Modern Slavery Act passes Senate

Australia’s first federal Modern Slavery Act, which has been long sought after by advocates, passed the Senate yesterday and will now move to the House of Representatives. Under the new laws, entities with an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million will be required to report on slavery risks in their supply chains. National legal advocacy group Law Council of Australia applauded the “historic passing” of the legislation, under which entities with an annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million will be required to report on slavery risks in their supply chains. LCA president Morry Bailes congratulated the government, […]

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KWM-sponsored New Colombo Plan 2019 scholar announced

King & Wood Mallesons has announced its New Colombo Plan scholar for 2019 at a Parliament House ceremony this week. Jessica Kelly, a law student and member of the Royal Australian Navy, will study at Hong Kong University for a semester while undertaking Mandarin language training and an internship with KWM in its Hong Kong office. Before leaving for the experience, Ms Kelly will also complete a summer clerkship at the firm’s Sydney office. Chief executive partner for KWM Australia, Berkeley Cox said the firm is “delighted to sponsor Jessica as the recipient of a New Colombo Plan scholarship in […]

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K&L Gates nabs Corrs real estate head

K&L Gates has appointed a new partner in its Melbourne office, who joins from Corrs Chambers Westgarth where he was the firm’s local real estate head. Randall Gerkens has taken on his new role at K&L Gates, bringing with him vast expertise in advising developers, and government and private sector clients. “I am very excited to be joining a firm with such impressive national and international credentials,” Mr Gerkens said on his appointment. “I was immediately impressed with the strategy, vision and, most of all, the collegiate, global approach of K&L Gates’ people. Continuing in a purely domestic environment after being […]

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Gadens boosts property practice with partner appointment

Gadens has appointed a new partner to strengthen its property, construction and planning practice. The national law firm has appointed Daniel Middleton as a partner within the practice. Mr Middleton joins from Baker McKenzie, where he worked for just over 10 years. “Having developed his career as a leading frontend construction and infrastructure specialist, Daniel’s expertise spans the full spectrum of drafting and negotiating contracts relating to the procurement of major construction and infrastructure projects, and the subsequent operation, maintenance, leasing and sale of those assets,” said Grant Scott-Hayward, Gadens’ CEO. “He has significant experience from working on a wide […]

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Mid-tiers to merge next year

Two mid-tier law firms have announced their intention to merge from 1 March 2019. Russell Kennedy and Aitken Lawyers announced that they have an agreement to merge early next year. The move will see Aitken Lawyers take on the Russell Kennedy namesake and collectively see over 260 staff across Sydney and Melbourne offices. According to a joint statement, the firms have appointed a project team to “oversee all aspects of the merger process, including the establishment of national practice groups and the integration of systems and processes, with a view to the combined firm being fully operational by 1 March […]

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Norton Rose Fulbright promotes 42 accomplished senior lawyers in Australia

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announces the elevation of 14 special counsel and 28 senior associates, in a reflection of the deep and diverse pool of talent across Australia. From the total of 42 Australian appointments, 29 or 69 per cent are female. The promotions are in the banking and finance (including banking turnaround and insolvency, and financial restructuring and insolvency); construction and engineering, corporate, M&A and securities; dispute resolution and litigation; employment and labour; environment and planning; insurance; intellectual property; real estate and tax teams in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in […]

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