Four new partner appointments demonstrate Norton Rose Australia’s intention to align its strengths with those of the worldwide practice, said Don Boyd, managing partner at Norton Rose Australia.

“Globally, we are strong in financial institutions, energy, infrastructure & commodities, technology and transport,” said Boyd. “Expect to see a lot more happening in this space soon.” The new partners (see box for further details) bolster the firm’s energy & resources practice and add new expertise to its banking & finance practice.

In particular, Petar Kuessnar has both securitisation and derivatives experience. He will provide the firm with a point of differentiation in the strategically important area of carbon trading, said Boyd. Norton Rose Group already has an international climate change practice and, along with Baker & McKenzie, is one of the few international law firms with a climate change team in China.

The firm lured former partner Derek La Ferla from retirement to rejoin the firm’s Perth office. “WA has a significant strategic value to Norton Rose Group that extends beyond its booming resources industry,” said Boyd. “Perth itself has strong links with key markets in South East Asia and particularly Singapore.”

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