Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM

Global law firm Baker McKenzie has bolstered its energy, mining and resources capability with the hire of three partners and two associates in Brisbane, from Ashurst and local firm McCullough Robertson.

Derek Pocock and Jim Peterson join Baker McKenzie from McCullough Robertson as partners in the firm's corporate group, focusing primarily on capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.

Pocock's key area of focus is capital markets, working with clients in the energy and resources sectors, particularly those in the oil and gas and electricity sectors. He has guided numerous companies to successful listings on the ASX, Baker McKenzie said.

He also has a particular interest in shareholder activism and has been regularly appointed to act for major shareholders seeking board renewal and strategic change, with his advice regularly sought on Takeover Panel proceedings.

Peterson's practice focuses on M&A, regulatory matters, ASX compliance and corporate compliance, and capital raisings. He has extensive experience in the resources, mining and automotive sectors and has worked with many of Queensland's largest and most respected listed companies, as well as in more specialist areas for clients such as Japanese trading houses, Baker McKenzie said.

The firm also hired associates Adrienne De Bruyn and Lisa Houston, both from McCullough Robertson, who will also focus primarily on capital markets and M&A.

"I'm delighted to welcome Derek and Jim to our expanding corporate group. Along with the talented associates that have come across with them, they add increased depth to our M&A and capital markets capabilities, both having led many high-profile transactions," Ben McLaughlin, corporate practice group leader, said in a statement.

"In addition, Derek and Jim provide additional sectoral expertise in the energy, mining and resources industries."

Tanya Denning joins the Brisbane office as a partner from Ashurst in Melbourne.

Her practice has focused on energy, renewables, energy storage, utilities and mining, and she has acted on leading LNG and oil and gas mining and energy projects and transactions, including a range of innovative and conventional products and services, businesses and technology. She also serves as president of the Energy and Resources Lawyers Association.

"In Derek, Jim and Tanya, we have recruited three leading corporate lawyers who will provide a major boost to our client offering in Queensland over time. The knowhow, experience and deep sector understanding they will bring to our firm will be invaluable to our clients and transformational for our Brisbane office," said Anthony Foley, managing partner of Baker McKenzie Australia.

The hire of the three partners reflects Baker Mckenzie's strong and growing Australian and global focus on the energy, mining and resources sectors, Baker McKenzie said.

McCullough Robertson's Damien Clarke, business unit leader for corporate and tax, said that in any organisation, people move on for a variety of personal reasons, and the firm thanks them for their contribution during the time they were there.

"We maintain a strong national corporate and tax team with 15 partners and more than 30 legal staff, and a number of experienced senior lawyers joining soon," he added.

Ashurst did not immediately respond to a request for comment.