighted government initiatives geared towards meeting net zero targets.
"Recent developments such as the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme and hydrogen and critical minerals production tax incentives announced in the Federal budget demonstrate Australia's commitment to net zero targets and present substantial opportunities for our clients in this area”, Stanton said. “I am delighted to be part of the Clayton Utz energy team helping our clients to realise those opportunities".
Meanwhile, the hire of Peterson as a legal consultant and of Houston as a senior associate in Brisbane enables Clayton Utz to also build on its corporate law offering.
“Jim has been a leading corporate lawyer in Queensland for many years and is highly regarded by senior executives for his wise counsel and governance experience. He has an outstanding reputation for advising on complex and high-profile transactions over many years. 'Lisa has worked with Jim for many years and has been recognised by Australasian Lawyer in its list of [2020] Rising Stars”, corporate national practice group leader Stephanie Daveson said.
She added that the firm was eager to expand its corporate practice in line with Queensland’s economic growth since 2020.
“We have seen an increase in M&A activity nationally since the start of the year although capital markets continue to remain challenging. In Queensland, we've continued to experience strong M&A and commercial activity across the board”, Daveson said.
Across the board, Clayton Utz also promoted a total of 72 lawyers to special counsel and senior associates. The firm also elevated three in its forensic and technology services division.
Earlier this year, another Baker McKenzie alum, Maria O’Brien, joined Clayton Utz as a partner.
