Sydney firm Speirs Ryan has bolstered its Melbourne footprint with the relocation of one of its real estate transaction teams and real estate finance team to its new office in Galleria Melbourne.

The firm’s Melbourne expansion is part of its ongoing strategy to better service its national clients and provide more flexibility and opportunity to its staff.

The firm dipped its toe into the Melbourne market in 2019 when it established a satellite office on Lonsdale Street but abandoned its plans for expansion once the pandemic hit.

Andrew Raad, who recently spoke to Lawyers Weekly about his decision to pursue partnership at a boutique firm and the experience of reaching partnership at age 30, discussed the expansion.

“After having a flex office in Melbourne for the last few years, setting up permanently was the next step,” said Mr Raad.

“This has been the intention for some time, but unfortunately, the restrictions on travel and workplaces over the last few years delayed us.”

“A lot of our clients are based in Melbourne, and we act on just as much Victorian real estate as we do NSW, so it just makes sense,” commented Mr Raad.

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Mr Raad continued: “We know the jurisdiction well, having acted on Victorian transactions with a transaction value of about half a billion in the last six months, including acquisitions, disposals and property finance, together with running a robust leasing practice of over 30 shopping centres in Victoria.”

The firm recently acted on a $40 million industrial acquisition at Laverton North, a $160 million project refinance at Spotswood, a $22 million residential construction facility at Ivanhoe, and a $70 million hospital development at Wodonga and an acquisition of a commercial building in North Melbourne.

“Having boots on the ground to better serve its Victorian client base was not the only factor considered when committing to the permanent office,” the firm said in a statement.

Mr Raad said: “After the inflexibility of movement during the pandemic, we want to give our staff the opportunity to experience life and work in another city — an opportunity which few boutique firms can offer.”

“Although the focus of flexible working has been on the home, we think the ability to work flexibly between cities adds another layer of excitement — especially a city with as much vibrancy as Melbourne.”

“Importantly, we want to ensure our staff remain motivated and fulfilled,” explained Mr Raad. “Providing this opportunity is one of the ways we hope to do this.”

The new Melbourne office will be headed up by founding partner James Ryan, who has relocated to the city to kickstart the new operation.

James Ryan commented: “Having worked and lived in Melbourne earlier in my career, it’s always been a home away from home.

“I love this city and am rediscovering everything it has to offer following the COVID years.”

“Expanding our presence on the ground here means we can further strengthen relationships with our existing client base and showcase to the Victorian market why the firm is one of the leading boutique property law firms in the country,” stated Mr Ryan.