National independent business law firm, Hall & Wilcox will boost its New South Wales presence by merging with Newcastle firm, Harris Wheeler Lawyers from 1 July 2017.
Harris Wheeler Lawyers is a boutique commercial law firm that has provided legal services to the business community, public sector and the people of the Hunter region since 1892. Hall & Wilcox has operated a successful Newcastle office since 2015.
Harris Wheeler’s Newcastle office consists of 15 lawyers and professional support staff, including managing partner Matthew Smith, partner Katrina Reye, and special counsel Albert Ponte. The entire Harris Wheeler Newcastle team is expected to come across as part of the merger.
Managing Partner of Hall & Wilcox, Tony Macvean said the merger reflects what the firm perceives as great opportunity in Newcastle and the Hunter region.
“We like what we’re seeing in Newcastle and the Hunter,” Tony said.
“There is a growing economy with a significant number of projects on the go or planned, particularly in the property, development and infrastructure space. We think that we now can compete with and beat any firm in the region and take advantage of these opportunities.
“Harris Wheeler and Hall & Wilcox are aligned in many respects, particularly values and culture, and a strong focus on providing excellent client experience and high quality legal services.
“We are already collaborating on opportunities with clients.
“The recruitment of Katrina, Matthew, Albert and team adds significant capability to our national property and projects, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution and other related practices, and enhances our commercial offering in Newcastle, the Hunter and NSW generally.”
Managing Partner of Harris Wheeler, Matthew Smith said he is excited to see the business merge with Hall & Wilcox.
“Hall & Wilcox are a law firm known for their progressive thinking and strong commitment to delivering smarter and more efficient legal solutions for their clients,” Matthew said.
“Our merger with Hall & Wilcox can only be good news for our clients, as we will now have access to the added depth and expertise of a truly remarkable national law firm.”
The expanding Newcastle office continues Hall & Wilcox’s impressive growth as a pre-eminent national firm. With established offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane, and a team of over 500 people, including 70 partners, Hall & Wilcox advises on almost all areas of commercial law, with a focus on providing outstanding business law services.
IMAGE |Hall & Wilcox managing partner, Tony Macvean.