Global law firm DLA Piper has strengthened its tax ranks, welcoming a trio of partners and a team of five practitioners from BigLaw rival Clayton Utz.
Partners Angela Wood, Brendon Lamers, and Andy Bubb have all joined DLA Piper from Clayton Utz and have brought with them tax director Alex Lebsanft, senior associates Amahl Weeramantry and Patrick Norman, solicitor Darcy Grace-Cannon, and senior legal assistant Natalie Heaton.
The move was first reported by The Australian Financial Review’s Street Talk earlier this year, and Lawyers Weekly understands that the partners and their team commenced in their new roles earlier this week.
Lamers (who has been appointed as Australian location head of tax) and Lebsanft will be based in the firm’s Brisbane office, while Wood (who has been named as the firm’s APAC head of tax controversy), Bubb and the other team members will be based in the Melbourne office.
The news follows DLA Piper’s promotion of 15 lawyers in July to more senior roles, addition of a technology partner in May and an M&A partner in February, both from Hogan Lovells, and hiring of a finance partner from White & Case back in January.
Speaking about the appointments, DLA Piper tax practice international group head Jacques Wantz said: “Angela, Brendon and Andy are outstanding additions to our global tax team. Their combined experience in tax controversy, infrastructure and international tax strengthens our ability to deliver seamless, high[1]value advice across jurisdictions.
“We are thrilled to welcome them and their team to DLA Piper and look forward to the impact they will have for our clients and our practice.”
The firm’s Australian country managing partner, Shane Bilardi, added: “We’re excited to welcome Angela, Andy, and Brendon to the team. They bring not only exceptional technical insight and experience but also strong client relationships and a genuine commitment to collaboration – both locally and globally.
“Their approach aligns perfectly with the kind of partners we seek: those who work together to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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