Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) has ridden its existing energy and resources deal flow into Queensland, with the launch of a Brisbane office following the lateral hire of a partner each from Freehills and Mallesons.

To be headed by partner Gordon Radford, who is relocating from the firm's Adelaide office, the founding Brisbane partnership team includes banking and finance lawyer Paul Kasmer, formerly of Freehills, and the property development and projects-focused David Colenso, who joins from Mallesons.

JWS managing partner Peter Slattery told ALB that existing work for Origin Energy on the Gladstone LNG Project, as well as potential growth in the energy and resources sector is the primary impetus for the Brisbane opening. The firm is also targeting opportunities in major projects, property and litigation.
"It's a case of putting ourselves in a position where we are better able to pursue those opportunities that we think will become available," Slattery said. "Our projects lawyers have been making forays into Queensland for some time but there is a limit on how far you can take that practice without a local presence."

The firm will pursue a high leverage business model, and will target a total contingent of four to five partners and between five and eight associates within 18 months to two years. Slattery revealed the firm is already in discussions with other partner-level lawyers, with a view to further lateral recruitment.
Commenting on the proposed resources super profits tax, Slattery said it's possible introduction would not impact the firm's decision to pursue energy work in Queensland. "We've made a long term commitment to a presence in Queensland now, and we don't expect to be put off our game by the RSPT".