DWF has announced it is entering an exclusive association with an Australian firm. This exclusive association will shortly lead to merger, as DWF continues to develop its offering to clients in the strategically important Asia Pacific region. Set up and run by two partners, Jamie McPherson and Damien van Brunschot, the firm has latterly traded as part of the Kaden Boriss network of firms. The team of around 40 people, including six partners and 20 associates based in Brisbane and Melbourne will be joining DWF.

Insurance and safety

The firm, originally known as MVM Legal, started eight years ago as a boutique insurance and safety firm and Jamie and Damien have quickly built a very strong reputation in the Queensland market as a premium provider in insurance, occupational health and safety, and industrial relations. Over the last two years they have added a commercial practice focused mainly on the construction, hospitality and real estate sectors.

Strong foothold

Andrew Leaitherland, managing partner and CEO of DWF, said: 'Australia is an influential and integral part of Asia's growing economic and political influence and therefore core to our strategy. We already have a strong foothold in the region, and the time is right to build on that as part of a wider Asia Pacific strategy. As well as finding a partner with a complementary client list and sector focus, it is important to find a firm that is a good fit culturally. Like ours, their strategy is to look to do things differently for the benefit of their clients, including harnessing the latest technology and offering a range of complementary non-legal services. Jamie and Damien are pioneers in the Australian market and have quickly built a successful and profitable business. They are a great fit with us and together I am confident we can offer our clients a much more complete business solution.'

Doing things differently

Jamie McPherson said: 'Our commitment to doing things differently from the outset and our unashamed client focus has led to our success. With an ambition to grow as part of a bigger, entrepreneurial, client-focused business, DWF is the right match for us. DWF too is creating something different for its clients, focused on offering a whole range of legal and connected complementary services. We are keen to work together to make DWF a leader in the business of law in Australia, attracting key clients, legal talent and a reputation for disrupting the market.'