DLA Piper has appointed Nikki van der Meer as a Projects partner in its Perth office, effective June 2, 2026, strengthening the global law firm’s Energy and Natural Resources team at a pivotal moment for the Australian LNG sector and the broader energy transition.
Van der Meer brings more than 15 years of experience advising global energy clients across the full spectrum of LNG and energy project development, from exploration and infrastructure through to complex cross-border mergers and acquisitions and strategic multi-jurisdictional investment.
Her appointment expands DLA Piper’s capability across the energy and resources sector and enhances the firm’s ability to support global investors and developers on upstream gas and LNG opportunities across Australia and key international markets. Van der Meer has advised on some of the most significant LNG and gas projects in Western Australia, building a track record that positions her as one of the most experienced practitioners in the country in this specialized field.
The Perth hire follows other significant lateral appointments in the Energy and Natural Resources sector in late 2025, including Noni Shannon and Brendon Lamers, signaling a sustained investment by DLA Piper in building out its Australian energy platform. Van der Meer’s arrival also complements the Perth office’s leading mining team, creating a more comprehensive offering for clients navigating both conventional resource transactions and the evolving demands of the low-carbon energy transition.
Her skills are seen as particularly well suited to a moment when the Australian energy sector is managing competing pressures: sustaining LNG export commitments while increasingly directing capital toward new energy projects and net-zero strategies. DLA Piper’s international platform, combined with a deepened local bench, positions the firm to serve clients requiring cross-border legal support on some of the region’s most complex transactions.
KEY QUOTES:
“Nikki is a highly respected and trusted legal advisor with a wealth of experience advising leading multinational energy companies through complex transactions and upstream and downstream project development. Her skills complement the strength of the firm’s local and global LNG and natural resources team as well as the Perth office’s leading mining team, enabling us to add further value to clients as they focus on their energy transition efforts.”
Alex Jones, Global Co-chair Energy and Natural Resources and Perth Office Managing Partner, DLA Piper
“Nikki’s industry experience, sector insight and commercial approach make her a strong addition to our national Energy and Natural Resources offering. Her background in major LNG and energy projects, combined with her international outlook, will be of real value to clients executing complex M&A and investment strategies in Australia and across global markets.”
Shane Bilardi, Country Managing Partner, Australia, DLA Piper
