HopgoodGanim makes raid on rival law firm

HopgoodGanim has been poaching the talent of its competitors in Brisbane, acquiring an entire team from a rival law shop’s real estate practice.

HopgoodGanim on the move acquiring talent.

HopgoodGanim has been active poaching talent from other firms in Brisbane, acquiring an entire team from a rival law shop’s real estate practice.

The acquisition will see three senior practitioners, four paralegals and legal assistants, and a research clerk join HopgoodGanim from Corrs Chambers Westgarth from this week.

Leading the team are two property law and leasing specialists, including Greg Hassall, who will join the firm as a consultant and James Cooper, who will become a partner at HopgoodGanim. Matthew Biles will come on board as a senior associate along with paralegals Anne Butler, Felicity Dopheide, Siobhan Bowden, legal assistant Danielle Marshall, and research clerk Bryce Kerr.

HopgoodGanim managing partner Luke Mountford says the acquired team’s “impressive track record and deep expertise” in property and leasing will be a tremendous asset to the firm as it handled the needs of clients in real estate and development.

He says the acquisition is the first of several anticipated growth initiatives for HopgoodGanim this year as the firm continues to sharpen its capability in its key markets and maintain its position as a leading full-service law firm.

James Cooper headed cross town to rival

Greg Hassall joinng HopgoodGanim

Safe haven

The Property Industry Foundation is popping the champagne corks after opening a milestone housing project designed to address the housing crisis for at-risk youth in the regions.

Haven House Kingaroy, a newly completed four-bedroom duplex, will be a refuge for young people experiencing housing instability or facing the risk of homelessness and unsafe living arrangements. Property Industry Foundation chief executive Kate Mills says the house marked an important step forward for at-risk young people in the region.

“It will bring a tangible, positive change to young people in Kingaroy who would otherwise be facing serious and daunting prospects,” Mills says.

Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills and South Burnett CTC’s Jason Erbacher

“Our hope is that Haven House Kingaroy will help to support young people as they search for permanent and safe housing solutions and explore pathways to pursuing security, education, employment and most importantly, their mental health and wellbeing.”

Operated by South Burnett CTC’s specialist homelessness service, the duplex will ultimately provide a safe haven for an estimated eight at-risk young people in the South Burnett each year. South Burnett CTC CEO Jason Erbacher said the duplex would make a significant difference in the lives of many of the at-risk group that the community group aids.

Peas in a pod

Port of Brisbane is doing a roaring trade in chickpeas amid surging demand from India, where the food is dietary staple.

More than 300,000 tonnes of bulk chickpeas were exported during December, making it a record monthly total through the Port of Brisbane.

Port of Brisbane chief executive Neil Stephens says India was the largest export market with some smaller consignments going to Bangladesh and Pakistan. Chickpea tonnages have continued to remain strong throughout January but the boom may not last.

Exports are anticipated to reduce ahead of India’s tariff-free period scheduled to end on March 31. Along with chickpeas Stephens notes the two millionth cruise passenger movement through the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal this month.

“This is a remarkable achievement in the two and a half years since the terminal opened,” he says. “Achieving 2 million passenger movements through our world-class terminal highlights its integral role in Queensland’s cruise tourism industry.”

Chickpea exports out of Brisbane reach record.

Originally published as HopgoodGanim makes raid on rival law firm