Both partners will be based in the firm’s Sydney office.

The news follows the hiring of Sheldon Garcia, formerly a partner at BigLaw rival HWL Ebsworth, as a new partner in the group in mid-April.

It also follows the firm’s taking of a team of five lawyers, including a partner, from Clyde & Co, as reported last week, its addition of a partner from Holding Redlich for its Brisbane office back in July, its promotion of 28 lawyers to more senior roles in the same month, its addition of a partner from a Newcastle-based boutique in November, its promotion of four lawyers to more senior roles in late January this year, and the appointment of a partner and two special counsel for its health practice in February.

Lewis was most recently a senior executive lawyer at Australian Government Solicitor within the Attorney-General’s Department, while Chen has come across from Norton Rose Fulbright.

Speaking about the hires, Sparke Helmore projects and government commercial national practice group leader Paul Tobin said: “Simon’s appointment creates significant opportunity to strengthen our relationships with Commonwealth and NSW state government as well as to leverage his considerable commercial and insurance expertise to support client demand in these areas.

“Simon brings highly relevant skills and experience, complementing our existing practice, and we’re very pleased to welcome him to Sparke Helmore.”

Tobin went on: “Alice’s reputation in her field is unparalleled, and she is known for her high-quality service to her clients. I look forward to working alongside her, as I know many others at Sparke Helmore are keen to do. We’re excited to have someone of Alice’s calibre join us.

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Lewis noted: “It felt like the right time to return to private practice after a rewarding period of Commonwealth service during a time of significant policy change.

“Sparke Helmore stood out for me, with its strong reputation in government, leading insurance practice and emphasis on client service. I am looking forward to working closely with members of the national projects and government commercial team to serve the growing needs of government and further develop the practice.”

Chen said: “I am excited to join Sparke Helmore. I have had the pleasure of working with a number of Sparke Helmore partners in the past, and I am looking forward to working with them in a different capacity now that I have joined the team.”