Mr Laycock, the former head of the Sydney building and construction team at Gadens, has more than 20 years’ experience.

He advises government, institutional, developer, contractor and consultant clients on a range of procurement, contract documentation and dispute-related matters. He is also an accredited expert and an adjudicator and mediator.

Mr Higgins was previously a director in the Gadens construction team. He specialises in construction and engineering disputes, acting for institutional developer and contractor clients and ASX-listed companies.

He has expertise in all forms of dispute resolution including mediation, arbitration, adjudication, expert determination and Supreme Court litigation.

“Our objective has always been to provide a seamless level of service in our planning, construction and property practices and this process will be greatly assisted by the fact that our newest construction partners are already known and respected by many of our clients,” Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said.

Mills Oakley has confirmed another three lawyers will come across from Gadens: consultant Chris Kelly, lawyer Lucy Hancock and associate Sacha Janczuk.

Several others have recently left Gadens for Mills Oakley, including planning and environment specialists Anthony Whealy and Aaron Gadiel in Sydney.

Construction expert Steven Gavagna also recently joined Mills Oakley from Goodman Law in Canberra.