The five new partners - John Toigo, Paul O’Dea, Shane Williamson, Brad Vinning and Steven Cardell— are described as outstanding practitioners, with a client base ranging from SMEs, public companies and start-ups to government and government-owned corporations.

Mr Toigo specialises in corporate law, having advised on corporate transactions, foreign investment matters and projects relating to the mining and resources sector.

Mr O’Dea brings a wealth of expertise in all aspects of property, town planning and environmental law to Sparkes. According to a statement, he has advised on some of Australia’s largest developers in landmark Queensland projects.

Mr Williamson specialises in litigation and dispute resolution, as well as debt recovery and insolvency. Throughout his career, he has acted for both regulators and individuals across a range of industry sectors.

Mr Vinning brings to his new role a passion for guiding companies at every stage of their growth cycle across a broad range of corporate and commercial transactions. He also advises a number of ASX and TSX listed companies on a range of regulated and M&A transactions, according to a statement from Sparkes.

Meanwhile, Mr Cardell is highly-skilled in all aspects of property law, having specialised in development work involving complicated community titling and body corporate structuring.

“I am thrilled to welcome such an exceptional team to our firm,” Sparke Helmore national managing partner Phillip Salem said.

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“The addition of these individuals to our corporate and commercial practice is yet another critical step in enhancing the legal expertise we provide to our clients in the Brisbane market and nationally.”

John Toigo, partner and outgoing chairman of ClarkeKann Brisbane added: “Sparke Helmore and ClarkeKann Brisbane have long histories as proudly Australian firms”.

“We immediately saw the synergies with our strategies, our culture and values as well as our commitment to exceptional client service.

“The two firms joining forces makes for exciting times and demonstrates Sparke Helmore’s recognition of the importance of the Brisbane market to its business.”