KWM confirms Perth expansion

King & Wood Mallesons has formally announced the appointment of four experienced lawyers to the partnership, including projects specialist Peter Vaughan and M&A adviser Roger Davies.

KWM has also recruited mining specialist Lorenzo Pacitti and a second corporate finance partner, Antonella Pacitti.

All four partners have been recruited from rival firm Ashurst, where Mr Pacitti was global co-head of mining and Mr Vaughan was global co-head of oil and gas.

The two men commenced at KWM last October.

Ms Pacitti is due to commence at KWM in April while a start date has not been announced for Mr Davies.

Their pending move was flagged by Business News last month.

Mr Davies is regarded as one of Perth’s top corporate and M&A lawyers and Ms Pacitti is his experienced protégé.

KWM said they have an enviable deal track record of working together to deliver for clients.

Chief executive partner, Australia, Renae Lattey said the four new partners’ breadth of expertise in critical and emerging areas strengthened the firm’s existing offering.

“Investing in their potential also signals the bright future we see for our successful energy and resources practice and our Perth office, both vital parts of the KWM network,” Ms Lattey said.

Perth partner in charge Nigel Hunt said this was a pivotal time in both M&A and energy and resources.

“By welcoming these talents, we’re saying to the market that we recognise the huge potential for expanding our clients’ horizons, and we have the capability and depth to deliver for them.”

Ashurst announced earlier this week it has recruited three partners from Norton Rose Fulbright.

The new recruits – Paul Lingard, Miriam D’Souza and Jessica Davies – are experienced corporate lawyers with a focus on energy and resources and will fill the gap in the firm’s coverage.