Webb Henderson – which has offices in Auckland and Sydney – said that Mr Whittaker is a “market-leading lawyer” who has spent his career running large-scale and complex matters for a wide range of major corporate and government clients.

He brings, the firm went on, a “wealth of experience and a long track record of success with him and will complement our already strong disputes practice”.

Mr Whittaker was most recently an executive partner at Corrs – a role he held for four and a half years – and was a partner at the firm for over 23 years.

Speaking about the hire, Webb Henderson competition and disputes lead Andrew Christopher said: “We’re thrilled that James is joining Webb Henderson.

“I’ve known James for many years and worked with James earlier in my career and, more recently, have had the pleasure of extensive professional dealings with James on various matters. James is undoubtedly one of Sydney’s best litigators and regulatory lawyers and enjoys trusted advisor status amongst his many clients.

“He’s also a terrific person. James will fit seamlessly into Webb Henderson disputes practice. His focus areas are very aligned with our own, and James’ joining will enhance our ability to offer clients senior partner-led teams with high levels of personal engagement.”

Webb Henderson founding partner Angus Henderson added: “I am very pleased James is joining our firm. James will add further depth to our exceptional disputes team.

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“Like Andrew, I have known James for many years and look forward to working with him as one of the leading disputes and regulatory partners in Australia. Webb Henderson continues to grow strongly, and the opportunities James brings to our firm will continue to add to this growth and our success.

“Our strategy is to have the best senior and upcoming partners and lawyers in our chosen areas of specialty. James joining our strong partner and counsel team of Andrew, Reay McGuinness, Diana Biscoe and Shaan Palmer reaffirms this strategy.”

Mr Whittaker noted: “There are a number of reasons for the move, some of which Andrew has mentioned. A primary driver is the close relationships I have with the partners. Professionally, the firm offers exactly what I’m looking for at this stage of my career.

“Webb Henderson is a relatively young firm and has forged a reputation for its energetic and entrepreneurial spirit and approach to the specialities it is focused on. It’s very exciting to be a part of the disputes and investigations team, which does market-leading work for the clients it serves.

“Webb Henderson offers an environment with intimate connection to clients, colleagues, team and community, and I am looking forward to working with the partners and firm to build upon those foundations.”