Walmsley - who will be based in JWS's Melbourne office - was a founding partner of Clarendon Lawyers, which launched in 2007, and prior to that was a partner at Freehills.

Walmsley specialises in providing advisory services to ASX-listed companies concerning governance, board performance, capital management, executive remuneration and ASX listing rules and Corporations Act compliance.

His team comprises special counsel Rebecca Farrell, senior associates Sarre Cousens and Hillel Nagel, associates Erin O'Connor and Richa Puri and graduate Bianca Guerrieri.

Walmsley joins the JWS partnership on 1 June 2009.