Today leading Australian mid-tier law firm, HopgoodGanim, announced it will merge with noted Perth-based speciality family and estates law firm, Butlers Lawyers and Notaries (Butlers). With a presence in Queensland for more than 50 years and in Western Australia for 10 years, the merger is a chance for HopgoodGanim to further expand its private client offering in the West and continue to serve its national and international client base.
Butlers is a boutique firm specialising in family law, wills, and estate services and has served the Perth market for more than 30 years. The merger is due to complete in October 2024, with approximately 17 Butlers staff joining HopgoodGanim.
HopgoodGanim works closely across a number of key priority markets including private clients. The merger will further strengthen its presence advising high net worth private clients, family offices and significant family owned and privately held enterprises. The strengthened presence in Private Clients will sit alongside existing strengths in Resources, Corporate, Real Estate and Commercial Litigation.
On the merger, HopgoodGanim’s Managing Partner, Luke Mountford, said he looked forward to welcoming the Butlers team and expanding HopgoodGanim’s Western Australian footprint.
Though we currently have a sizeable team in Perth, we have been seeking to expand our private client practice in the West for many years. The merger with Butlers will allow us to achieve this and offer our full suite of legal expertise on both east and west coasts."
"We have a strong management team experienced in merging and growing our firm across our two key markets in Brisbane and Perth, and our practice areas."
“We look forward to formally welcoming and integrating the Butlers team and clients later this year.”
Transition plans for the merger are well-progressed to ensure the continuation of service for current clients. As part of the transition, current Butlers’ Managing Principal, John Lawley will join HopgoodGanim as a Partner and lead the team that joins HopgoodGanim via the merger, while Butlers’ Principal, John Butler, will continue with the merged entity as a consultant.
While not being involved in the day-to-day provision of legal services, Mr Butler will play an important role in ensuring the continuation of service for Butlers’ current clients, aiding the merger transition and integrating them into HopgoodGanim.
Mr Butler has earned his place in the merged firm as a consultant, recognising 50 years of service. He is a well-respected member of the legal profession in Western Australia and for him, this merger is an opportunity to ensure his legacy and firm continue to grow under HopgoodGanim’s capable management,” Mr Mountford said.
“Mr Butler expressed that it was always planned he would retire in 2027. His new role in the merged firm will enable the smooth transition of his clients and duties before his well-deserved retirement.”.
About HopgoodGanim Lawyers and Effective Governance
HopgoodGanim Lawyers is a leading Australian mid-tier law firm based in Brisbane and Perth. We are recognised for the exceptional outcomes we deliver to our clients in our key priority markets and our superior approach to client service. In all of our areas of speciality, our lawyers are recognised by legal publications as leaders in their fields.
Effective Governance helps boards and executive teams across Australia and internationally perform, achieve compliance, and deliver best practice board and organisational governance. Effective Governance is the governance, strategy and risk advisory practice of HopgoodGanim Lawyers.
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