(Photo: Mike Scarcella/ALM)

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has moved major projects, construction and engineering partner Joanne Emerson Taqi to its Sydney office from its Middle East practice as it continues to build its Australian projects capabilities.

Australia is in the midst of an unprecedented infrastructure boom as governments spend record amounts on public transport projects.

Taqi specializes in projects and construction in the real estate, infrastructure, energy and transport sectors and advises on developments, including commercial, industrial, domestic and public. She has particular experience in the water, waste and housing sectors and in public-private partnership procurement, according to the firm.

Before joining Norton Rose Fulbright's Bahrain office in 2006, where she served as the firm's regional co-head of the projects team and regional head of the infrastructure industry, mining and commodities group, Taqi worked in Sydney for local law firms Minter Ellison and Allens.

"Joanne's extensive experience across a range of sectors and history of advising clients in multiple markets around the world will be tremendously beneficial for our national projects and construction and engineering teams and the clients they serve," Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner said in a statement.

"Her cross-border experience will facilitate projects involving stakeholders in Australia and Asia, as well as assisting Middle East developers pursue projects throughout Asia-Pacific."

Norton Rose Fulbright has been investing in its national construction and engineering practice, which is led by partner Emanuel Confos. In February it announced Brisbane-based major projects, construction and government partner Ren Niemann would join this year, following new Brisbane partner Laura Walton, who joined in September last year.