Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced today that major projects, construction and engineering partner Joanne Emerson Taqi has relocated to its Sydney office from our Middle East practice.

Joanne specialises in projects and construction in the real estate, infrastructure, energy (including renewables) and transport sectors. She advises on all types of developments, including commercial, industrial, domestic and public, and all forms of contract, including the FIDIC suite of agreements, NEC, JCT and the Australian Standards.

Joanne has particular experience in the water (including wastewater, desalination and district cooling), waste (including waste to energy) and housing (including social housing and worker/staff accommodation) sectors and in PPP procurement. She also has experience advising government institutions, concessionaires, project companies, developers, contractors, consultants and financial institutions.

Joanne worked in Norton Rose Fulbright's Bahrain office since 2006 and served as the firm's regional co-head of the projects team and regional head of the infrastructure industry, mining and commodities group. Prior to that she worked in Sydney for law firms Minter Ellison and Allens.

Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia Wayne Spanner commented:

"Joanne's extensive experience across a range of sectors, and history of advising clients in multiple markets around the world, will be tremendously beneficial for our national projects and construction and engineering teams and the clients they serve. Her cross-border experience will facilitate projects involving stakeholders in Australia and Asia, as well assisting Middle East developers pursue projects throughout Asia-Pacific."

Joanne Emerson Taqi commented:

"I am looking forward to bringing my years of experience gained in the Middle East to Australia, having advised in one of the busiest projects jurisdictions in the world. The firm's Australian projects and construction teams have developed a strong track record in all of the areas I practise in, from renewables to waste-to-energy, accommodation, transport, real estate and oil and gas. I am eager to help connect our foreign clients into Australian projects, as well as assist Australian clients in developing projects at home and abroad."

Norton Rose Fulbright has been investing in its national construction and engineering practice, which is led by partner Emanuel Confos. In February it announced Brisbane-based major projects, construction and government partner Ren Niemann would join this year, following new Brisbane partner Laura Walton, who joined in September last year.