Putnins joins from Mills Oakley and has more than two decades of legal experience, having worked at Norton Rose Fulbright as well as in-house.

He specialises in superannuation, funds management, investments, and financial services regulation. Putnins has also advised on major superannuation fund mergers and wind-ups and has significant regulatory and governance experience, including financial accountability regimes and design and distribution obligations.

“It was important for me to join a firm known for its culture of collaboration and collegiality, as well as one with a clearly defined strategy for growth and success,” he said.

“Joining Sparke Helmore allows me to build on my strong relationships in the industry, to provide top-tier service to my clients, and play a key role in expanding the expertise of the firm’s growing corporate and commercial team.”

This comes after Sparke Helmore merged with a Queensland boutique, adding two partners and 20 staff to its ranks in April, as well as the promotion of CTP and casualty insurance lawyer Lauren McHugh to its partnership in late January.

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Speaking about the new appointment, corporate and commercial national practice group leader Julien Castaldi said Putnins would be a valuable addition.

“As a firm, we have ambitious growth plans in the area of complex corporate financial regulation and bringing on board a partner of Stephen’s calibre enables us to provide exceptional support to our clients across superannuation, financial services, and funds management,” he said.

“Stephen’s presence will also add significantly to the evolution and growth of our corporate and commercial offering in the Melbourne office.”

Lawyers Weekly will host the Partner Summit on Thursday, 12 June 2025, at The Star, Sydney, at which speakers will address the range of opportunities and challenges for partners and partner equivalents, provide tips on how they can better approach their practice and team management, and propel their businesses towards success. Click here to book your tickets – don’t miss out! For more information, including agenda and speakers, click here.