Allens chairman Ewen Crouch said that growth in a range of practice areas across Australia and Asia – including resources, technology, banking and projects – and a strong pipeline of talent was behind the appointments.

'The international legal market is changing,' Crouch said. He said the new appointments reflect the firm's confidence in its future. 

Some of the new partners began their legal careers at Allens. Others have returned to the firm following general counsel roles, or have come to Allens via other international firms.

New Asian-based partner Hop Dang, who recently obtained his doctorate from Oxford University, began his career as a clerk in Allens' Hanoi office, performing general office duties. Vietnam practice head Bill Magennis encouraged Dang to embark on a legal career that saw him undertake his law degrees in both Vietnam and Australia.

"[His] experience, and that of all our new partners, reflects the importance of having a strong mentor," chief executive partner Michael Rose said.

The new partners at Allens include the following people. 

Nicholas Adkins, Banking, Sydney

Nick joined the firm as a summer clerk and then started as a lawyer in 2002. His practice focuses on project finance, acquisition finance and property finance. He has advised financiers and sponsors on a number of major financings including most recently the New Royal Adelaide Hospital PPP.

Philip Blaxill, Litigation/Insolvency, Perth

Phil started his legal career in England, having previously worked in the marketing roles for Cussons and Arnott's in the UK and Asia, and Australia. Phil moved to Western Australia joining Allens in August 2010. He practises as a commercial litigator and has a strong interest in turnaround and insolvency matters.

Hop Dang, Asia, Hanoi

Hop has worked in the Hanoi office for 17 years, principally focused on infrastructure development and government contracts. Hop has been involved in some of the largest infrastructure projects in Vietnam, most recently the Nam Con Son gas project and Phu My 3 BOT power project.

Julian Donnan, Corporate, Sydney

Julian has been with the firm since 1999. He was seconded to the Shanghai Office between 2005 and 2008 and is now based in Sydney, specialising in the areas of equity capital markets and public and private M&A.

Karla Fraser, Banking, Brisbane

Karla re-joined the firm in 2007, following almost nine years with Clifford Chance in London. Karla has extensive international cross-border experience in all aspects of finance, including commercial real estate investment and construction finance, leveraged and structured finance, and has acted for financiers, syndicates, sponsors, developers and borrowers.

Michael Graves, Projects, Melbourne

Michael started at the firm in 2001 before joining Roaring 40s Renewable Energy as Corporate Counsel, returning to the firm in 2008. Michael has provided legal advice in relation to wind energy projects in Australia, China, India and New Zealand. He also advises on infrastructure and real estate projects

Mark Malinas, Corporate, Melbourne

Mark joined the firm in 2001 as a graduate in the Melbourne office. His practice is focused on private equity, M&A and equity capital markets, advising local and international clients on a range of corporate transactions.

Penny Nikoloudis, Corporate, Sydney

Penny joined the firm in 2001 as a lawyer. She specialises in funds management and has worked on a diverse range of corporate transactions in the funds and financial services sectors.

Jodi Reinmuth, Energy & Resources, Perth

Jodi joined the firm as a vacation clerk and is now a long-standing member of the Allens growing Perth team. Her practice is focused on the energy and resources sectors including advising on complex matters such as cross-border acquisitions, disposals and major projects.

Gavin Smith, Telecommunications, Media & Technology, Sydney

Gavin commenced his legal career with Allens in 2008 as a Senior Overseas Practitioner, having worked previously with Clifford Chance and Linklaters in London. Gavin's practice includes large-scale technology procurements, major outsourcing and off-shorings, and telecommunication deals.

Duncan Travis, Litigation, Melbourne

Duncan joined the firm as an articled clerk in 2002 and has broad experience in complex multi-dimensional commercial litigation, including shareholder and product liability class actions, regulatory investigations, and disputes in the energy and resources sectors. Duncan also advises on domestic and international corporate social responsibility risks.

Matthew Whittle, Insolvency, Melbourne

Matthew was recruited to the firm as a senior associate in 2008 from Clifford Chance in Tokyo. Matthew specialises in the field of corporate insolvency and restructuring. He also has broad experience advising financial institutions and corporates on complex litigation and regulatory investigations.