ALLEN & Overy has expanded its Australian practice to cover litigation and regulatory investigations expertise with the appointment of senior Australian litigation lawyer, John Samaha, to the partnership.

The move for Samaha comes after he closed his own practice, Samaha and Associates, which ceased operating on Friday last week. 

Samaha previously worked at Mallesons Stephen Jaques, but broke away from the firm in 2007 and two years later to opened his own practice. 

Allen & Overy hires Samaha in a bid to provide integrated local and global litigation and regulatory support to clients, it says.

VIEW ALL

The new partner has experience in complex and strategically significant litigation and regulatory work. He has acted for leading corporations and financial institutions in Australia, including many sector leaders. 

Prior to establishing his own practice, John was a senior litigation partner at another leading Australian firm, where he worked for 20 years.

The Legal 500 review of Australian dispute resolution lawyers just released reports that John is 'a consummate professional, highly knowledgeable and commercially minded'.

Tim House, Global Head of Litigation at Allen & Overy, said Samaha's arrival is a boost to the firm's litigation capability across the Asia Pacific region. 

"[It] fits hand-in-glove with our growth plans for Allen & Overy's global litigation practice. It also represents a unique opportunity for leading Australian litigation solicitors who see the advantages of a career in our growing network."

Grant Fuzi, Managing Partner of Allen & Overy in Australia, said: "John is a recognised leader in his field. Now that Allen & Overy is well established in Australia, we are pleased to offer our clients litigation and regulatory skills and expertise under John's leadership.

“John's appointment brings our Australian partner tally to 23, with the support of over 160 staff. This outstanding growth has been fuelled by positive client response to our global and domestic expertise."