Griffith Hack chairman Tony Ward said of the new recruit: "We are delighted to have [Parker] on board and are certain that his depth of professional services experience will help guide Griffith Hack to its desired goals in 2010 and beyond. We are confident that under [his] leadership Griffith Hack will continue to provide excellent service to its clients both current and new".

Ward previously anticipated change at the firm, telling The New Lawyer that clients would be streamlining their various IP issues in the GFC, thereby handing more work to boutique firms like his.

His comments came after the firm hired former Corrs Chambers Westgarth IP litigator, Sally Nicolson, in the role of special counsel, and announced it was looking to boost its junior ranks in the same area.

Ward said at the time that this was a wise move by the firm as each new partner brings new business, which has contributed to the IP divisions’ growth.

“Our view is that there is a growing need for boutique law practices specialising in IP law,” he said.

“I think that a lot of small to medium sized enterprises are realising that their trademarks and names are valuable, especially if they are planning to sell the business.”

Ward claims that in tough times such as now, IP is even more important as people are keener to protect and enforce their rights and their property.

The new CEO, Parker, has worked across financial services, telecommunications, information technology and healthcare.

He also has more than 24 years of experience in business across Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Western Europe and North America. Prior to his role at Oakton, Parker was managing director for Unisys Australia & New Zealand Ltd, and before that spent over 16 years at Hewlett Packard Australia Ltd.

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