Simon Dewberry will join the firm on 1 August as a partner in Melbourne, leaving Freehills where he has worked as a senior associate since 2007. 

Dewberry started out at Allens' Brisbane office in 2000, and has worked on a raft of high-profile employment matters while at Freehills. 

"[He] began his legal career at the firm and we're delighted to welcome him back and into the partnership," said litigation and intellectual property executive partner Maryjane Crabtree.

Crabtree said a string of new regulations, corporate law and governance issues, and the rise of social media, had seen companies grapple with a range of complex employment issues.

"Our practice is very much focused on assisting employers navigate these challenges, and Simon, who

has most recently spent time on secondment working with one of Australia's largest resources

companies, has the expertise and insights that will sit well within our existing team," she said.

Allens has also promoted a lawyer to special counsel to the workplace relations practice. Luke Gattuso began his career in the firm's Melbourne office, but has recently been worked in the firm's Perth office. His promotion reflects his leadership and client-focused skills, said Crabtree. 

"The appointment of Luke not only reflects his abilities but the requirement for us to utilise his expertise in meeting growing client needs in the Victorian and national market."