According to a release from DibbsBarker, the decision was made by “mutual agreement” between the firm leadership and the heads of the Canberra partnership.

DibbsBarker chairman Andrew Saxton supported the move, suggesting the Canberra office partnership was heading in a different direction.

“Whilst we have had a long relationship, it has become evident over time that the Canberra partners have a different client focus and we very much support this move by them.”

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According to the release, the partnership in Canberra has sought to grow its focus on private clients, insurance litigation, insolvency, estate planning and elder law and government work in recent years.

By contrast, DibbsBarker focuses on key industry areas, including agribrusiness, energy and infrastructure, financial services, insurance, life sciences, healthcare and property, according to its website.

DibbsBarker co-managing partner, Canberra, John Buxton said the office was proud of its long association with the DibbsBarker name but had retained its independence.

“Throughout this period [of 60 years of trading in Canberra] the firm has been locally owned and fully independent and will remain so,” he said.

He suggested the move to join McInnes Wilson was prompted by common values and aligned market strategies.

“McInnes Wilson operates as a full-service firm, as we do, and this will produce synergies not only for our firm but most importantly for our clients,” he said.

“McInnes Wilson is represented across Australia in five sites with plans for further expansion.”