International firms advise on Queensland solar project
Teams from international law firms in Australia have advised on one of the country’s largest solar projects to date.
Herbert Smith Freehills has advised the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Natixis on the project financing for the portfolio of large-scale greenfield solar farms to be located in Collinsville, Queensland.
The Herbert Smith Freehills team was led by project finance partner Elizabeth Charlesworth who said: “These projects reflect the continued investment in new generation renewable energy in the Australian market, and will provide significant clean energy output to power Australian homes.”
Ashurst has advised Edify Energy on the development, financing and equity transfer to build and operate the farms. The team was led by partners Paul Newman (Utilities), Ben Warne (Corporate) and David Mason (Finance).
Other advisors on the project included Elgar Middleton (debt financial advisor) and Norton Rose Fulbright (advising BlackRock).
International firm appoints two non-lawyers to equity partnership
London and New York-based law firm Mishcon de Reya has appointed two non-lawyers to its senior equity partnership as part of its ‘ten-year vision’.
The firm, an alternative business structure, implemented a plan to involve all of its people – including 143 partners and legal directors and a total of 400 fee-earners – in creating the vision.
The promotion of business development director Elliot Moss and human resources director Vanessa Dewhurst is part of that.
“This announcement reflects a key element of our subsequent 10-year vision: reward everyone – lawyer or non-lawyer – who contributes to our success. Our people and our brand are at the heart of our business and Vanessa and Elliot have played a key role in Mishcon de Reya’s ongoing growth and development,” said managing partner Kevin Gold.
Dentons scores major victory for Lucky the elephant
Dentons has defeated a summary judgment in a pro bono case for a 57-year- old Asian elephant called Lucky.
The suit was brought by the Animal Legal Defense Fund against San Antonio Zoo in Texas which is accused of multiple violations of the Endangered Species Act.
The Dentons team fought to prove that the Zoo's inadequate enclosure and conditions have and continue to cause physical and psychological harm to Lucky. The agreement of the court now means it will go to trial in October.
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