Global law firm HFW has broadened its national operations into Brisbane, with the hire of a construction team, as Queensland experiences a “construction boom” ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
HFW has launched in Brisbane with the appointment of partner Christopher Rowden, as well as special counsel Jason Pungsornruk and Thomas Law, senior associate Samantha Fry, and associate William Lowes. The team of five have all come across from CDI Lawyers, a specialist construction, development, and infrastructure law firm, based in the inner city suburb of Milton in Brisbane.
HFW now has 33 partners and more than 150 lawyers in total across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, working as part of an Asia-Pacific team of more than 260 lawyers.
Rowden’s team advises contractors and subcontractors on construction and infrastructure projects across a wide range of sectors, including energy and resources, oil and gas, renewables, and engineering, the firm said in a statement, while its newest partner brings significant expertise in large-scale court litigation, domestic and international arbitration, and adjudication.
The team of five started at HFW earlier this month, moving into new office space, which will also be occupied by existing HFW lawyers who had been working remotely.
A firm spokesperson told Lawyers Weekly, when asked whether HFW will soon add other teams to its Brisbane operations, that the firm is committed to further growth across Australia and APAC and will seek to add new partners and teams across its offices in response to client needs. Brisbane, the spokesperson said, will be part of this strategy.
Speaking about the expansion, HFW managing partner Jeremy Shebson and global senior partner Giles Kavanagh said: “We are pleased to welcome Christopher and his team to the firm. Their appointments are the latest in a string of strategic hires we have made as we continue to expand our client offering.
“Launching in Brisbane is a significant milestone in the firm’s growth trajectory in Australia. This move complements the strength of our existing offices in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney and supports our ambitious growth strategy across the region.”
The firm’s Australian managing partner, Gavin Vallely, said: “Queensland has been experiencing a construction boom, with many of our clients involved in major infrastructure projects across the state and, in particular, in the south-east corridor.
“The investment in private and public infrastructure will continue as Queensland gears up for the 2032 Summer Olympics. Brisbane is also increasingly being recognised as a gateway to PNG and the Oceania region generally. Chris and his team will work closely with our Australian construction group to support clients on significant projects and disputes in Australia and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.”
Rowden said: “I am excited to be joining HFW as the firm continues to expand its footprint in Australia.
“The firm is well known for its specialist and sector-focused expertise – something that has been central to my own practice for more than a decade. I feel a strong alignment with HFW’s vision and culture and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued growth and success.”
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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