Ms Johnson has been practising for a decade and has recently returned to work following a period of maternity leave. She brings, the firm noted in a statement, her expertise in property and conveyancing, wills and estates, family law and commercial law.

She has worked for firms in Sydney and Newcastle and has also served as a board member for Newcastle Community Arts Centre, an organisation dedicated to facilitating and showcasing developing creativity in the region.

She was attracted, she said, to the firm’s “strong culture of work/life balance and commitment to allowing solicitors who are also mothers progress in their careers”.

“This was an opportunity I could not pass up. The role allows me to work part-time as I am surrounded by fellow legal professionals who can ensure the continued carriage of my matters when I am not in the office,” she said.

Speaking about her new role, Ms Johnson said: “What I am most looking forward to is expanding my knowledge by learning from the partners and other senior practitioners in the firm.”

“I can continue to serve clients in matters I am well versed in, while also working on a range of matters dealing with subject matter I have not previously encountered.”

Mr Maggiotto, an experienced probate, estate planning and property solicitor, has also recently joined Baker Love.

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He began his legal career in 2000 and was a partner at O’Hearn Lawyers (previously known as O’Hearn and Bilinsky Lawyers) for 10 years.

Mr Maggiotto reflected: “I have known Dean Frith, Baker Love’s managing partner, for a number of years. When Dean asked if I would be interested in working for the firm part-time, it was an opportunity too good to pass up.”

“Baker Love offers new challenges and a great workplace culture. I also enjoy the opportunity to assist and mentor some of the younger lawyers at the firm.”

And Mr Schofield joined the firm last month as a graduate and is focused on property, wills and estates and commercial law.

He will, the firm said, continue to work in these practice areas and shall expand into new fields in the future.

He was keen to join the firm, it noted, “given its long history and strong reputation throughout the Hunter [region]”, and he hopes to be able to learn from the “large team of friendly and experienced solicitors” to further develop his professional skills and knowledge.

Mr Schofield said: “Overall, I see working at Baker Love Lawyers as an opportunity to develop and progress as a solicitor.”

“In the short term, my primary goal is to learn as much as possible. In the future, I would like to be somebody known throughout the community and recognised for my achievements within the profession.”