Phelps has been with the firm since the mid-1980s and is an experienced commercial litigation lawyer with specialist skills in insurance indemnity and defamation law. He has significant firm management experience including his role as leader of the firm's dispute resolution division for the past four years and as deputy managing partner for the last 18 months.

While celebrating ten years since the firm opened its Melbourne office, Phelps thanked Grieve for his dedication to the firm.

"Over the last four years, Gordon has guided the firm with skill and insight," Phelps said. "Under his leadership, Piper Alderman continued to grow through the GFC attracting market-leading talent to the partnership and instilling even greater loyalty in our client base."