Scott Sharry began his legal career with Clayton Utz in 2001 as a graduate, specialises in insolvency and restructuring work as well as commercial litigation. 

He has represented a range of interests and clients including banks, financiers, liquidators, receivers and administrators in relation to insolvency administration, recovery and management issues across a broad range of industries.

Sharry said his appointment reflected the strength of the firm's restructuring, insolvency and general commercial litigation practices – both in Queensland, where he is based, and around the country.

"I am fortunate to be part of a very experienced and talented team that is not only pre-eminent in restructuring and insolvency work but continues to secure instructions in some of the market's most complex transactions. With the economic recovery still underway, there is a long tail of work in the pipeline and 2010 is already shaping up to be a busy year. I look forward to being a part of it," Sharry said.

Clayton Utz chief executive partner David Fagan said the existing partners were delighted to welcome Sharry to the partnership. 

"[Sharry} is yet another example of the home grown talent we have at Clayton Utz and our ongoing investment in core practice areas where we have strong capability. It is the strength of our legal talent that enables us to deliver on our commitment to being the most commercial and client focused law firm in Australia."

In other promotions, Brad Allen (Sydney, debt finance), Michael Palfrey (Canberra, commercial litigation) and Paul Jammy (Sydney, commercial litigation) have been promoted to special counsel from 1 January, while Adel van der Walt has been promoted to senior associate in the corporate advisory, M&A team in Perth.