Demand for specialist legal advice across renewable energy, natural capital and agribusiness has helped Fox and Thomas establish a strong presence in Brisbane, just 12 months after opening its city office.
The Brisbane practice, founded and led by Nick Knowlman, has grown steadily over the past year as investment across Queensland’s renewable energy sector continues to accelerate.
The team’s agribusiness service offering now includes advising landholders and agribusinesses on CSG, carbon projects, natural capital, renewable energy developments and the associated access and transmission agreements.
The milestone reflects a broader shift in Queensland’s economy, where regional industries, infrastructure investment and the energy transition are creating demand for advisors with both commercial and regional experience.
Fox and Thomas still has an office in Goondiwindi, working with landholders, businesses, investors and regional industries throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
Director Michael Cowley said opening in Brisbane was a natural step for the firm.
“Our clients were already doing business in Brisbane. Project proponents, consultants, financiers and advisers are here, so it made sense for us to be here too,” Mr Cowley said.
“The office has given us the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships while introducing Fox and Thomas to a much broader professional network. That’s been one of the biggest successes of the past year.”
To mark the anniversary, Fox and Thomas recently hosted clients, referral partners and members of its team at the Port Office Hotel.
Director Kay Rhodes said Brisbane had become an important part of the firm’s future.
“We’ve always been proud of our regional heritage, and that’s something we wanted to bring with us rather than leave behind. Clients appreciate practical advice from lawyers who understand the industries they’re working in and the commercial pressures they’re facing,” Ms Rhodes said.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve built some outstanding relationships across Brisbane and regional Queensland. That’s created a strong platform for the next stage of the firm’s growth.”
Mr Knowlman said the work coming through the Brisbane office reflected how quickly the
market was evolving.
“A year ago most conversations centred on wind and solar projects. Today we’re also advising on transmission infrastructure, natural capital, biodiversity, carbon projects and increasingly sophisticated commercial arrangements between landholders and project proponents,” he said.
“Clients are looking for advisors who understand the legal issues, but they also want someone who understands the commercial decisions sitting behind them and the impact on their existing agribusiness. That’s where we’ve been able to add real value.”
Fox and Thomas has also expanded its involvement across Queensland’s business and agricultural communities, with the firm regularly participating in industry events.
Mr Cowley said the firm’s first year in Brisbane had reinforced the strength of its long-term strategy.
“There’s still enormous investment flowing into Queensland, particularly across regional industries. We see Brisbane as an important part of that story because it’s where many of those projects are funded, negotiated and delivered,” he said.
“We’ve built a practice that complements what we’ve been doing in regional Queensland and New South Wales for many years. The response from clients has given us plenty of confidence about where we’re heading next.”
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