National law firm HWL Ebsworth is expanding its footprint in Tasmania, having acquired full-service practice Ogilvie Jennings, which will include three partners and most of the Tassie firm’s team.
Ogilvie Jennings, which was founded in 1937 and delivers legal services across Tasmania, has been acquired by BigLaw player HWL Ebsworth.
The acquisition, which will be effective as of 2 February 2026, sees three partners – Imogen Cook, Anthony Laning, and Che Mohamad – and the majority of the Ogilvie Jennings team join HWLE, bolstering the national firm’s operations in property and conveyancing, commercial and corporate, construction, wills and estates, and litigation and dispute resolution.
The development doubles the size of HWLE’s team in Hobart and follows the firm’s promotion of 102 professionals, including six to the partnership, back in June.
Ogilvie Jennings’ family law practice does not form part of the acquisition.
Speaking about the acquisition and expansion, HWLE chief executive partner Russell Mailler said: “This acquisition represents an important step in our strategic growth plan.
“By welcoming Ogilvie Jennings’ talented team, we are enhancing our ability to deliver a full suite of legal services to clients across Australia, while maintaining the strong local expertise that our Tasmanian clients value.”
Hobart-based partner Sarah Sealy said: “Ogilvie Jennings has been a respected part of the legal landscape in Tasmania for a very long time, with a reputation for quality client relationships and deep local knowledge.
“This move brings together our teams to create new opportunities for our people and strengthen the support we provide to clients in Tasmania.”
Ogilvie Jennings directors Imogen Cook and Anthony Laning said: “We are excited to join HWLE and continue serving our clients with the same dedication and quality they have come to expect.
“This transition will provide our team with access to a national platform, giving us the opportunity to contribute to matters of national significance, in addition to continuing to serve our existing client base, which is an exciting development for both our people and our clients.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of professional services (including Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily, and Accounting Times). 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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