Mills Oakley snaps up Vardanega Roberts in boost to insurance offering

Mills Oakley has snapped up Sydney firm Vardanega Roberts in a boost to the former’s insurance offering.

The Vardanega Roberts team will commence with Mills Oakley on 1 October, led by partners Stephen Vardanega and Mike Roberts. The team has long represented leading insurers, Lloyd’s syndicates and self-insurers in matters involving public and products liability, strata insurance, professional indemnity, property, workers compensation, CTP and all classes of insurance recoveries.

“It is well documented that insurers are increasingly seeking law firms with a national footprint and the capability to offer a seamless service across multiple specialisations and jurisdictions,” Vardanega said. “For 30 years, Vardanega Roberts has serviced its Australian and international clients across Australia. Mike and I are delighted to join forces with Mills Oakley. As a national firm and a clear market leader in the insurance space, with a complete alignment of culture and values, Mills Oakley was the logical choice of partner for our firm, and we are excited about what the combined practice will offer our clients and staff.”

Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker echoed Vardanega’s assertion that the two firms were a perfect fit for each other.

“Like ourselves, Vardanega Roberts has a compelling growth story. Their story is reminiscent of Mills Oakley in Sydney, where we launched with a lean three-partner team which blossomed into a 50-partner practice in less than 15 years,” Nerurker said.

Nerurker confirmed that Daren Curry and Stephen Aroney, two of the partners who helped launch the firm’s Sydney office, were key to making the combination happen as both are insurance law specialists.

Earlier this month, Mills Oakley also announced its acquisition of Melbourne litigation boutique Patrick & Associates.