Mid-tier law firm to have advantage of national footprint, complementary expertise and capability
Leading Melbourne law firm Russell Kennedy and highly respected Sydney law firm Aitken Lawyers today announced the successful completion of their merger. The combined firm’s 270-strong team will deliver an expanded range of client services and complementary expertise while retaining the agility and flexibility that characterise the two firms.
The combined firm will operate from Australia’s largest legal markets of Sydney and Melbourne and provide expertise across a range of practice areas including: corporate and commercial, litigation and dispute resolution, property and development, estate planning and family law, commonwealth state and local government, aged care and retirement living, workplace relations and employment, insolvency, rural services and renewable energy.
The merged firm will be known as Russell Kennedy, and as Russell Kennedy Aitken Lawyers in New South Wales.
Paul Gleeson, Russell Kennedy Managing Director, said a broader footprint was increasingly important in today’s operating environment. “We’re seeing how vital it is for clients, who, while based in one location, operate across multiple jurisdictions and are increasingly feeling the impact of national policy reform”, he said.
“In addition, our merger offers clients access to new services and practice areas and gives us the opportunity to enhance existing relationships while also enabling us to build new relationships in new markets”, he said.
“Importantly, the two firms share similar culture and values, which means our clients can continue to expect the same dedication, expertise and high quality service they’ve come to know”, Mr Gleeson said.
Aitken Lawyers Managing Partner, Andrew Aitken, said the combined firm will be nimble and flexible, allowing it to continue to provide excellent value for clients.
“While naturally, the merger means we’ve grown, we’re retaining what matters most – our values and client service. We believe this gives us an advantage in that we can better service our clients through scale, while remaining focused on responsiveness and understanding our clients’ needs”, Mr Aitken said.
Read the Russell Kennedy Aitken Lawyers merger FAQs here.
This news has been covered by Australasian Lawyer
here and by Lawyers Weekly
here.