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Former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer lawyers who left for a boutique practice have opted to shut its doors and rejoin BigLaw.
David Hugo and Jason Ricketts, both former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSF Kramer) partners, will bring their combined 55 years of BigLaw experience to Clayton Utz, effective in October.
Hugo left HSF Kramer in 2024 to open Chord Advisory, a boutique firm specialising in infrastructure, construction and property. Ricketts joined after a stint as in-house counsel.
Ex-HSF Kramer and Chord Advisory lawyers Ebony Garlick, Lynsey O’Neil, and Kirsten Whitburn will join them on the move.
Chief executive partner Emma Covacevich said the appointments reflect Clayton Utz’s efforts to bolster its West Australian capabilities.
“David, Jason and their team are joining Clayton Utz at a time of incredible growth in the West Australian economy, and a time of expansion in our Perth office,” Covacevich said.
Hugo spent 14 years as partner of HSF Kramer and was head of its projects, energy and infrastructure section in Perth before he established and became managing director of Chord.
He has advised private sector clients and all levels of government on property development, infrastructure, construction and outsourcing projects in Australia and internationally.
Hugo is highly regarded across the market and beyond for his cross-jurisdictional perspective and depth of experience.
Commenting on the appointment, Hugo said he and his team have seen the strength of the client relationships they have built and the ongoing demand for their work.
“Joining a national full-service firm gives our clients access to deeper resources and broader expertise, while allowing us to continue doing the work we are passionate about – helping deliver the projects that shape communities across Western Australia and beyond,” Hugo said.
“I’m looking forward to bringing those relationships to Clayton Utz and working across the firm’s practices to deliver even more for our clients.”
Ricketts took on the role of Chord’s chair after serving as general counsel of the Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang group.
Prior to this, Ricketts spent 30 years at HSF Kramer, including leading its global finance, real estate and projects practice.
Ricketts’ role at Clayton Utz will be part-time.
Clayton Utz Perth partner-in-charge David Benson said there was sustained, healthy demand for infrastructure-related legal work, including new projects such as ports, roads and energy infrastructure.
Benson said there was an “unprecedented $38 billion” infrastructure program expected to be rolled out over the next four years.
“David, Jason and their team will bring unrivalled experience that will greatly enhance our ability to support clients in the west, around Australia and overseas,” Benson said.
“We are very excited to have them complement our existing projects offering.”
