“Meridian’s insurance law team continues to grow strategically and Robert is a great fit both within our highly regarded team and with the firm’s culture,” said Meridian managing principal Paul Baker.

Crittenden’s appointment follows the recent appointment of employment practitioner Sharlene Wellard, who was previously senior employment law partner at Piper Alderman.

Crittenden is one of several partnership departures from DLA Piper recently.

Earlier today Lawyers Weekly exclusively revealed that senior Melbourne partners Steven Casper and Richard Moshinsky had left the firm to join the Melbourne boutique SBA Law.

DLA’s Melbourne managing partner Peter Monk left the global firm last month to join Hive Legal.

Monk cited his move as a bid to get away from high overheads, billable hours, and the culture of self-interest found in large law firms.

DLA Piper partner Adrian Smith moved over to McCullough Robertson in Sydney earlier this month.

DLA Piper also poached Peter Jones, the head of technology, media and telecommunications at Gilbert + Tobin, on 2 June.