Macpherson Kelley boost Brisbane and Sydney teams

The firm is bringing in eight people, including three senior lawyers

Macpherson Kelley boost Brisbane and Sydney teams

Macpherson Kelley is starting 2019 by growing its Brisbane and Sydney offices with a number of appointments, including three senior lawyers.

In Brisbane, the firm is welcoming special counsel Peter Griffin and associate Ainsley O’Keefe to the national private-clients team. Also joining the commercial team in the Queensland capital are special counsel Dylan Kerrigan and lawyer Melissa Simpson. Three law graduates will also start in the office in March, starting a 12-month program with the firm.

In Sydney, principal Jon Cane is joining the firm, bringing with him extensive experience in private equity, M&A, joint ventures, and capital raising.

“Brisbane and Queensland has been a real success story for Macpherson Kelley with significant growth over the last couple of years in particular. Our reputation for service and delivering outcomes is seeing significant growth in client demand,” said Steve Parker, Macpherson Kelley chief executive.

Griffin, who previously had his own firm in Brisbane, and Ainsley and worked at succession and elder law-focussed firm Parsons Law on the Gold Coast, will concentrate on wills and estates.

“Our wills and estates team has a strong presence in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales and collaborate to provide effective succession planning strategies across Australia,” Parker said.

Cane joins the firm’s commercial team, moves from Allion Legal, where he has been a partner for more than seven years. Prior to Allion, he was a partner at Holding Redlich, a senior associate at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, a director at PwC, and a partner at Berwin Leighton Paisner in the UK.

“We anticipate corporate activity will be a growth area in Australia in coming years, and Jon’s experience will be a significant asset for our clients seeking to merge or expand their businesses,” Parker said.

Jon Cane