Experts in real estate and dispute resolution make the grade as the firm targets partnership growth
Squire Patton Boggs has named two new partners in Australia, as the firm pursues the growth of the partnership in the country.
Mark Palermo and David Starkoff have been elected to the global firm’s partnership, stepping up from both being of counsel. Campbell Davidson, the firm’s Australian managing partner, said that the appointments were aligned with the firm’s strategic plan to grow the partnership in Australia to around 30.
“While we will strive to reach this goal we will only do so with the right people, and I have no doubt that Mark and David will add significant value and leadership to their respective practice groups,” he said.
Palermo, who is based in Perth, is an expert in commercial property law with a focus on real estate acquisitions and disposals, development and leasing, hospitality and liquor licensing, and property finance. His practice serves Australian and international clients, including Brookfield, Far East Consortium and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority.
“Mark joined our firm as an associate more than 10 years ago, and we are so pleased to support him on his journey to partnership,” said Tony Chong, who leads the firm’s Perth office. “His team leadership, technical ability, and client rapport have been evident for some time now and we are confident that he will flourish with the new responsibilities of partnership. As a ‘home-grown’ partner, Mark’s progress is an inspiration to other young lawyers aspiring to partnership at the firm.”
Starkoff joined the firm in September 2017 after a decade at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he was a special counsel. He is known for his work on complex construction disputes, government enforcement litigation, and competition and regulatory matters. Squire Patton Boggs said that since joining the firm, he has been working closely with partner Cris Cureton on a high-profile dispute for Laing O’Rourke.
“David is a welcome addition to the partnership. He is highly regarded throughout the firm for his technical excellence and problem solving skills, as well as for his willingness to assist others,” Davidson said.
Mark Palermo and David Starkoff
