Fletcher has spent more than a decade working in industrial, employment and occupational health and safety law, and before his stint at Mallesons he worked in the Perth and Sydney offices of Freehills.

He has advised organisations across a broad range of industries including mining, energy and resources, transport, construction and financial services.

In making the announcement, Middletons' national managing partner, Nick Nichola said: "Due to the increased numbers of matters and clients now requiring legal services in Western Australia, the firm is delighted to appoint another partner to our Middletons' Perth office of [Fletcher’s] calibre."

Fletcher has advised BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Commonwealth Bank and Qantas.

He has also represented organisations managing workplace incidents and fatalities in a range of industries and jurisdictions.

Pressed as to why he made the move from Mallesons, Fletcher said: “Faced with increasing competition in Australia, Middletons' outstanding reputation in specialised areas such as workplace relations and occupational health and safety creates huge growth opportunities combined with their strong corporate client base."

Middletons established a Perth office in December 2008.