Damian Ward has left HWL Ebsworth to join the Sydney commercial litigation team of Mills Oakley as a partner. His appointment follows that of Luke Connolly who joined the workplace relations team from Clayton Utz.

Ward has developed a reputation for providing high-quality commercial litigation advice and building strong client relationships and will bring a depth of experience representing financial institutions, trading corporations and SMEs.

"Damian has the credibility, energy and ambition to help strengthen our existing practice. He will be an important member of our litigation practice in Sydney and nationally," said Mills Oakley's chief executive officer, John Nerurker.