Sydney, Australia. Photo: Shutterstock. Sydney, Australia. (Photo: Shutterstock)
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Independent Australian law firm Mills Oakley has hired a one-time Herbert Smith Freehills partner to boost its projects and energy and resources capability.

Robert de Boer was a partner for 17 years at Herbert Smith Freehills before leaving in 2017 to join San Francisco-based transport technology startup Wayfarer Inc.

De Boer, who will join Mills Oakley's Sydney office, has more than 20 years' experience in energy and resources, bringing a corporate and commercial background of advising boards and senior management on complex government and corporate projects relating to renewable energy, sustainable energy and energy regulation, the firm said in a statement.

He has led projects in southeast and north Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom, South America and Africa, and previous clients include Lendlease, GPT, First Philippine Holdings, Energy Development Corporation, KEPCO, Essential Energy and Trafigura.

"Energy and resources has been a growth area for Mills Oakley over the past year and we have added a number of high-profile clients in this space," said CEO John Nerurker. "With his global connections and world-class expertise, Robert is ideally positioned to take the practice to the next level."

De Boer said he was attracted by Mills Oakley's innovative culture.

"In my time in the San Francisco Bay Area, I worked with not only the startup community, but also global vehicle manufacturers and construction companies, world cities, campuses and private property developers," he said. "I see a lot of the same startup ambition, entrepreneurialism and innovation at Mills Oakley and I am looking forward to making my contribution to that story."