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BigLaw firm HWLE Lawyers has moved to strengthen its corporate and M&A practice in Perth, with the appointment of a partner, special counsel, and senior associate from a global rival.
Partner Blair Strickland has come across from Squire Patton Boggs to HWLE and was joined by special counsel Tina Zhou and senior associate Hamish Donovan.
The trio started at the firm earlier this week (2 November).
The appointments, HWLE said, represent “a significant step” in the continued growth of the firm’s Perth practice and are intended to support growing client demand across Western Australia.
Strickland and his team bring substantial corporate and transactional expertise, HWLE said, with experience spanning private M&A, investment funds management, commercial transactions and corporate governance. He acts for both buyers and sellers on domestic and cross-border M&A, the firm noted, including advising on Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approvals for inbound investment into Australia.
Speaking about the appointments, HWLE chief executive Kris Hopkins said: “Blair is a recognised leader in his field, with a strong track record advising clients on complex, high-stakes corporate matters. His depth of experience and reputation in the market make him an excellent addition to the firm.”
Hopkins went on to point to the firm’s history in the state and its plans for the Perth office.
“HWLE has a long and proud history in WA, and we are committed to continuing to invest in our presence here. These appointments build on the continued growth of our highly regarded corporate practice, adding further expertise and deep local market knowledge to our Perth offering. We are now even better positioned to support our clients as deal activity increases and demand grows for specialist corporate and transactional advice,” he said.
For Strickland, the draw of the firm’s national reach was a key factor in the move: “I’m delighted to be joining HWLE at an exciting time for the firm and its corporate practice. Clients are increasingly looking for advisers who can bring together strong local market knowledge with broader national capabilities, particularly on complex transactions and investments.”
“The strength and breadth of HWLE’s national platform was a real attraction for me, and I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the firm to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.”
