New appointments grow DLA Phillips Fox's Adelaide office

DLA Phillips Fox is pleased to announce the appointment of two new special counsels and a senior associate in the firm's Adelaide office.

David Cole joined the Planning, Environment and Local Government practice group as Special Counsel in late August.  David is an environmental lawyer with extensive experience in advising clients in the private and public sectors throughout Australia.  In particular he has expertise in the development and implementation of environmental compliance systems for state governments, mining and resources companies, energy and telecommunication organisations and philanthropic conservation trusts.

His knowledge of the impacts of infrastructure and mining development on social and ecological systems, including endangered species and World Heritage listed properties, is keenly sought by clients and he is well known for his expertise in environmental planning, contaminated land, water, resources and pollution management.

His clients include numerous state government departments and agencies, universities, mining and resources industry associations and corporations and petroleum producers.

Adelaide Office Leader, Joe DeRuvo said "David's appointment is an important strategic step in growing our capability in the energy and resources industry and environmental sector nationally and in Adelaide".

Julie Kinnear, in our Insurance & Commercial Dispute Resolution practice has been promoted to Special Counsel, effective July 1, 2008.  Julie’s principal areas of practice include construction liability, professional indemnity, general and products liability and policy construction.

Prior to joining DLA Phillips Fox in November 2001, Julie worked for an international risk consultant and insurance brokerage firm as a claims manager and has particular experience in the area of advising on indemnity issues.

Julie has also assisted organisations to review claims performance, loss patterns and develop risk management strategies

In addition, Natalie Francisco, has been appointed Senior Associate in our Energy and Resources focus group. Natalie recently joined DLA Phillips Fox from an in-house legal role at Santos Limited, advising the company's on-shore Commercial and Operations teams. Natalie has extensive experience in a range of commercial transactions, with specialist knowledge in the energy and resources sector in relation to joint venture arrangements, gas commercialisation transactions and major procurement contracts.

For further information please contact:

Clare Buttner
Media Relations Consultant
Direct Tel: +61 2 9286 8400
Mobile: 0415 932 936
Email: clare.buttner@dlaphillipsfox.com