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BigLaw firm Hall & Wilcox has ramped up its Adelaide growth, adding a partner, two special counsel, and a lawyer in a move that further deepens its South Australian bench.
Hall & Wilcox has strengthened its South Australian footprint with the appointment of four lawyers to its Adelaide office, including one partner, two special counsel, and one lawyer.
Joining the firm’s property and projects team as a partner, James Forde brings more than 15 years of experience advising on commercial property matters, including leasing, property enforcement and related disputes.
Throughout his career, he has advised a broad range of clients, including major shopping centre owners, property developers, insolvency practitioners, creditors, debtors, and private commercial businesses operating across diverse industries.
Forde’s arrival is accompanied by special counsel Jessica McNamara and Trisha Alexopoulos, as well as lawyer Lucy Blenkiron.
These four appointments take the Adelaide office to 30 people, reflecting what the national law firm describes as its “continued investment” in South Australia and further strengthening its ability to support clients across the state.
Graydon Dowd, chief executive partner at Hall & Wilcox, shared that Forde’s appointment strengthens the connection between its Adelaide office and broader national practice, with his collaborative approach and deep experience adding strong value to clients.
“James’ experience and collaborative, client-focused approach bring strong value to our clients and our Adelaide team. His appointment allows our South Australian clients to draw on our national expertise, with benefits flowing both ways,” Dowd said.
“Having a strong team on the ground in Adelaide will allow our national clients to take advantage of their familiarity with the local market, stakeholders, and conditions.
“James is a strong networker, collaborator, and activator, making him a natural fit for our clients and culture, particularly in a strongly relationship-driven market.”
Speaking about his new role, Forde expressed how he is looking forward to building a stronger Adelaide practice within Hall & Wilcox while leveraging the firm’s national platform to deliver more connected, relationship-driven support across South Australia and beyond.
“Hall & Wilcox has a national platform and strong market reputation, but what attracted me most was the culture and the opportunity to further build a collaborative Adelaide-based practice, supported by a broader national team,” Forde said.
“My practice has always been relationship-driven and commercially focused. I have worked alongside an outstanding team over many years, and I’m excited to continue growing that practice within Hall & Wilcox as we support clients across South Australia and nationally.”
