After five years in the role, Chisholm said he was able to achieve everything he set out to achieve. Now, he said, “the time is right to hand over the next phase of the firm’s growth to someone with slightly different skills”.

Chisholm made his mark with the lateral hire of a large number of partners, including the integration of the former KPMG Legal Practice, and the acquisition of Acuiti Legal’s corporate and litigation practices.

He was brought on board in November 1999 to establish a corporate management model and to manage growth in the Melbourne office following the mergers with Molomby & Molomby, and Coltmans Price Brent in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

“We are very sorry to lose someone of [Chisholm’s] ability, integrity and vision,” said Nichola. “During his time at the helm, the firm has experienced five years of unprecedented growth in size and revenue. By any measure, his contribution to the firm has been outstanding.”

Chisholm now plans to take a short break and explore opportunities outside the law. “I know that I leave the firm in very capable hands,” he said.