Allens has experienced an increased volume of commercial property work and as a result the firm has recently boosted its real estate team.

"Our national clients are looking to be more active in Perth, therefore, the firm is responding to the needs of our clients," said leader of Allens' real estate practice group, Mark Stubbings.

"The resources boom in the west is energising all sectors of the local economy, in particular property, and it is important that we respond to clients' needs," he said.

Senior associate Teresa Lusi recently moved from Allens' Sydney office to join the Perth real estate team, which includes special counsels Rosemary Martin and Robyn Glindemann. Also joining the Perth team is recently acquired property law specialist, Helen Kay.

Perth practice leader Andrew Pascoe said Allens would be announcing further appointments in the Perth office shortly, reflecting the growth of the office across the board.

Earlier this year Middletons also continued its expansion into Perth with the addition of workplace relations and safety partner Duncan Fletcher to the firm's Perth office.

"What they needed was a partner on the ground with good local contacts who could grow that work," Fletcher said.

He explained that with the massive projects and extensive construction work occurring in the Western Australian market, there are invariably industrial relations and employment issues as well as safety and environmental issues that continually result within the heavy industry environment.

"We've seen in the last six months an increasing level of industrial disputation, particularly the Pilbara, and that will exacerbate," he said.