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HopgoodGanim takes team of 8 from BigLaw rival
Australian mid-tier law firm HopgoodGanim has acquired a team of eight, including three senior lawyers, from a national law firm.
Lauren Croft
HopgoodGanim Lawyers has revealed today (4 February) the strategic acquisition of a team of eight from the Corrs Chambers Westgarth real estate practice in Brisbane.
Former Corrs partner Greg Hassall will join HopgoodGanim as a consultant, with former Corrs special counsel James Cooper joining the firm as a partner.
Joining the pair is senior associate Matthew Biles, as well as paralegals Anne Butler, Felicity Dopheide and Siobhan Bowden, legal assistant Danielle Marshall, and research clerk Bryce Kerr, who was formerly a paralegal at Corrs.
According to HopgoodGanim, the firm has been working closely with Corrs to transition Hassall and Cooper’s practice – as well as a number of their clients – across smoothly.
Hassall brings extensive experience within property law, acting for some of Australia’s largest developers, as well as advising local governments on complex property-related matters.
Cooper will be joining the firm as a dedicated leasing specialist, with a broad range of property and commercial leasing experience, ranging from complex leasing arrangements, large-scale asset acquisitions and disposals to end-of-term arrangements and disputes.
HopgoodGanim Lawyers has more than 40 partners and over 300 staff operating nationally and internationally from its two locations in Brisbane and Perth – and this acquisition follows its merger with Perth-based boutique Butlers Lawyers and Notaries in August last year.
This acquisition is, according to the firm, the first of “several anticipated growth initiatives” in 2025 as the firm continues to bolster its capability in its key priority markets.
HopgoodGanim managing partner Luke Mountford welcomed the team to the firm.
“We are delighted to welcome this exceptional team to HopgoodGanim. Their impressive track record and deep expertise in property and leasing will be a tremendous asset to the firm, particularly as we continue to handle the complex and evolving needs of clients in the real estate and development sector,” he said.
“Expanding our real estate and development capabilities has always been a key focus for us. Along with the breadth of experience and talent this team brings, we are also excited about the opportunities provided by their leasing technology as we continue to deliver innovative solutions to our clients across Australia.”
Lauren Croft
Lauren is a journalist at Lawyers Weekly and graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from Macleay College. Prior to joining Lawyers Weekly, she worked as a trade journalist for media and travel industry publications and Travel Weekly. Originally born in England, Lauren enjoys trying new bars and restaurants, attending music festivals and travelling. She is also a keen snowboarder and pre-pandemic, spent a season living in a French ski resort.
