A spokesperson for Wallmans told Lawyers Weekly that Surman is not bringing Langes+ lawyers across to the new practice. He is, however, expected take a number of clients from his former firm.

The firm also revealed that while it is interested in making other lateral hires to boost its new financial services practice, it does not have a specific strategy in place, nor has it decided on how many partners to recruit.

Prior to joining Wallmans, Surman was a partner at banking & finance specialist firm Langes+ for more than five years. He had previously been a partner at Adelaide-based firm Norman Waterhouse Lawyers for almost four years.

Surman has acted for banks, credit unions, building societies and private health insurers, specialising in financial services and corporate advisory work.

He has also held in-house roles, including the head of compliance for Credit Union Services Corporation.

In October, Wallmans recruited another ex-Norman Waterhouse partner. James McEwen joined the firm’s office in Adelaide as a property and infrastructure partner in the public law team.

The firm also made three internal promotions recently, including Michael Kay, now a partner in the workplace relations, employment and safety practice.

Wallmans has 17 partners and 21 lawyers.