Ashurst energy partner Anthony Patten is leaving the firm to join the Perth office of Australia's Allens Arthur Robinson.

The move means a return to Australia for Patten, who is a partner in Ashurst's City headquarters, having started his career in Allens' Melbourne office.

Patten joined Ashurst in London in 2006, making partner in 2008. Directly before joining Ashurst he was senior in-house counsel for Shell Gas and Power, based in London and Dubai.

Patten specialises in corporate and project development work in the oil and gas and wider energy sectors, with particular expertise in the upstream oil and gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors.

He commented: "Joining Allens is an opportunity to work in one of the most active energy markets in the world with a world-class energy and resources team.

"With AU$100bn (£63.5bn) in expenditure already committed in the oil, gas and LNG industries in Australia alone, the variety, complexity and quality of work is second to none in the Asia region."

Patten is one of 14 internal and lateral partners appointed at Allens so far this year and marks the third partner addition to the Perth office in the last three months.

Allens chairman Ewen Crouch said: "We've undertaken a global recruitment campaign for top talent and Anthony's quality and experience in the oil and gas sector will see us continue to grow one of the largest energy teams in the region."

The appointment comes after Squire Sanders Hammonds announced plans last week to launch in Australia with the acquisition of the majority of Minter Ellison's Perth office.

As previously reported, the transatlantic firm is currently finalising discussions with a group of partners from Minter Ellison's Perth base, with 15 of the office's 19 partners understood to be in talks over a move to the transatlantic firm. Four decided to stay with Minter Ellison.

The combination is subject to a Squire Sanders partner vote which is expected to take place later this month, with the remaining Minter Ellison staff set to open a new office in Perth in October.

  • Click here for more details of Squire Sanders Hammonds' planned Perth launch