“The appointment of [Owen] and [Callaghan], together with other recent partner appointments in our construction and major projects group, underscores the dynamic growth of Maddocks in Sydney,” CEO David Laidlaw said.

The two new partners will be based in the firm’s Sydney office. Callaghan has joined Maddocks from Minter Ellison, while Owen left Griffith Hack.

Callaghan specialises in superannuation and financial services law, advising on all aspects of superannuation including fund restructures and transfers, liaison with regulators, financial services reform aspects, deed and governing rule drafting and regulatory compliance; as well as associated taxation and stamp duty matters.

He also has acted in various revenue matters for financial service product providers and other industries, advising on capital gains tax, stamp duty, goods & services tax, structuring and international taxation.

“Not only am I excited to be joining such a successful and growing partnership, but I am also looking forward to significantly expanding Maddocks’ superannuation and financial services capabilities in Sydney,” he said.

“An added bonus is the opportunity to work closely with highly skilled and respected practitioners, such as Chris Beeny, Bernie O’Sullivan and Ceri Lawley in the Melbourne office.”

Fellow partner Owen specialises in intellectual property, covering all aspects from selection, protection, defence and exploitation of IP rights. She has acted for clients in the food and beverage, fashion, pharmaceutical, medical devices, information technology and communications, and media industries.

Her particular expertise is in advising Australian universities and cooperative research centres on intellectual property issues, policy and practice.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to continue to build the Sydney side of Maddocks’ IP practice,” she said.

“My move to Maddocks was precipitated by a desire to provide IP clients with a broader, commercially-driven service offering. I believe Maddocks is an environment where my clients’ many and varied legal needs can be provided for.”