She has experience in aged care, healthcare and retirement living, and is a registered nurse (Division 1) (non-practising).

Her practice involves corporate and clinical governance, risk management and compliance, inquiries and investigations, dispute resolution, coronial inquests, policy review and implementation, statutory interpretation, corporate and clinical governance as well as government and administrative law.

Ms Phillips said: “Joining Gadens presents the opportunity to lead this practice and further develop the team's knowledge and expertise, allowing the firm to provide clients the very best legal support for large multi-jurisdictional transactions and other needs.”

Grant Scott-Hayward, Gadens Melbourne CEO, said: “Together with the existing expertise we have in our firm, Sabine's appointment means we are able to provide clients with a one-stop shop for aged and healthcare legal services.”

Last year Gadens appointed former K&L Gates partners Brihony Boan, Jol Rogers and Adam Howell to the Melbourne practice, Victorian silk Glenn McGowan QC as chief counsel, and former Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner David Smith to the IP practice.