MALLESONS Stephen Jaques partner Leigh Warnick, one of the top corporate advisory lawyers in Perth, is believed to have handed in his notice.
It is understood Mr Warnick plans to join rival firm Blake Dawson Waldron, hot on the heels of Andrew Barclay, who has just made the same move.
Blake’s announced this week that Mr Barclay, a financial services and insolvency lawyer, has been appointed a partner.
Mr Warnick is one of the leading vote getters in WA Business News’ Legal Elite survey, designed to find Perth’s top lawyers.
The loss of Mr Warnick will put a dent in Mallesons’ experience in the corporate advisory field in Perth.
It follows the transfer about 18 months ago of experienced corporate advisory partner, Michael Lishman, to Mallesons’ Melbourne office.
Apart from a four-year break in the early ’90s, Mr Warnick has been a partner at Mallesons since 1982. He is also chairman of mining services company Brandrill and a director of BankWest.
Blake said Mr Barclay’s appointment would enhance its existing financial services practice.
He has acted for administrators and creditors in a number of major insolvencies, including Mounts Bay Village and Monteath group, and has been involved in infrastructure projects, including hospitals, prisons and the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Qualified WA lawyers who cast their vote in the Legal Elite survey by April 10 will go into a draw for dinner for two valued up to $150 at any of the Hyatt Regency’s restaurants.
Entry forms can be downloaded at www.wabusinessness.com.au
