Commercial law firm Thomson Playford Cutlers is expanding its involvement in the energy and resources sector with the appointment of Ben Madsen as Partner.

A mining and resources legal specialist, Mr Madsen will be based in Thomson Playford Cutlers’ Sydney office but will be spending considerable time in Adelaide and in other states given his client focus.

Thomson Playford Cutlers’ Chief Executive Brett Goodridge said Mr Madsen’s appointment came as the demands for high quality legal expertise within the mining and resources sectors continued to grow. This is an important step forward for the firm and broadens the level of expertise and support for our clients.

“The growth of the mining and resources sector within Australia brings with it a large appetite for high quality legal services,” Mr Goodridge said.

“Ben is highly regarded within this field and has a reputation for providing outstanding legal expertise to clients. He has been involved in a number of significant projects including Asciano’s recent Queensland coal haulage arrangements with Rio Tinto and Xstrata, the Trans-Territory Pipeline Project, Alcan’s Gove mine and refinery expansion and developments at Weipa.

“He has almost a decade of high level experience specialising in mining and resources matters and has developed a deep understanding of the particular legal complexities and commercial issues facing the sector. He acts for clients engaged in all facets of the acquisition, disposal, development and operation of major mining projects.”

“Through his appointment we will look to grow our mining and resources practice on a national level.

“Ben’s skills complement Thomson Playford Cutlers’ outstanding expertise within related areas such as construction, environment, finance, industrial relations and litigation.”

Mr Madsen joined Thomson Playford Cutlers in early October, having previously worked as Special Counsel with law firm Clayton Utz in Sydney. He has also held the position of Australian Counsel for an international mining and materials company and worked with several other major law firms along the eastern seaboard.

Thomson Playford Cutlers has more than 290 staff with offices in Sydney and Adelaide, and a developing presence in Melbourne.