Poke, who led Mallesons’ private equity team in Melbourne, will join the firm on 1 October. He will work closely with Baker’s private equity team, headed by Mark McNamara, and will also advise a range of Australian and off-shore clients on corporate and general commercial matters.

Baker’s national managing partner, David Nathan, said Poke had the right blend of expertise, attitude and approach. “His extensive experience gained working in New York and London on mergers, joint ventures and public securities matters, combined with his Australian experience make him a valuable addition to strengthen our growing Melbourne corporate practice,” he said.

“His collaborative team approach and commercial pragmatism fit perfectly with our culture.” Nathan said many of the firm’s partners and associates had worked with Poke over the years and were pleased he would be part of their team.

In a statement released by Bakers, Poke said he had been attracted by the firm’s approach to client care, the “unparalleled” platform Bakers offered clients around the world, and the fact that the firm maintained a “real partnership ethos, delivering a palpable sense of ownership and collegiality amongst its partners”.