KWM picks up partners from two rivals

King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) has beefed up its Perth presence, appointing new partners Carl Black and Sam Dundas.

“We are seeing the Perth market expanding significantly and we are delighted to be adding specialist expertise in this phase of the market. We are fortunate to have very strong national and international practices, and the appointments of Carl and Sam will strengthen further our integrated east-west and north-south offering,” said John Naughton, KWM’s partner-in-charge in Perth.

Black, who is joining the Sino-Australian giant from Squire Patton Boggs, specialises in real estate. He advises public- and private-sector clients on real estate developments and portfolio management.

Dundas, who moves from HWL Ebsworth, is an expert in dispute resolution and insolvency, acting for clients in complex commercial disputes and all aspects of administrations, receiverships, liquidations.

Both partners have deep relationships and extensive experience in a wide range of industries, including hospitability and leisure, energy and resources, real estate, aviation and transport, and financial intuitions, KWM said.

“We look forward to welcoming Carl as we further strengthen our real estate capability in Perth and add to our pre-eminent national practice as well as support our Asian clients looking to invest into the WA commercial property sector,” said Craig Rogers, the firm’s managing partner for projects and real estate.

“Sam will bring additional breadth to our dispute resolution practice, strengthening our litigation expertise in the local and regional market as well as additional bench-strength to the firm’s market-leading restructuring and insolvency practice,” said Peter Pether, managing partner for dispute resolution and taxation.

The new partners join KWM later this month.