K&L Gates is home to an experienced energy team acting across the renewable energy, technology, energy infrastructure, and construction and civil engineering sectors. The team is jointly steered by James Durnall and Clive Cachia in Sydney, who specialise in clean and renewable energy projects, and asset mergers and acquisitions, respectively. The practice was further strengthened by the arrivals of Matthew Osborne, who focuses on project development and finance, from White & Case in April 2025 and Tanya Denning, a key name for energy and natural resources M&A deals and projects, from Baker McKenzie in May 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The K&L Gates team led by James Durnall is unique for combining deep industry knowledge with a solutions-driven, commercial approach.'
- 'They are responsive, and consistently go beyond expectations, providing not just legal advice but practical guidance that helps projects succeed.'
- 'Their collaborative style, adaptability, and clarity in complex contracts set them apart, while their willingness to innovate in billing, technology, and teamwork ensures clients receive efficient, transparent, and high-quality support across every engagement.'
- 'James Durnall stands out as meticulous, detail-oriented, and consistently going beyond what is required. His ability to balance technical precision with commercial insight sets him apart from competitors.'
- 'James Durnall brings clarity to complex contracts and provides strategic guidance that extends beyond legal matters. Associates in his team share the same qualities—thorough, responsive, and proactive—making them highly dependable. I particularly value their collaborative approach and commitment to delivering practical solutions.'
- 'Solid experience, pragmatic and commercial approach to the clients.'
Key clients
- ACEnergy / ACLE Services
- Southern Cross Electrical Engineering Limited
- Polymetals Resources Ltd
- Kingsgate Consolidated Limited
- Jett Capital Advisors, LLC
- Dateline Resources Limited
- Castle Minerals Limited
- Lucapa Diamond Company Limited
Work highlights
Advising ACEnergy and ACLE Services on a co-investment by BW Group in two BESS projects in New South Wales (Apsley BESS) and Victoria (Pine Lodge BESS).
Advising ACEnergy and ACLE Services on the sale of two 5MW solar projects to UK listed fund Victory Hill.
Advising Hetao and ACEnergy in relation to the acquisition by BW Energy Storage Systems Pte Ltd of 50% of the shares and units in two battery energy storage projects, named Apsley BESS (NSW) and Pine Lodge BESS (VIC).
Practice head
James Durnall; Clive Cachia
Other key lawyers
Tanya Denning; Matthew Osborne