Philip Willox was formerly a Perth practice leader at Freehills’ employee relations group, but joins Mallesons in a bid to lift is major safety and incidents sector

The hire will further strengthen Mallesons’ national employment and dispute resolution teams, it said in a statement.

Willox has experience in industrial relations and occupational health and safety particularly in the energy and resources sector.

Mallesons managing partner, Stuart Fuller, said the appointment reflects the firm’s growth in the energy and resources sector.

Mallesons partner in charge of the firm's Perth office, Beau Deleuil, said welcomed Willox to the Perth team.

"[He] is a great acquisition and we are very happy to welcome him on board", he said.

Willox moves across to Mallesons in December 2010.