Leigh Warnick has joined as a partner at the Western Australian firm, taking more than 35 years’ experience in the law and almost 20 years’ experience as a director and chairman of listed public companies to Lavan Legal’s developing practice. 

Warnick takes with him experience in corporate law, governance and mining, having won Best Lawyers Australia 2011 in all three categories.

Warnick acted as lead external legal adviser to BHP Billiton on its planned merger and iron ore joint venture with Rio Tinto in 2009 and 2010.

As part of the Lavan Legal leadership team, Warnick is focusing on the expansion of the firm’s corporate and resources practices, the firm said. 

Lavan Legal managing partner, Greg Gaunt, said Warnick would be a key contributor to its strategy for future growth. 

In addition to his leadership and practice roles, Warnick will focus on developing and mentoring younger lawyers in the Lavan Legal team, Gaunt said. 

The man himself said he has been fortunate to work in top national firms, but Lavan Legal offered "something different, a responsive decision structure, commitment to innovation, appetite for growth and willingness to invest in the Perth market".

"I’m convinced that the firm has a real commitment to living its values, developing the people in the team - and creating a place where people want to come to work," he said.