The energy expert joins the firm after it added a seasoned construction and infrastructure partner last week
K&L Gates has looked to the private sector to add its second Sydney-based partner in two weeks.
Matt Baumgurtel joined the firm’s energy, infrastructure, and resources team from global renewable energy projects developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, where he was general counsel, company secretary, and Asia-Pacific executive director. He was also previously with legacy Johnson Stokes & Master, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie, Clifford Chance, and Gilbert + Tobin.
“Matt is an innovative and entrepreneurial lawyer with unparalleled commercial and legal experience in the energy, infrastructure, and environment industry,” said Nick Nichola, K&L Gates managing partner in Australia.
“His extensive knowledge and experience in solar photovoltaic, oil & gas, power generation, energy policy, and electricity distribution will significantly bolster our capabilities to provide leading edge advice to clients not only in Australia but also across the K&L Gates global platform,” he said.
Baumgurtel said that he looks forward to combining his extensive experience in renewable energy matters with K&L Gate’s global energy practice to advise clients in every stage of the energy/infrastructure asset lifecycle.
The appointment comes after the arrival of partner Simon Ashworth last week, when he joined the firm’s construction and infrastructure team from Corrs Chambers Westgarth.