Stirling was the lead partner in Blakes' Melbourne corporate team, acting for a number of major listed and non-listed companies, particularly in the financial services and resources sectors.

He will officially begin work in Mallesons' M&A team in early 2012, bringing with him strong experience in public and private M&A and equity capital market transactions.

Before joining Blakes, Stirling was the deputy general counsel for ANZ Bank.

Mallesons' chief executive partner, Robert Milliner, said Stirling fits strategically with the direction of the firm's M&A team as it moves forward with its 2015 strategic plan.

Mallesons' M&A practice leader, Craig Semple, said the appointment is an endorsement of the position of the group in the Melbourne market.

"[Stirling] is a fantastic, client focused corporate lawyer with wide ranging skills, great energy and who wins the trust of clients," he said.