The Victorian health practice of Corrs Chambers Westgarth is well and truly alive and kicking, according to Melbourne-based partner Ben Burke, who last week responded to industry speculation the national firm had wound back its commitment.

Doubts surrounding the ability of large national firms, including Corrs, to compete in the health arena arose earlier this month with the announcement that a specialist law firm, Health Legal, would be created to work closely with the Victorian Hospitals’ Industry Association (VHIA).

In a written statement to Lawyers Weekly, Burke pointed to Corrs’ advisory role to a consortium bidder for the sale of Mayne Health’s hospital portfolio as evidence of its continued role.

Burke acknowledged one health partner and solicitor had left the firm’s Sydney office, but stressed the firm still “handled a range of commercial, regulatory, administrative, workplace relations and litigation matters”.