The firm has hired three construction lawyers to its Melbourne office, in a hat trick of hires from Rigby Cooke Lawyers.

Andrew Whitelaw, consultant Bryan Thomas and solicitor Lucy Fitzpatrick have been hired as the firm predicts a return of confidence to the market, and a renewed demand for housing projects.

Managing partner Peter Smith said large property groups have been reigniting their development pipelines in recent months.

“We represent builders, developers, owners and industry professionals involved in a diverse range of commercial and residential projects,” Smith said of the firm’s clients.

Whitelaw is the immediate past president and current secretary of the Building Dispute Practitioners Society, while Ambler is a former vice president. Both are also involved with the Master Builders Association of Victoria, the Housing Industry Association and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.