Lander & Rogers takes Clayton Utz team to launch Canberra office

This marks the national law firm’s fourth office, adding to its established presence in the major cities of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

In a statement, the firm described the launch as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the nation’s capital and enhance its service offerings to Commonwealth government clients.

To lead the new office, the firm has recruited a nine-person team from rival national law firm Clayton Utz Canberra office, comprising one partner, two special counsel, three senior associates, two lawyers, and an office coordinator.

Jennifer Wyborn, who served as a partner at Clayton Utz for over a decade, will lead Lander & Rogers’ Canberra office and has joined the firm as a partner in its workplace relations and safety practice group.

Speaking about her appointment, Wyborn said she was excited to join Lander & Rogers during a period of growth and national expansion and praised the firm’s strong reputation in employment and workplace relations.

“I am thrilled to be joining Lander & Rogers at this exciting time of growth and national expansion. The firm’s reputation for excellence in employment and workplace relations, combined with its genuine commitment to culture, values and excellent client service, makes it the ideal place to build the next chapter of my practice,” she said.

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“I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues and our clients to deliver outstanding outcomes.”

Wyborn’s appointment has also been welcomed by partners Sally Moten and Will Spargo, who co-lead the firm’s workplace relations and safety practice group.

“Jennifer is a highly respected practitioner whose depth of expertise and leadership in employment and industrial relations will be invaluable to our team and clients alike,” Moten said.

Spargo said: “Her appointment strengthens our ability to provide strategic and tailored advice to government and private sector clients, particularly in an environment of evolving regulatory and industrial frameworks.”

Also joining Wyborn in the Canberra office are former Clayton Utz colleagues, including Belinda Miller (special counsel), Nicholas West-Foy (special counsel), Alison McMaster (senior associate), Charisse Matthews (senior associate), Kate James (senior associate), Celeste Willis (lawyer), Rebecca Long (lawyer) and Keisha Wrigley (office coordinator).

Chief executive partner Daniel Proietto described the opening of the Canberra office as a significant milestone for the firm, noting that the team from Clayton Utz aligned with the firm’s strategic vision.

“Opening a Canberra office is a significant step for our firm as we continue to expand our national footprint and deepen our relationships with Commonwealth government clients,” Proietto said.

“Jennifer’s appointment, together with the talented team she brings, aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to provide market-leading advice and local insights that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

The opening of this new Canberra office comes in the wake of Ashurst’s decision to close its operations in the capital and wind down its Commonwealth government practice, with national law firm Thomson Geer acquiring the entirety of Ashurst’s Canberra team as previously reported by Lawyers Weekly.