In addition, the firm has promoted 7 senior associates and four associates across all areas of practice nationally. Newly appointed senior associates include Marissa Bendyk, Deborah Overstead, Mitchell Coidan, Steven Forrest, Shaan Palmer, Simone Selkirk and Kathy Tsiaplis. Associate appointments included Kylie Barri, Maurice Lynch, Annabel Vadasz and Loretta Zandona.

"The promotion of Craig, coming so soon after Teresa's appointment and along with our other appointments, demonstrates the importance we place on building our national strength across all practice areas and the robust position our firm is in. We are in the fortunate position to be able to boost our team with this great talent in a time that is difficult for many firms," said Piper Alderman managing partner Gordon Grieve.

Piper Alderman said it has also been investing in talent nearing the beginning of the career ladder with recent hires as part of the firm's successful law clerk and graduate program.

In 2010 the firm has hired 21 law clerks across four offices, giving the next wave of talent exposure to a law firm environment and a chance to apply their academic studies by providing essential support to establish legal teams.