Poulsen to retire from law

John Poulsen, who has been a prominent fixture in Perth’s legal scene for many years, is planning to retire from his current role and seek chief executive opportunities.

Mr Poulsen has been Australian managing partner at Squire Patton Boggs since 2011, when the US law firm entered the local market.

He plans to retire as managing partner at Christmas, handing the reins to Sydney-based partner Campbell Davidson, and from the firm next March.

The 58-year-old Mr Poulsen said he wanted to do something completely different.

He was seeking opportunities where he could utilise his skills and experience in leadership, driving change and public policy.

Declaring he was not ready to be a professional director or retire to Margaret River, Mr Poulsen said he was evaluating a chief executive opportunity.

He added the most exciting aspect of the pending change would be returning to Perth after living in Sydney for the past 15 months.

Squire Patton Boggs has grown to have 10 partners and 70 people in Sydney, with similar numbers in Perth and two partners in Darwin.

Mr Poulsen said was proud the US firm had built a national practice after starting in Perth.

He believes the Perth office will continue to have a prominent role, given its proximity to Asia.

The Perth office had continued to deliver good results despite the economic slowdown, helped by the uptick in litigation related to big projects such as Ichthys and Roy Hill.

Mr Poulsen’s 28 years in the legal profession started with Northmore Hale Davey & Leake, which joined the national Minter Ellison network in 1990.

In 2011, a majority of Minter Ellison’s Perth partners elected to join Squire Patton Boggs.

Mr Poulsen currently holds board positions on five not-for-profit groups, including the Leukemia Foundation, mentoring group 12 Buckets, 180 Degrees Consulting, and the International Skills and Training Institute in Health.