Press Releases
HFW continues to grow its Australia presence with two new partners
Global, sector-focussed law firm HFW continues its growth in Australia with the partner promotion of energy and renewable specialist Jo Garland and the partner hire of regulatory and product liability specialist Dr Michael Maxwell from Clayton Utz. They are both based in HFW's Perth office.
Gavin Vallely, Managing Partner Australia, HFW:
"We are delighted to announce Jo's promotion and welcome Michael to HFW. Jo's vast experience in the power generation sector and in particular her recent work on Australia's first co-located wind and solar farm, and a ground breaking "new energy" peer-to-peer energy trading project provides clients with the innovative support which we believe is characteristic of HFW's service offering.
Michael's expertise in regulatory issues, international risk and multifaceted litigation is an ideal fit for our business, in particular our international trading and logistics clients who are exposed to increasingly complex and onerous compliance requirements. Jo also has in-depth regulatory expertise across a number of HFW's key sectors will significantly strengthen our regulatory offering."
Michael has more than 20 years' experience acting in high stakes complex litigation, complemented by a scientific research background in pharmacology and toxicology. He has been advising across a range of industries, particularly in challenging product liability and highly technical commercial matters of strategic significance.
Matthew Blycha, Office Head Perth, HFW:
"This is another important step in the continued development of our Perth practice. HFW has been in Perth for almost a decade and the areas that Jo and Michael are able to service are indicative of how our business and the legal market generally has evolved during this time; with the future energy transition and regulatory compliance being an issue that is a priority for all clients."
Jo Garland, Partner, HFW:
"I am very pleased to have been promoted to partner at what is a very pivotal time for the energy industry. I look forward to steering clients through the future energy transition; with the development of new technologies, renewable or hybrid power systems and de-carbonisation across industry."
Dr Michael Maxwell, Partner, HFW:
"I am excited to be joining a dynamic and fast-growing global firm with a strong international network. HFW offers exceptional opportunities for me to consolidate my practice and actively pursue key elements in its growth strategy."
Jo's promotion and Michael's arrival continues HFW's growth of its regulatory capability in Australia. In early 2019, HFW launched an Australian workplace relations practice with the hire of a specialist eight-lawyer team in Sydney and Melbourne, led by partners Mark Sant and Brendan Milne.
About HFW Australia
HFW was among the earliest international law firm entrants to Australia, establishing an office in Melbourne in 2006. The firm now has 90 lawyers, including 23 partners, across three offices in the country, having launched in Sydney and Perth in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
Unlike the majority of international law firms, which established themselves in Australia by merging with or acquiring a local firm, HFW built its practice through a combination of organic growth and strategic lateral hires.
For further information, please contact:
Chris Johnson
Head of Communications
D +44 (0)20 7264 8159 | M +44 (0)7976 939864
E chris.johnson@hfw.com
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