Cooper Grace Ward has strengthened its corporate advisory practice with the promotion of Andrew Corkhill to partner.

The newly promoted partner is an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer who acts for domestic and international clients, with a particular focus on the energy and natural resources sector.

Corkhill's experience includes work across the energy & natural resources sector, large-scale M&A, joint ventures and corporate financings.

Corkhill first worked with Cooper Grace Ward during the early stages of his career before gaining experience with a top-tier national firm and then as a senior in-house counsel with international oil and gas major Eni in London.

Cooper Grace Ward's managing partner Chris Ward, said he was excited about Corkhill's promotion to partner as his extensive experience in energy & resources, M&A, joint ventures and corporate financings makes him an asset to the firm's busy corporate advisory practice.

"Andrew's extensive energy and resources sector expertise, coupled with his experience in leading large M&A and corporate financing transactions, gives us an additional edge in providing industry leading services to our corporate clients in Australia and abroad."

Commenting on his promotion, Corkhill said: "I'm passionate about working closely with our clients to understand their businesses and help them achieve their strategic corporate goals."

"Having returned to Cooper Grace Ward due to its market reputation and collegiate culture, I am really pleased to have this opportunity to advance with the firm and my valued clients."

In addition to Corkhill's promotion, the firm has promoted 12 lawyers to senior positions in 2019, including an additional partner, three special counsels, two senior associates and six associates across a number of practice areas.

The promotions are split 54% female and 46% male and increases the firm's partnership to 21.

Corkhill's appointment commences 1 July 2019.