HWL Ebsworth Lawyers has announced the acquisition of Adelaide-based firm Botten Levinson Lawyers for an undisclosed sum, with plans to welcome the majority of the latter's staff into the team including four of its six principals- James Levinson, Ali Field, Rosie Jervis and Pip Metljak.
The acquiring firm asserts there will be continuity for Botten Levinson Lawyers' clients, while the deal strengthens the firm's presence in South Australia where it already has an office in the Adelaide CBD.
"We are delighted to welcome such a well-regarded team which will add to our existing pre-eminent environmental and planning capability across Australia," says HWL Ebsworth’s chief executive partner Russell Mailler.
"This move brings together the market-leading expertise of Botten Levinson Lawyers with our existing full-service capability, creating even greater breadth of service for our clients in South Australia," adds HWL Ebsworth’s chair of partners, Jamie Restas. "We look forward to introducing our new team members to our existing clients in the coming months."
James Levinson, principal at Botten Levinson Lawyers, describes the agreement as an exciting chapter for both teams.
"Joining HWL Ebsworth will provide our clients with access to a national network of specialists and a broader suite of legal services, while allowing us to continue to deliver the high-calibre advice we’re known for in South Australia," he says.
Two of Botten Levinson Lawyers' principals, Tom Game and Syd McDonald, made a personal decision not to transition with the team under HWL Ebsworth.
"We were hopeful all six principals would join us in transitioning to HWL Ebsworth. While two have chosen a different path for their own personal reasons, we wish them success for the future," Levinson says.
HWL Ebsworth’s says the addition of Botten Levinson Lawyers builds on its strategy to grow in key markets and practice areas, and reflects a strong outlook for the firm.
"This is another step towards our ultimate goal of further enhancing our offering to clients on a full range of exceptional services across all areas of law, regardless of where they're operating in the country," Mailler adds.
Prior to the acquisition, which takes effect on 1 August, HWL Ebsworth's Adelaide office has 21 partners plus 129 staff, out of a total of 280 partners plus 1,495 staff nationwide.
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