K&L Gates Adds Energy Disputes and Investigations Partner in Sydney

Sydney – Global law firm K&L Gates welcomes Peter Brabant as a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice area. He joins the firm’s Sydney office from Charles Russell Speechlys.

Recognised for his two decades of experience in resolving complex disputes, international arbitration, regulatory investigations, and incident response, Brabant has advised Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders on some of the most high-profile matters across the Asia Pacific. His practice is distinguished by a focus on energy transition disputes, including those related to decommissioning, climate change, renewable technologies, and carbon capture and storage.

Brabant regularly assists clients with investigations across a broad range of subjects, including those involving anti-bribery, corruption, dawn raids, fraud, cybersecurity, environmental compliance, antitrust, and tax. His diverse client base spans the energy and resources, chemicals, mining, construction, projects and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, technology, and financial services sectors.

He also completed a two-and-a-half-year secondment with Chevron, where he managed disputes and investigations for the Downstream, Chemicals, and Midstream businesses across the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa – further deepening his understanding of industry dynamics and cross-border challenges.

Melissa Tea, lead practice area leader of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice, stated: “Peter’s arrival marks a significant step in expanding our global disputes and investigations capabilities. His multijurisdictional experience and forward-thinking approach to emerging trends – particularly in energy transition and regulatory enforcement – will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients worldwide.”

Jason Opperman, Australia managing partner, added: “We are delighted to welcome Peter to the firm. His deep understanding of the Australian market, combined with his broad regional experience, will be instrumental in enhancing our ability to support clients facing complex regulatory and commercial challenges in Australia and throughout Asia Pacific. Peter’s sector knowledge and client relationships will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow our regional offering.”

Brabant’s arrival follows the additions of Perth partner Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia, Washington, DC partner Thomas Allen, Wilmington partner Robert Beste, New York partner Todd Fishman, and Orange County partner Eva Weiler to the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice since 2025.

He is also the fourth partner to join the Australian partnership in the last year who has an energy sector focus, following Tanya Denning in Brisbane, Matthew Osborne in Melbourne, and Ruffié-Farrugia in Perth.

As a fully integrated global law firm, K&L Gates’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice is positioned to assist clients in resolving their disputes at the local, national, and international levels. The firm’s litigators are some of the foremost practitioners in their field, with many ranked nationally and internationally and including fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Law Institute, and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, among others.