Newcastle’s oldest law firm, Baker Love, has announced the appointment of two new Solicitors, Matthew Wicks and Zasco van Rooyen, as well as appointing experienced litigation and dispute resolution specialist, Janine Wilson to the firm’s partnership.

Baker Love has brought on the new team members to meet the demand in the firm’s growing commercial and property practice as the Hunter region’s building and property market undergoes a period of sustained growth.

Partner, Dean Frith said as the Newcastle economy grows and the city continues to go from strength to strength, the Newcastle legal industry needs to also evolve.

“Newcastle is changing. These appointments are part of our firm’s evolution so that we remain at the forefront of the Newcastle legal services market,” said Dean.

Janine Wilson is an accredited specialist in dispute resolution with more than 18 years’ experience across a range of disputes and acting for clients at both state and federal level. Despite, or perhaps because of, her extensive experience with litigation, Janine is a strong proponent of alternative dispute resolution.

“In my view, the best result for the client, whether the matter is personal or commercial, will usually be a resolution without litigation. I work closely with my clients to understand their needs and goals, and to help them develop strategies to avoid and resolve disputes as early as possible. Where litigation is unavoidable, I use my understanding of my client to anticipate and guide them through the process,” Janine said.

At the other end of the legal process, new appointee Matthew Wicks brings a unique experience to the Commercial Team and a significant improvement to the firm’s batting average. A long-term Novocastrian and Newcastle District cricketer, Matthew specialises in general commercial, commercial property and commercial disputes, with experience gained both in Australia and the United Kingdom. Matthew’s breadth of experience gives his clients the benefit of advice that takes in more than one perspective, helping his clients achieve practical, commercially sensible solutions across a range of matters.

“Joining Baker Love is a great career move for me as it allows me to build my experience across a number of practice areas and work with individual and business clients in Newcastle and the Hunter,” Matthew said.

“I am excited to be joining a firm with such a long and proud history, and working with such a talented and dedicated group of practitioners.”

Zasco von Rooyen is Baker Love’s newest appointee. Zasco has a strong background in residential and commercial property law, as well as significant experience in business sales and general commercial matters. Zasco’s experience adds depth to an already strong property team working in an exciting time of growth in the property and business markets in Newcastle and the Hunter.

“Property law and transactions can be challenging. Attention to detail is paramount, and clients rely on you to protect their interests every step of the way. To me, currently studying for my Masters of Applied Law (Property), it is also fascinating,” Zasco said.

“I am excited to join Baker Love at such an interesting time in the property market in Newcastle, and I’m looking forward to working with a great team of dedicated professionals, committed to putting the client first.”

IMAGE |Baker Love Lawyers announces three new appointments.