NEWS >>
Sparke Helmore
New projects growth in 2010, says Newcastle recruit Queensland law firm McCullough Robertson is continuing its expansion in Newcastle. The firm has appointed former Sparke Helmore resources and property lawyer Michelle Sirasch to help meet growing client demand for property services, as part of their resources and infrastructure activities. “Land access and acquisition continue to be key issues for project proponents, including resources companies,” said Sirasch. “Major infrastructure projects, either in planning or in construction Michelle Sirasch delivery, have property-related issues which are crucial to their successful execution.”
TPC positions for growth in health and aged care sector Adelaide-headquartered Thomson Playford Cutlers has appointed consultant Ken Ramsay to the Sydney health and aged care group, as part of its plans to capture more of this growing market. Ramsay has 35 years experience in health and aged care and has advised clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. He has played a key role at the coalface of health and aged care over a number of years, and across significant periods of change, said national corporate Ken Ramsay group partner Lucinda Smith. The firm is focusing on this area to reflect the expected boom to occur in aged care facilities in Australia over the next 20 years.
Norton Rose
Various
New appointments reveal Norton Rose Australia’s strategy Four new partner appointments demonstrate Norton Rose Australia’s intention to align its strengths with those of the worldwide practice, said Don Boyd, managing partner at the firm. Norton Rose Group already has an international climate change practice and, along with Baker & McKenzie, is one of the few international law firms with a climate change team in China. “Globally, we are strong in financial institutions, energy, infrastructure & commodities, technology and transport,” he said. “Expect to see a lot more happening in this space soon.” The new partners (see box, below) bolster the firm’s energy & resources practice and add new expertise to its banking & finance practice. In particular, Petar Kuessner has both securitisation and derivatives experience, and will provide the firm with a point of differentiation in the strategically important area of carbon trading, said Boyd. Norton Rose Australia lured former partner Derek La Ferla out of retirement to rejoin the firm’s Perth office. “Western Australia has a significant strategic value to Norton Rose Group that extends beyond its booming resources industry,” said Boyd. “Perth itself has strong links with key markets in South-East Asia – and particularly Singapore.”
►► NEW PARTNERS AT NORTON ROSE AUSTRALIA
20
Thomson Playford Cutlers
McCullough Robertson
Name
Practice areas
Organisation coming from
Robert Milbourne
Energy & resources
Vale (mining co)
Petar Kuessner
Banking & finance
Mallesons Stephen Jaques
Gerard Breen
Insolvency & restructuring
DibbsBarker
Derek La Ferla
Corporate finance
(formerly retired)
Pacific Equity Partners
Link Share Registry
Skadden
Chubb
Colin Biggers & Paisley
Colin Biggers & Paisley lure in-house counsel Insurance industry executive Kemsley Brennan has moved back to private practice from Chubb, joining Colin Biggers & Paisley as special counsel. “The financial crisis has turned up the heat on companies and directors in terms of their liability exposures,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to working with a broader range of insurance companies and brokers. During his time with Chubb, Brennan managed the defence of directors in high-profile Australian, US and Asian class Kemsley Brennan actions. Brennan also brings with him experience in the technical management of high-value claim litigation. His addition to the firm represents a significant coup for CB&P, which is investing heavily in its insurance practice.
CORRECTIONS# In the ALB Special Report Perth 2010 featured in issue 8.3, a table appeared which listed the number of WAregistered lawyers per firm. These figures were attributed to the Law Society of Western Australia. The correct source was in fact the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. ALB regrets the error
Australasian Legal Business ISSUE 8.4