The Brisbane legal market has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months. Fellow Brisbane firm McCullough Robertson reported record growth of 18.66 per cent and total revenue of more than $62 million for 2006—07. Herbert Geer also enjoyed a year of rapid growth and expansion, fuelled by a merger with Brisbane firm Nicol Robinson Halletts. “The demand for high-quality legal services in the Brisbane market is incredibly strong”, said Piper Alderman Managing Partner Gordon Grieve.

“The merger with Lyons underscores our growth from a one-lawyer office in 2004 to a full-service team advising on issues from insolvency to property financing, from taxation to litigation and dispute resolution.”

Lyons is a boutique commercial practice with a focus on property law. The Queensland-based team is lead by Mick Lyons, who will join Piper Alderman as a consultant, and Partner Kerri McElwaine.

Drew Squires, Head of Piper Alderman Brisbane, and Lyons have released a statement emphasising the “synergies” between the two firms.

“We were impressed by Piper Alderman’s technical skills and experience, particularly their clients’ view of their performance,” Lyons said. “The merger is a great step forward for our firm, allowing us to expand the range of legal services we can offer our clients.”.

“During our merger talks we were attracted to Piper Alderman’s culture which seems very friendly and inclusive,” said Squires. “Our firms share a total dedication to client needs combined with a sense of fun and collaboration.”

“The merger is a fantastic development and we are excited by the opportunity of offering an enhanced service to both Piper Alderman and Lyons clients,” said Squires.

“The merged Brisbane team will advise clients from top ASX-listed companies to family-owned businesses in all areas of corporate and commercial law with a strong emphasis on the key growth sectors of property, construction, infrastructure and resources.”

The merger brings Piper Alderman’s Brisbane office to five partners, two consultants and a total staff in excess of 35. Nationally, Piper Alderman has a staff of 300 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.