John Kelly
Partner. Brisbane.
+61 7 3228 9368 | john.kelly@corrs.com.au | vCardIf anyone deserved to rest on their reputation, it would be John Kelly, described once by a client as “the guy with the grey hair who has done it all”. Even after 30 plus years as a leading commercial and business lawyer, John continues to find new ways to solve issues in the fast moving world of energy and resources.
If anyone deserved to rest on their reputation, it would be John Kelly, described once by a client as “the guy with the grey hair who has done it all”. Even after 30 plus years as a leading commercial and business lawyer, John continues to find new ways to solve issues in the fast moving world of energy and resources.
For the past five years running, the industry has recognised his expertise as a leading Energy & Natural Resources lawyer (Chambers Global 2007-11). This high level of consistency stems not only from his breadth of experience, but his focus on fostering and nurturing strong relationships with his clients.
John is known for his intellect, his technical expertise and the meticulous way he approaches every project. The loyalty of his clients is as long as his career.
John's Expertise
- Queensland Gas Company - BG alliance Advised QGC in forming an alliance with BG Group to develop a major LNG plant at Gladstone.
- Wesfarmers - Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal Advised Wesfarmers on its membership of the development consortium.
- Adani Group - $1.5 billion coal acquisition Advised Adani, India’s largest coal importer, on its acquisition of a coal property in the Galilee Basin in Queensland from Linc Energy. This was reported to be the largest single investment by an Indian company in Australia.
- Exoma Energy - CNOOC Joint Venture Advised Exoma on its farm-in and joint operating agreements with China National Offshore Oil Corporation in which CNOOC will earn a 50% interest in Exoma’s 26,840km² of coal seam gas and shale gas acreage in the Galilee Basin in Central Queensland.
- Major restructure of urban water supply Advised Queensland Treasury on a major restructure of the urban water supply arrangements for South East Queensland. The restructure involved the transfer of the bulk water assets and businesses of 21 different local governments and water authorities to a new bulk water supply authority and a new bulk water transport authority.
What others say
- “Market Leader - Energy & Resources” Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession, 2012
- “Leading Lawyer – Energy & Natural Resources” Chambers Global Guide, 2007-2012
- “One of the ‘Best of the Best 2010’ Energy & Natural Resources lawyers in Australia” Expert Guides 2010
- “Leading Lawyer - Energy & Natural Resources” Asia Pacific Legal 500, 2009-2012
- “Brisbane’s Best Energy Lawyer of the Year” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2011
- “Preeminent Lawyer - Energy & Resources ” Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession, 2011
- “Best Lawyer - Energy” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2008-2012
- “Best Lawyer - Government” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2008-2012
- “Best Lawyer - Mining” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2008-2012
- “Best Lawyer – Natural Resources” Best Lawyers Peer Review, 2008-2012
- “Recognised as 'Best Lawyer - Water'” Best Lawyers Peer Review 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011
- “Extremely skilled practitioner with extensive experience in the field... approachable and very easy to deal with”
- “He’s very experienced and values good client relationships.”
John's Leadership
- Australian Mining & Petroleum Law Association (Resources and Energy Law Association) Past National President and life member
- Queensland Petroleum Exploration Association Member
- Corrs Chambers Westgarth Board of Directors member
- Queensland Law Society Senior Counsellor