A group of about 30 McMahon Clarke professionals will commence with Hall & Wilcox in November
Brisbane-based boutique firm McMahon Clarke is set to join forces with Hall & Wilcox.
McMahon Clarke specialises in investment funds and real estate matters, and the combination will add to Hall & Wilcox’s existing investment funds practice.
McMahon Clarke managing partner Sean McMahon explained that the firm opted to combine with Hall & Wilcox because the firm offered “the best cultural fit and the best opportunities” for its staff and clients, in addition to bolstering the capabilities of its funds management, real estate and litigation teams.
“We can now offer added depth and expertise, a broader service offering, plus an expanded geographical footprint,” he said.
Approximately 30 partners, lawyers, and other professionals from McMahon Clarke will start with Hall & Wilcox effective 1 November. Through the merger, Hall & Wilcox picks up the following McMahon Clarke partners:
McMahon led the funds management team at McMahon Clarke and has over 25 years of experience working in the funds management and corporate sectors. His expertise lies in establishing and advising on fund structures, funds management, and real estate and fund finance. He also offers guidance on governance, directors’ duties, compliance, and disclosure matters.
Langton Clarke has advised startups and established businesses on debt and capital raises, with particular expertise in assisting investment vehicles on raising funds from the retail and wholesale sectors. He has also provided guidance on the establishment of investment opportunities, and the restructuring of existing businesses and investment projects. He has handled matters across all aspects of the funds management and agribusiness industries.
Emma Donaghue brings more than 15 years of experience in funds management and financial services. Her expertise lies in establishing and facilitating the ongoing operations of both listed and unlisted MISs, as well as in handling banking and finance transactions.
Donaghue specialises in debt funds, such as the structuring, establishment and deployment of capital in documenting debt facilities. As legal counsel for a specialist in corporate and government bonds, she has worked on matters involving the investment funds industry.
Kristy Dorney has accumulated over two decades of experience in leasing, development, and construction law. She has advised property investors, fund managers, asset and property managers, developers, and financiers on all aspects of real estate investment, development, and property management.
She has handled joint venture arrangements, development management agreements, fund-through arrangements, construction contracts, tripartite agreements, and property redevelopment projects, encompassing tenant management, relocation, and dispute resolution.
Dorney is part of the Property Council of Australia Queensland Commercial Office Committee, the Queensland Law Society Construction & Infrastructure Law Committee, and the Australian Restructuring Insolvency Turnaround Association. In 2022, she headed up the Property Council of Australia subcommittee reviewing Queensland developers as chair.
Mark Lyons launched and has been leading the real estate team at McMahon Clarke for nearly 20 years. He brings over 30 years of experience in all aspects of property law, including leasing, property and site acquisition, investment, sale of land and business assets, and redevelopment.
He concentrates on significant transactions and leasing across property sectors. He has represented developers in commercial and residential strata title projects.
Selina Nutley joins Hall & Wilcox with considerable experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, especially in the funds management, financial services, and real estate sectors. She aids clients in navigating contentious relationships among trustees, investment managers, and investors and deals with regulatory investigations such as those involving the AFCA, and disputes stemming from licensee/authorised representation ties.
Within the property sector, she offers counsel on disputes related to contracts, development agreements, and land resumption. She also acts for clients before the Planning and Environment Court. Additionally, her commercial litigation background covers areas such as trademark, defamation, partnership, and restraint of trade disputes.
Elliott Stumm’s expertise lies in advising on the regulation of fund and investment management businesses, corporate and wealth advisers, and associated service providers. He helps clients in launching and expanding their businesses through methods such as structuring funds and new products, as well as by expanding service offerings.
He concentrates on all aspects of funds management and financial services compliance. He provides guidance to both national and international financial services groups, in addition to industry newcomers and seasoned players.
Stumm, along with Clarke, Donaghue, and McMahon, are members of the Property Funds Association.
According to Hall & Wilcox managing partner Tony Macvean, the new additions to the partnership will bolster its commercial practice in Brisbane.
“We know the McMahon Clarke team well, and have come up against them many times over the years. We think that the McMahon Clarke team has an aligned vision, values, commitment to excellence and progressive spirit,” he said.
