International firm Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW) has poached Robert Desmond from Middletons and plans to open a Perth office.

Based in the firm’s Melbourne office, Desmond has joined as a partner and boasts more than 30 years’ experience advising clients in the energy sector, including 27 as a partner at Middletons. While his focus is on downstream operationsas he also has significant upstream experience with taxation issues associated with coal, mining and synthetic fuels projects.

The firm has also recruited former Clifford Chance energy partner Christine Ferguson as a special counsel to be based in the firm’s Sydney office.   “The continued growth of our energy and natural resources practice is a priority for HFW across the global business, in particular in Australasia and the Middle East, where we are involved with several significant on and offshore energy projects. Robert and Christine are widely respected energy lawyers and their industry expertise enhances our capability to deliver an integrated cross-border service to our clients with a range of operations in the region,” said Gavin Vallely, managing partner of HFW's Australian offices.

The new Perth office will feature three partners and six to eight lawyers when it opens.