Butlers has operated in the Perth market for over 30 years. Seventeen of its staff will join HopgoodGanim, with managing principal John Lawley joining as a partner and principal John Butler is joining as a consultant.

The merger will, HopgoodGanim proclaimed, further strengthen its presence advising high-net-worth private clients, family offices and significant family-owned and privately held enterprises, with its strengthened private clients offering sitting alongside its resources, corporate, real estate and commercial litigation practices.

The news follows HopgoodGanim’s promotion of 30 professionals, including five to its partnership, in late June, its addition of a disputes partner in April this year, following the firm’s hiring of a special counsel and two senior associates in February, the appointment of an energy and resources partner in December, and the naming of a new head of risk and compliance in November.

It also follows fellow BigLaw firm Thomson Geer’s merger with Perth-based boutique Tottle Partners (bringing with it four partners and a team of 19) back in May.

HopgoodGanim managing partner Luke Mountford said he looks forward to welcoming the Butlers team and expanding the firm’s Western Australia footprint.

“Though we currently have a sizeable team in Perth, we have been seeking to expand our private client practice in the west for many years. The merger with Butlers will allow us to achieve this and offer our full suite of legal expertise on both east and west coasts,” he said.

“We have a strong management team experienced in merging and growing our firm across our two key markets in Brisbane and Perth, and our practice areas. We look forward to formally welcoming and integrating the Butlers team and clients later this year.”

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Mountford went on to note that Butler – who will help ensure the continuation of service for Butlers’ current clients, aiding the merger transition and integrating them into HopgoodGanim – has “earned his place” in the merged firm as a consultant, recognising his five decades of service.

“He is a well-respected member of the legal profession in Western Australia, and for him, this merger is an opportunity to ensure his legacy and firm continue to grow under HopgoodGanim’s capable management,” Mountford said.