Baker & McKenzie has opened a Brisbane office as it looks to boost its coverage of the Australian market and tap resources and infrastructure work in Queensland.

News of the firm's plan to open in the city -its 76th office worlwide – first emerged in April but remained to subject to a formal partner vote.

Three partners have joined the firm to lead the office. They are: ex-Herbert Smith Freehills lawyer Philip Christensen; Clayton Utz projects partner Darren Fooks; and Allens competition and regulatory partner Jo Daniels.

They join with a team of associates and will coordinate with lawyers in Sydney and Melbourne.

Core practice areas in Brisbane will include energy and resources, infrastructure, corporate and M&A, construction, agribusiness, property and government.

Bakers Australia managing partner Chris Freeland, said the office opening was a natural move for the firm, giving it a third in Australia alongside Sydney and Melbourne.

"Our new Brisbane office is key to deepening our firm's offering across a number of sectors in Australia and globally. Baker & McKenzie is in 12 of the 15 most resource-rich jurisdictions in the world. Few law firms can say that.

"We have built one of the strongest energy and resources teams in the country and our top-tier infrastructure and construction practices are outstanding. There is no better time than now for us to move into the Queensland market."

Brisbane is the seventh office launch by Bakers in the last three years, following openings in Yangon, Seoul, Dubai, Lima, Casablanca and Johannesburg.