Former Westpac in-house counsel Richard Winter has joined the firm as a partner in the Sydney office, bringing many years of experience within the banking and financial services sector, including time spent at Investec and Rabobank, with him.

Middletons' national managing partner, Nick Nichola, said Winter is a "welcome addition". "He brings to the firm specialist skills in areas of finance and capital markets which our clients tell us are in short supply," he said.

Before going in-house, Winter spent several years as a lawyer in private practice.

"Richard has a well established reputation and is a fantastic fit for our Sydney office," said Middletons' head of the banking & financial services group, Jim Bulling.