Mr Hammerschlag is also drafting a submission on behalf of ABL to ASIC and has had five case summaries published in Butterworths Corporations Law Bulletin.

He believes graduate recruitment in Sydney is in need of reform.

“In recent years the number of clerkship positions has significantly reduced, meaning there are less graduate opportunities,” Mr Hammerschlag said. “I believe the profession would benefit greatly from implementing a model similar to Victoria, which allows firms to offer a greater number of clerkship positions.

“By increasing the number of clerkships available, not only will candidates be advantaged by the increased opportunity for them to secure a graduate position, but law firms would also be rewarded by gaining access to a larger pool of talent to select as graduates.”

Of the 12 finalists in the M&A category, seven came from global law firms.

However, Michael Compton (pictured right) from Herbert Smith Freehills was the only lawyer from an international to win in the M&A division on the night.

Mr Compton advised on a transaction between Seven Group Holdings and Nexus Energy, participating in consultations with regulators, instructing counsel and liaising with stakeholders.

In 2012, he was also appointed a member of the team advising Freehills on its merger with Herbert Smith.

The final winner was Jacqueline How (pictured centre), a senior associate at major domestic firm Minter Ellison.

Ms How advised on the acquisition and subsequent public float of Dick Smith in 2012, described as the “quickest and most successful private equity turnaround in Australian history.”