Prior to Macpherson Kelley, Mr McBratney practised for over 20 years at Clayton Utz and McCullough Robertson, Mills Oakley said, where he held several senior leadership roles including serving on the Executive Committee and as head of the Corporate Division.

“We have a clear strategy of adding expertise which supports the cross-disciplinary aspects of transactional work,” said Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker.

“Malcolm’s expertise across IP, corporate and technology matters is a major enhancement of our Brisbane offering.”

The firm’s corporate advisory team now has five Brisbane partners, it said in a statement, “making it a genuine alternative to the other top tier corporate advisory practices in Queensland”.

Mr McBratney regularly acts for overseas companies establishing in Australia and Australian companies expanding overseas, the firm added.

He said that he was “attracted by the strength and depth” of Mills Oakley’s Brisbane team and national practice and its reputation in his fields of expertise.

“My practice is particularly focused on technology and life sciences, two areas where Mills Oakley has cultivated a strong reputation and track record for deal-making,” he said.

“I am looking forward to making a contribution to the team.”

He commenced his role with Mills Oakley last week.