Gadens unveils national merger

Gadens has announced a national merger as it unveils plans to expand in key markets such as Queensland and NSW and become the pre-eminent full service law firm.

Gadens is expanding its national presence.

Law firm Gadens has announced a national merger as it unveils plans to expand in key markets such as Queensland and NSW.

Gadens said the merger of its previously independent offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide are part of ambitions to become the pre-eminent full service firm in Australia.

Brisbane-based partner John Kettle, who was formerly a partner at McCullough Robertson, has teamed up with Gadens chief executive Mark Pistilli to beef-up the headcount of the firm, particularly in Queensland. That could include hiring partners from other firms or through mergers with other law shops.

Mr Kettle said the merger established the firm as a “serious national platform.” Until July 1, Gadens was an association of independent firms, with its offices operating separately. It is now a national firm, fully financially integrated and sharing systems and profits.

“Unlike other big firms we are not withdrawing from markets such as Brisbane,” said Mr Kettle. “On the contrary, we want to aggressively grow our presence here because we know the clientele here deserves the sort of service that we can provide with a national resource and an international perspective.”

Mr Kettle said Queensland was a great mid-market corporate economy with strengths in mining, agriculture and tourism, or what he calls “rocks, crops, steers and beers.”

“At the moment what we are seeing is a big deal flow in energy, natural resources, infrastructure, corporate real estate, general industrial and life sciences,” Mr Kettle said.

Mr Kettle is closely working with Sydney-based Mr Pistilli on the Gadens expansion, with the couple forming a bit of a legal yin and yang.

Gadens partner John Kettle.

Mr Kettle, who serves on the board of the Clean Energy Regulator, is a big proponent of renewables, while Mr Pistilli has worked on some of the biggest deals in the coal sector over the past couple of years. “We joke that combined we are net zero,” said Mr Kettle.

Mr Pistilli said the aim was to create the next Australian “national champion” law firm, “Brisbane is a key part of our strategy and we will invest heavily in it,” Mr Pistilli said.

“Gadens is one of the larger firms in the market in Brisbane with 25 partners and 200 people, and we want to grow from there.

Around the country, Gadens has 100 partners, more than 350 lawyers, and over 600 total staff. “We are interested in State and local government as well as private businesses in areas where Queensland is famous – resources, innovation, property, energy, tourism, agriculture, life sciences and much more,” he said.

He adds Gadens is looking for merger partners and to attract lateral recruits – groups or individuals – in Brisbane. “We are doubling down on Brisbane and Queensland,” he said.

“We are being approached by partners in global firms who want to be back in an Australian firm where their clients are more relevant to their organisation. We will focus on domestic deals and arrangements, but also follow foreign capital looking for a home.”

Mr Pistilli said the firm also was expanding in Sydney, moving into a landmark office at 8 Chifley Square. “Our move to 8 Chifley Square is a pivotal moment for Gadens,” Mr Pistilli said. “We now have over 100 lawyers and people in Sydney and the continued growth in Sydney is a key strategic priority for the firm.

“Relocating to an office right in the centre of some of the city’s leading advisors, law firms and corporates – and within a stone’s throw of the courts and Parliament – shows where we want to position our firm and the importance of the NSW market to us”,

Mr Pistilli said. Gadens’ tenancy will occupy the top three floors and roof terrace, overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Mr Mark Pistilli, CEO of Gadens

Originally published as Gadens unveils national merger