Dorey has more than 20 years experience in the area of insolvency and has advised financial institutions, receivers and managers and voluntary administrators in a variety of loan recovery and insolvency matters.

Andrew Chambers, national practice group leader of Middletons' banking, insolvency and disputes group said the current economic conditions were behind the decision to boost this practice areas.

"Tough economic conditions and a lack of available funding is taking its toll on Australian businesses with corporate insolvency at record levels. We have a strong national team that understands the challenges clients face in this climate and Ian will add further depth and expertise to our group."

Dorey himself said: " The firm has an excellent reputation in the market, particularly in the banking sector where it sits on the legal panels of three of the four major Australian banks."