Global firm to launch alternative legal services business in Australia
Following a successful pop-up trial in Perth last year,
Herbert Smith Freehills is launching its Alternative Legal Services business in Australia.
The firm will become the first dedicated facility of its kind to be opened and operated by a law firm in Australia when it begins operation in Melbourne this November. The Perth operation will also become permanent and the national operation will be supported by lawyers in Sydney and Brisbane.
HSF has been steadily expanding the ALT division across its global footprint, including Shanghai in August.
The Melbourne office will be staffed by 65 initially, including 50 fee earners, and will focus on services including 24-hour document review, claims assessment, due diligence, commercial contracts and legal analysis.
The firm is beginning a recruitment drive for solicitor and legal analyst roles.
Offshore specialist boosts Asia team
Offshore law firm Harney’s has expanded its team in Asia with the hire of lawyers from firms in Australia and Singapore.
Adding to the Singapore-based office is Dipti Thakar, counsel in the banking & finance team, who joins from Latham & Watkins; associate Lachlan Greig joins from Baker & McKenzie and was previously with Henry Davis York in Sydney; associate Aleisha Brown, who joins from
Allens in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, associate Gemma Lardner joins Harney’s in Cayman from Henry Davis York in Sydney and Harney’s Hong Kong senior associate Thomas Dugdale has relocated to the firm’s London office.
Allen & Overy adds two partners in Hong Kong
Two partners have joined the capital markets practice of international law firm Allen & Overy in Hong Kong.
Lina Lee and Jonathan Hsui join from
Ashurst’s Hong Kong office and have significant experience in the market advising large financial institutions and corporate clients.
