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Brisbane-founded legal firm HopgoodGanim is expanding its footprint in Western Australian following a merger proposal with Perth-based speciality family and estates law firm Butlers Lawyers and Notaries.
HopgoodGanim, a mid-tier firm with operations in Brisbane and Perth, says the merger brings the group more than 30 years’ experience by Butlers in family law, wills and estate services for its national and offshore clients.
The merger is expected to be completed in October this year, with the boutique law firm’s 17 staff joining the HopgoodGanim team.
HopgoodGanim, which was founded in 1974 by Paul Hopgood and Joe Ganim and ventured into WA a decade ago, operates across several key priority markets including private clients, resources, corporate, real estate and commercial litigation.
The firm, which is led in Perth by managing partner Robyn Ferguson, says the merger will strengthen its presence advising high-net worth private clients, family offices and major family-owned and private enterprises.
“Though we currently have a sizeable team in Perth, we have been seeking to expand our private client practice in the west for many years,” says HopgoodGanim’s managing partner Luke Mountford.
“The merger with Butlers will allow us to achieve this and offer our full suite of legal expertise on both east and west coasts.
“We have a strong management team experienced in merging and growing our firm across our two key markets in Brisbane and Perth, and our practice areas.
“We look forward to formally welcoming and integrating the Butlers team and clients later this year.”
HopgoodGanim says operational plans for the merger are well-advanced to ensure a seamless transition for clients.
John Lawley, the managing partner at Butlers, will join HopgoodGanim as a partner and lead the team joining HopgoodGanim via the merger.
Butlers’ principal, John Butler, will remain with the merged entity as a consultant.
The firm says that while he won’t be involved in the day-to-day provision of legal services, Butler will “play an important role in ensuring the continuation of service for Butlers’ current clients, aiding the merger transition and integrating them into HopgoodGanim”.
“Mr Butler has earned his place in the merged firm as a consultant, recognising 50 years of service,” says Mountford.
“He is a well-respected member of the legal profession in Western Australia and for him, this merger is an opportunity to ensure his legacy and firm continue to grow under HopgoodGanim’s capable management.
“Mr Butler expressed that it was always planned he would retire in 2027. His new role in the merged firm will enable the smooth transition of his clients and duties before his well-deserved retirement.”
Financial details of the merger have not been disclosed.
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