Matthew Bull has joined Jones Day from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) in Brisbane. Bull joins his new firm’s antitrust department, having spent more than 16 years at HSF, with a short stint at Norton Rose Fulbright before that. A merger control specialist, Bull is a member of the Law Council of Australia’s competition law committee, the influential pan-Australia body. He has a wide sectoral background spanning many of Australia’s key industries, including infrastructure and natural resources. Craig Waldman, co-leader of Jones Day’s global competition law practice, said the firm would benefit greatly from Bull’s arrival, not least because of his substantial experience in antitrust enforcement. Chris Ahern, who leads Jones Day’s Australia practice, said: “[Bull’s] arrival sends a clear message that Jones Day remains committed to providing our clients access to the premier legal talent in Australia.” Jones Day launched in Brisbane in February 2016; its other Australia offices are in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

On the west coast, HFW has added to its ranks with the hire of partner Charmaine Tsang and senior associate Steve Bowler from local firm Lavan. The hires bring the total number of Australia HFW lawyers in employment law, and related specialisms, to 13. Gavin Vallely, HFW’s local managing partner, said the pair would boost HFW’s capabilities in the resources, construction, marine and energy sectors, all of which are key industries in resource-rich Western Australia. Head of employment Mark Sant added: “Charmaine and Steve give us an important presence on the ground in Perth as well as strengthening our national work health and safety and industrial relations capabilities.The opportunity for us to collaborate to meet our clients’ growing needs for specialist strategic advice has never been greater given the impact COVID-19 is having on workplaces across Australia.” The firm recently announced its 2019 partner round, making up six new partners including Perth energy and natural resources specialist Jo Garland. 

DLA Piper has hired two disputes partners. Tax partner Paul McNab is joining in Sydney from PwC’s tax controversy and dispute resolution group, where he has been a partner for more than 20 years, while in Melbourne Corrs Chambers Westgarth senior associate John Fogarty, a member of the commercial litigation and class actions groups, is climbing on board. Australia managing partner Amber Matthews said: “Their capabilities and experience will be valuable additions to our Australian and global Tax and Competition practices, and enhance our offering to local and international clients.”

Meanwhile, in Brisbane Ashurst has hired DLA Piper’s Australia head of real estate Tim Mathers as a partner. He specialises in real estate capital transactions and developments and major commercial and retail leasing transactions. He said: “I'm excited to be joining a firm with a global platform and for which real estate is a key priority.”

New Zealand

Buddle Finlay has appointed environmental lawyer Jennifer Caldwell as the firm’s new national chair. The Auckland-based partner, who heads up the firm’s resource management team, has worked on some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects. She is the firm’s second female chair, equivalent to senior partner, as the it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Buddle Findlay’s chief executive, Philip Maitland, said:  "[Caldwell’s] diverse background working in-house and in private practice, both offshore and in New Zealand, gives her a unique perspective.  We are delighted for her to approach the role with her open-minded outlook and drive."

National law firm Russell McVeagh has promoted Caleb Hensman to the partnership. Hensman is a property and construction law specialist and joined the firm in 2011. 

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