Baker Love expands partnership

Newcastle’s oldest law firm adds two new solicitors as it keeps up with the city’s growth

By Sol Dolor

Baker Love has expanded its partnership with the promotion of Janine Wilson, a litigation and dispute resolution expert.

Newcastle’s oldest law firm has also added two new solicitors to its ranks with the appointments of Matthew Wicks and Zasco van Rooyen.

With the Hunter region’s sustained growth, the firm is growing its team to keep up with demand in the commercial and property practice, it said.

“Newcastle is changing. As the Newcastle economy grows and the city continues to go from strength to strength, the Newcastle legal industry needs to also evolve. These appointments are part of our firm’s evolution so that we remain at the forefront of the Newcastle legal services market,” said Dean Frith, partner.

Wilson, who joined the firm in 2015 as an associate, specialises in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in building and construction litigation, insolvency work, and commercial and corporate disputes. She has more than 18 years’ experience in her specialisation, and work at both the state and federal level. She is also an advocate for alternative dispute resolution.

“In my view, the best result for the client, whether the matter is personal or commercial, will usually be resolution without litigation,” Wilson said. “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.”

Wicks, who came to the Baker Love in May from another Newcastle firm, focuses on general commercial, commercial property, and commercial disputes. He has experience as a lawyer and a professional cricketer in Australia and in the UK.

Van Rooyen, who also came to Baker Love from another New South Wales firm, specialises in residential and commercial property law, business sales, and general commercial matters. He joined the firm in June.