We are delighted to announce today a series of promotions and lateral hires as Blackwall Legal consolidates its position as a legal services provider of choice to organisations in all aspects of business law.

Jeffrey Malone joins Blackwall as a Partner.  He strengthens Blackwall’s insolvency and restructuring team, which is co-led by Blackwall’s Managing Partner and founder, Chris Pearce, who had this to say today:

Jeff is a great addition to the Blackwall team.  Years ago, Perth had great specialist insolvency firms.  This is still a city where clients have relationships with individual legal advisors, rather than simply relying on big name firms.  With Jeff on board, and with restructuring pioneer Rob McKenzie rounding out our senior turnaround experience, we have arguably Western Australia’s strongest offering in that area.

Promotions and additional hires also broaden Blackwall’s corporate team, as Hamish Taylor and Jamie Ogilvie also join the partnership.  With Counsel Will Moncrieff and new recruits Marisa Palermo and Sarah Gaffney also consulting to the practice, Mr Pearce described the firm’s corporate team as a “serious competitor” in the private M&A and regulated space:

Perth is home to 35% of all ASX-listed companies, more than in any other city.  With that area dominated for years by a small number of specialist corporate firms, Blackwall has been able to establish itself as a quality alternative for listed companies in just a few short years.

We’ve built our team across the board, and we have a strong group supporting our practice leaders.  A great example of our growth in that area is Nele Bhebhe, who joins us as an Associate this week having worked offshore for several years.  I’m really glad to have an energetic, diverse team of people who can help us be the complete business law solution we seek to be.

Asked if Blackwall would continue to grow, Mr Pearce said the firm would consolidate for now and focus on providing quality service to its clients and ensuring they remain flexible and focussed:

Perth businesses deserve service from Perth-based lawyers.  Lots of great WA law firms have been swallowed by large national and international players.  Whatever we do in the future, our decisions will focus on a great client service and culture.