Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Find a lawyer:


Search

Find by expertise »»


Find people A - Z:

A B C D E F
G H I J K L
M N O P Q R
S T U V W X
Y Z

  • James Fahey

    Partner
    Melbourne
    T: +61 3 9643 4331
    M: +61 418 374 504
 

 Professional Biography

 

  • James Fahey is a partner in the Energy, Resources and Projects group of King & Wood Mallesons, where he leads the firm's National Oil and Gas team.

    He has over 30 years experience in the resources sector in roles ranging from a geologist, a commercial manager of BHP Petroleum's Australia oil and gas exploration group, an in-house principal counsel at BHP Petroleum and a solicitor and partner at King & Wood Mallesons.

    He specialises in major resources projects, both national and international, with a particular focus on oil and gas/LNG projects.

    James is recognised in a number of international legal directories as a leading resources and energy lawyer, including Best Lawyers 2012, The Asia Pacific Legal 500 2012 and Chambers Global Guide 2009, 2010, 2011and 2012. APL 500 2012 said James is singled out for his “comprehensive understanding of the energy business” and “client orientated, pragmatic approach”.
 

 Experience

 
  • 1980: Bachelor of Science (Hons) & Geology (Hons), University of Melbourne
  • 1981 - 1985: Geologist, Northern Territory Department of Mines and Energy, Darwin
  • 1987: Bachelor of Laws Degree, University of Melbourne
  • 1988 - 1993: Solicitor / Senior Associate, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Melbourne
  • 1993: Senior Solicitor, BHP Petroleum
  • 1994 - 1995: Acting Manager, Commercial Group, BHP Petroleum (Australia and Asia) Exploration Department
  • 1995: Principal Solicitor, BHP Petroleum (Australia and Asia)
  • 1996 - 2012: Partner, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, Melbourne
  • 2012: Partner, King & Wood Mallesons, Melbourne

  • James has written and presented widely on joint ventures and natural resources and energy topics. He is the author of "Joint Ventures" in The Laws of Australia.
 

 Recent Matters

 
  • Principal partner acting for BG plc / QGC in relation to the development of the QCLNG Project, Queensland ($15 billion coal seam gas to LNG project), including upstream, midstream and downstream structuring and strategic advices, and joint venture/gas to LNG arrangements with China National Offshore Oil Corporation and Tokyo Gas.
  • Advised BG plc in relation to the acquisition of interests from QGC and establishment of the BG/QGC Walloons Alliance, and the subsequent acquisition of QGC.
  • Acted for the Independent State of PNG in relation to the proposed PNG-Australia gas pipeline project
  • Acting for MRDC (PNG) on the financing for, and acquisition of, MRDC's interests in the Moran oilfield project
  • Lead role in assisting Rio Tinto with group procurement arrangements for supply of major mining operation equipment, goods and services to operations in Australasia, South Africa and globally (including USA); drafting suites of proforma procurement and related contracts; advising on international joint ventures
  • BHPB Transport and Logistics and NRC rail agreements ($1.2 billion); OneSteel-BHPBT&L transport and logistics contracts; restructuring of the BHPB Transport and Logistics Group; divestment of port facilities and industrial site at Kwinana, WA; divestment and outsourcing of BHPB stevedoring businesses in Australia and New Zealand; IT joint venture; major marine services contracts; road, rail and logistics service contracts and commercial advice
 

 Professional Memberships

 
  • Law Council of Australia
  • Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association
  • Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia
  • Law Institute of Victoria