Stringer, a funds management and superannuation specialist, joins Blakes from MLC, the insurance and funds management division of the National Australia Bank, where she was senior legal counsel, head of wealth.

Stringer has specialised in financial services and superannuation law for more than 21 years and is highly regarded for her expertise in the funds management aspects of superannuation.

Smith specialises in acquisition finance, as well as project, mezzanine and general corporate finance, and will boost the firm’s financial services group.

“This is an opportunity for me to work with an excellent financial services practice and with a corporate M&A team that is consistently recognised for its high standard of work on some of the most significant deals in Australia over the past two years,” Smith said.

Before joining the firm, Smith was at rival Allens Arthur Robinson, which followed a stint in the banking practice at Clifford Chance in London.

“[Stringer] and [Smith] both have extensive experience and will complement our corporate team and enhance our relationships with our key clients in the financial services sector,” managing partner John Atkin said.