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ARTICLE · 03 JULY 2026

Powering A Global Career: Tom Bowes

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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HSF Kramer alumnus Tom Bowes reflects on a career shaped by power and infrastructure, life in Japan and the importance of building lasting relationships and giving back.

GlobalCorporate/Commercial Law
Kym Somers
Kym Somers
Olivia Troop
Olivia Troop
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Did you study law?

I studied International Studies and Law.

Was there any particular reason that drew you to Freehills (as was)?

They offered me a clerkship, but I also knew some people that were already with the firm and they recommended it. I started in a team that specialised in electricity, energy, as well as some mining, that was part of the Corporate M&A team. I was just randomly allocated there, but that has dictated my whole career. I've become an M&A lawyer, but always within the power and infrastructure sphere.

What interests you about the power sector?

I don't consider myself an old man, but it's completely transformed in the time I've been practising. When I started, about 90% of the power generated in the East Coast of Australia was coal-fired. Now, renewables is a higher percentage than thermal power in that market.

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