Specialising in insolvency law for almost 10 years, Cork was recently principal of Cork Commercial Lawyers and brings extensive experience in insolvency law and asset restructuring, having acted for a number of insolvency practitioners and participants in the finance, broking and manufacturing sectors.

"Despite recent signs of improvement in some sectors of the Australian economy, demand for specialist insolvency services remains strong," said partner and head of the firm's insolvency and restructuring service line, Richard Anicich.

"Reports from the RBA show an increased level of impaired debt and there are regular headlines in the financial press suggesting that small business in particular is doing it tough and under increased pressure from banks," he said.

"There is a continuing need for improved risk management strategies against financiers, and the requirement to close scrutiny of credit policies in all industries is ongoing."