BigLaw firm MinterEllison has appointed a new practice leader for its private equity team from global rival King & Wood Mallesons.
Lee Horan (pictured) is set to join Minters from KWM as a partner in its M&A/capital markets practice in Sydney, which the firm said will enhance its national offering and deepen its expertise in private capital transactions.
He brings, Minters said in a statement, more than two decades of experience advising many of Australia’s most active private capital sponsors and corporates, as well as wide-ranging industry experience across media, health, entertainment, data and technology, agriculture, education, and food & beverages.
Horan will be based in the firm’s Sydney office and is set to come across from KWM in early 2026.
The news follows the firm’s appointment of a new chief people officer last week, as well as its naming of 12 new partners and promotion of 161 lawyers earlier this year, and the firm’s recent formation of an AI advisory team.
Speaking about the hire, Minters CEO and managing partner Virginia Briggs said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lee Horan to the firm. Lee is a highly respected partner with deep experience advising major institutional investors and leading private equity houses – both globally and here in Australia.
“His appointment reflects our commitment to market-leading expertise in private equity and M&A and adds real strength to our Sydney practice as we continue delivering exceptional outcomes in an increasingly complex deal environment.”
Minters managing partner of capital markets and corporate Jeremy Blackshaw said: “Lee brings a real depth of experience across M&A and private capital investment and an exemplary track record of advising on some of Australia’s most significant transactions.
“As investor appetite grows across sectors such as energy transition, technology and healthcare, Lee’s arrival enhances our client offering and ensures we’re exceptionally well positioned to meet this demand with deep commercial insight and expertise.”
Horan said: “I’m excited to join MinterEllison and contribute to its strong reputation in M&A and private capital advisory.
“The firm’s collaborative and innovative culture and depth of expertise across industries make it an ideal platform to support clients through complex and large-scale transactions.”
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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