She was once managing partner of Baker McKenzie's Brisbane office
K&L Gates has strengthened its energy, infrastructure, and resources practice with the addition of Tanya Denning as a partner in its Brisbane office.
Denning joins the firm from Baker McKenzie, where she served as the Brisbane office managing partner and co-led the Australian energy team.
She has more than two decades of experience advising on complex M&A and energy-related projects throughout the APAC region. Her work spans the full energy value chain, from renewable and conventional power generation to energy storage, transport, and regulatory compliance.
Denning has collaborated with energy market regulators and is an expert in matters relating to LNG, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and mining—sectors considered crucial to Australia’s energy transition, K&L Gates said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tanya to the firm,” said Jason Opperman, K&L Gates’ regional managing partner for Australia. “Her arrival is perfectly timed with deal activity in Australia’s energy sector expected to remain strong for 2025, enhanced by advances in energy storage technology and consolidation among oil and gas participants.”
Opperman added that Australia’s natural resources continue to attract foreign direct investment, and Denning’s experience and insight are expected be instrumental in supporting both domestic and international clients navigating this space.
John Crossley, co-leader of the firm’s global Energy, Infrastructure, and Resources practice, echoed the sentiment. “Tanya is an excellent addition to our regional and global energy practice, bringing decades of experience advising industry leaders on landmark deals,” he said.
Denning’s appointment follows several recent strategic hires in K&L Gates’ Australian offices, including that of energy partner Matthew Osborne.
