HBA Legal opens Canberra office for national coverage… Jones Day global disputes leader named leader for Middle East…
Dentons launches fixed-price legal advice solution in Australia
Dentons has launched a fixed-price web-based legal advice solution.
The new offering, Dentons Virtual Counsel (DVC), is initially only available in Australia but the firm says it can be rolled out globally in the future.
Businesses can access as little or as much legal advice as they need using the online tool, therefore having cost certainty. It also allows management to see what legal issues or areas of risk their team is regularly asking for help with to get a clear picture of the business’ legal needs.
“We know that the legal landscape is changing. Clients are looking for greater value around legal services and businesses are looking for more efficient and cost-effective ways to operate,” said partner and head of Dentons’ Corporate group in Australia, Nick Stretch.
HBA Legal opens Canberra office for national coverage
HBA Legal has expanded to a true national presence with a new office in Canberra.
The firm now has locations in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Newcastle, despite being in business for just 8 years. The firm has also recently been awarded a place on the Australian government’s legal panel.
“We’ve been doing Canberra based work ever since we started HBA, this is not new. But it’s exciting that we’ve got to the point that we can justify this significant expansion of our business,” said managing director Brett Ablong. “HBA opening in Canberra makes the firm truly national for the first time. There’s no doubt this move is an indication of a business going from strength to strength.”
Kate Watson becomes the firm’s newest partner and will be based in the Canberra office having joined from Sydney-based Lehmann Snell Lawyers where she was Special Counsel.
“There’s a lot to do: I’m not just establishing myself in a new business, I’m also intending to build a terrific working environment here in Canberra that, over time, will attract some of the best Federal government workers’ compensation and insurance law talent in our city,” she said.
Ms. Watson will continue to work non-traditional hours to fit around school times, something she has done for several years.
Jones Day global disputes leader named leader for Middle East
Sheila Shadmand has been appointed partner-in-charge of its Middle East region at global firm Jones Day.
She has led the firm’s Dubai office since 2013 and leads the Firm's Global Disputes and International Investigations practices in the Middle East.
"Jones Day clients throughout the Middle East, and around the world, have been guided by Sheila's terrific legal advice and collaborative approach since she joined the Firm more than 20 years ago," said Stephen J. Brogan, Managing Partner of Jones Day. "Her successful leadership in Dubai, combined with her experience throughout the Region advising several of the Firm's largest clients in a wide range of complex commercial litigation, arbitration, and investigative matters, exemplifies our commitment to the Middle East.”
