Sparke Helmore Lawyers has  welcomed five new partners to the partnership from ClarkeKann Brisbane. These new Partners will be joined by 20 lawyers and support staff.

Exciting times

The Partners - John Toigo, Paul O’Dea, Shane Williamson, Brad Vinning and Steven Cardell - are experienced practitioners with a client base ranging from SMEs, public companies and start-ups to government and government-owned corporations. Sparke Helmore’s national managing partner Phillip Salem said, “I am thrilled to welcome such an exceptional team to our firm. The addition of these individuals to our corporate & commercial practice is yet another critical step in enhancing the legal expertise we provide to our clients in the Brisbane market and nationally. At a strategic level, these hires fit seamlessly with our ambition to be a market-leading Australian professional services business.” Mr Toigo, partner and outgoing chairman of ClarkeKann Brisbane said, “The two firms joining forces makes for exciting times and demonstrates Sparke Helmore’s recognition of the importance of the Brisbane market to its business.”

Long history

Mr Toigo specialises in corporate transactions, foreign investment as well as mining and resources. Mr O’Dea has expertise in property, town planning and environmental law. Mr Williamson is a specialist in litigation and dispute resolution as well as debt recovery and insolvency. Mr Vinning has experience across a range of industry sectors and has specialist expertise in professional disciplinary jurisdictions acting for both regulators and individuals. Mr Cardell specialises in property law, including development work involving complicated community titling and body corporate structuring. Mr Toigo explained, “Sparke Helmore and ClarkeKann Brisbane have long histories as proudly Australian firms. We immediately saw the synergies with our strategies, our culture and values as well as our commitment to exceptional client service.” Sparke Helmore’s Brisbane office will have 12 partners and 25 lawyers and a total headcount of 113 making it a force to be reckoned with in the Brisbane market.