This is the second acquisition for Mills Oakley this month, with the firm acquiring Melbourne boutique Patrick & Associates last week, in a move Mills Oakley said would enhance its litigation capabilities.

Vardanega Roberts has a 30-year history acting for major Australian and global insurers, Lloyd’s syndicates and self-insurers in public and products liability, strata insurance, professional indemnity, property, workers compensation, CTP and insurance recoveries in all classes. 

Commenting on the move, Mills Oakley chief executive John Nerurker said that the two firms shared many parallels.

“Like ourselves, Vardanega Roberts has a compelling growth story. Mike and Steve opened their doors as a start-up and steadily built their reputation and profile. They achieved this by staying true to their values: hard work, excellence and a relentless client focus,” he said.

“Their story is reminiscent of Mills Oakley in Sydney, where we launched with a lean three-partner team which blossomed into a 50-partner practice in less than 15 years. It is fitting that two of our original Sydney partners, Daren Curry and Stephen Aroney, are insurance specialists and played an instrumental role in us joining forces with Vardanega Roberts today.”

Commenting on the move, Stephen Vardanega added that Vardanega Roberts would benefit from the acquisition.

“It is well documented that insurers are increasingly seeking law firms with a national footprint and the capability to offer a seamless service across multiple specialisations and jurisdictions,” he said.

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“For 30 years, Vardanega Roberts has serviced its Australian and international clients across Australia. Mike and I are delighted to join forces with Mills Oakley. As a national firm and a clear market leader in the insurance space, with a complete alignment of culture and values, Mills Oakley was the logical choice of partner for our firm, and we are excited about what the combined practice will offer our clients and staff.”