HWL Ebsworth's managing partner Juan Martinez (pictured right) said, "Matthew's recruitment, combined with the recent appointments of Richard Johnson in our Perth office and David Colovic and Andrew O'Halloran in our Adelaide office, reflect our continuing commitment to this sector."

In February this year Gadens made 20 Brisbane-based lawyers and support staff redundant.

The firm has made some new appointments with Ashurst partner Tim Lipscombe joining the banking & finance group in June and Stephen Moulton from Clayton Utz coming on board this month.

HWL Ebsworth has undergone significant growth this year, taking eight corporate partners from Herbert Smith Freehills, Clayton Utz, Cooper Grace Ward, Thomsons Lawyers and Piper Alderman.

HWL Ebsworth also gained 14 partners and an Adelaide office during its acquisition of SA boutique Kelly & Co earlier this year, making it the third largest firm by number of partners in Australia after Clayton Utz and Minter Ellison.