From 1 November this year, the two firms will become ClarkeKann Lawyers.  

Established in1965 ClarkeKann is a commercial law firm in Brisbane and Sydney, while Gray & Perkins has had a commercial practice in Sydney for 120 years. 

“The combination with Gray & Perkins enhances our firm’s geographic reach into Sydney that occurred three years ago,” said Patrick Gallagher, ClarkeKann’s chairman. 

Miles Anderson, partner of Gray & Perkins, said meanwhile that “teaming up with ClarkeKann will increase the depth, extent and scale of the legal services we provide”. 

John Toigo, ClarkeKann’s managing partner, who oversaw the merger process, said clients no longer feel the need to turn to mega firms: “Not unlike other sectors, the world of professional services has fundamentally changed since the GFC. 

“Clients no longer assume the need for the big end of town. They do not see value in traditional time costing methods and unnecessary, big teams of lawyers on projects. Nor do we. Clients want to feel comfortable to pick up the phone knowing their lawyers are on their side …  We believe that the merger furthers this purpose.” 

Chairman of ClarkeKann, Patrick Gallagher will chair the merged firm, while John Toigo will continue as managing partner. Gray & Perkins senior partners Miles Anderson will take up a board role and John Gray will assume a senior management roles, the firm said. 

The firm will cover corporate and commercial, property and projects, litigation and isolvency, employment and IR, banking and finance, construction and resources, intellectual property, technology, media and telecommunications, and climate change and sustainability. 

 The firm’s livery will include the names and logo of both firms.