Herbert Geer has confirmed the appointment of John Cain from October 1, 2012.

Cain has recently been providing strategic and practice improvement advice to Maurice Blackburn, where he had been managing partner for ten years to 2002.

This prominent Victorian lawyer was Victorian Government Solicitor for five years from 2006 to 2011 and the chief executive officer of the Law Institute of Victoria for four years from 2002 to 2006.

“I am excited to be steering Herbert Geer through the next stage of its evolution. I have been attracted to the firm’s strong commitment to client service, their genuine desire to excel and the exceptional quality of its staff.” Cain said in a statement. He is not speaking to media about his appointment until 1 October when his new role begins.

Peter Nankivell, chairman of the Herbert Geer Board of Partners, said the recruitment involved a “very thorough process that generated a number of highly qualified candidates”.

“John is the right choice for the firm at this stage in its development and we look forward to working with him, introducing him to our clients and defining our future in a rapidly changing environment.”

Cain was behind reshaping the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office to be the lawyers of choice for Victorian Government Departments and Agencies.

He led the team that represented the State of Victoria, including all Departments and Agencies, before the 2009 Bushfire Royal Commission.

Cain successfully merged LISS and LIST superannuation schemes to form Legal Super and he established the College of Law Victoria.

As managing partner of Maurice Blackburn, Cain presided over a period of
growth, including establishing it along the east coast.