Partner Adam Carlton-Smith first joined the firm as a solicitor in 1993, and advises on its commercial dispute resolution division with a specific emphasis in the building and construction industry. Carlton-Smith leads Hopgood Ganim’s building and construction practice where he advises major developers, contractors and consultants in all manner of property and infrastructure projects.

Special counsel in the trade practices division, Brett Bolton, joined Hopgood Ganim in 1997 and specialises in trade practices, defamation and commercial litigation. His practice includes advice to clients on compliance with the Trade Practices Act and Fair Trading Act. He also defends clients against alleged breaches of those Acts and assists clients with the preparation of submissions to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on trade practices issues.

The other special counsel to be appointed, in the estates team, is Greg Cox. After beginning in the firm in 2001, Cox has specialised in estate planning, business succession planning, estate administration and estate litigation.

“We’re thrilled to be able to promote so many people in what has been a tremendous year for our firm,” managing partner, Bruce Humphreys said. “What is even more satisfying is that many of these people started their legal careers with us, which tends to be the Hopgood Ganim way.”

The five senior associate positions were given to Luke Mountford, business services; Michele Muscillo, corporate advisory; Anthony Boge, commercial property and transactions; Lisa Lahey, family law; and Paul Betros, commercial dispute resolution.