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Banton Group to launch new venture with 2 global partners
Boutique litigation firm Banton Group has appointed two new partners, in a strategic move the firm said reflects its efforts to expand its practice and explore new, global markets.
Lauren Croft
Laura Keily and Ryan McCrosson are both prominent figures in the global legal landscape and have been named partners in Banton outside of Australia.
Laura Keily is a barrister, Australian chief executive, and legal technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a corporations and financial services law specialist and experience in global law firms, including Slaughter and May in London. She is also the founder and creator of global online dispute resolution company Immediation.
Ryan McCrosson is a US federal practice litigator, technologist, and founder with extensive experience in contingent-based legal practices and as a consultant to top-tier US law firms.
The new partners will help form a new venture for the Banton Group: Banton Keily McCrosson in the UK, US and Cayman, all of which Banton Group is currently investigating “significant” claims in. The new partnership will, according to the firm, launch in the second half of this year.
Banton Group managing partner Amanda Banton said she was excited to partner with the two litigators to launch into other markets.
“We are delighted to welcome Laura and Ryan to Banton Group,” she said.
“In addition to being hardcore litigators, they bring a depth of entrepreneurial, analytical, and executive talent rarely seen in the legal industry. I am thrilled to establish the new partnership Banton Keily McCrosson with Laura and Ryan in other markets where they have significant previous experience.”
Ms Keily also expressed her excitement about the venture.
“After my recent venture into online dispute resolution, I have found the international markets to be dynamic and engaging. I am thrilled to partner with Amanda Banton and Banton Group to launch a Melbourne office for her existing firm and then focus our new partnership in the northern hemisphere.
“I look forward to working alongside the strong contingent of experienced litigators at Banton Group, including Elliott Smith, Ross Garland and Melissa Morgan, and each of their respective teams. Having my business partner Ryan McCrosson join Amanda Banton and me is a coup for Australia.”
Lastly, Mr McCrosson added that he is excited to make the move to Melbourne to continue working with Ms Keily.
“Continuing to work with Laura Keily to develop our vision for the global litigation markets is wonderful,” he said.
“Amanda Banton shares my passion for taking a strategic and data-led approach to move the industry forward. And of course, I am also looking forward to the Melbourne lattes!”
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.
