Meritas has a membership base of more than 175 independent law firms in more than 70 countries, with five Australia-based member firms: Madgwicks, Swaab, Snedden Hall & Gallop Lawyers and MacDonnells Law. 

Commenting on his appointment, Hall said: "I am delighted to have been appointed by all of the member firms in the region the co-chair of the ANZ region for Meritas.

“As our industry continues to face the challenges globalisation, and increasing client needs for service across different jurisdictions, it is important for firms like Swaab to be present on an international scale and be able to offer our clients access to world-class lawyers and firms through the Meritas quality-assured referral network.

“I look forward to promoting the many industry-leading efforts of our ANZ member firms and the region as a whole even further during my time as co-chair."

Hall is also a deputy chair of the international intellectual property practice group within the network.

Meritas represents more than 7000 lawyers from around the world, including in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. 

Earlier this year the alliance elected Canadian lawyer André Ryan as its chair.