Clayton Utz has gone shopping in Perth and come home with an entire law firm.

The top-tier firm has swallowed Perth boutique Chord Advisory. That brings ex-HSF Kramer heavyweights David Hugo and Jason Ricketts back into Big Law.

Hugo joins as a partner, while Ricketts comes on as a part-time consultant. They’re bringing a team of ex-HSFK lawyers with them, including three senior associates.

Both are HSFK lifers.

Hugo clocked 25 years at the firm, 14 as a partner, most recently running its Perth projects, energy and infrastructure section. He launched Chord in 2024.

Ricketts did 30 years at HSFK, last leading its global finance, real estate and projects practice. He then spent four years as GC of The Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang before chairing Chord.

WA is booming. The state has an unprecedented $38bn infrastructure program rolling out over the next four years.

Perth Partner in Charge David Benson said there’s demand for construction and infrastructure specialists across major WA firms. That covers everything from ports, roads and energy transition projects through to disputes work.

There’s also room to fill. Perth has been a revolving door for Clayton Utz, with Clive Luck, Scott Crabb, Liz Humphry and Brett Cohen all leaving for rivals in the past 18 months.

Now it’s restocking. Chord follows a trio of hires from Allens: Bryn Hardcastle, Dave Filov and Tristan Iredell.

Clayton Utz CEP Emma Covacevich said:

“David, Jason and their team are joining Clayton Utz at a time of incredible growth in the West Australian economy, and a time of expansion in our Perth office.”

Hugo said:

“Joining a national full-service firm gives our clients access to deeper resources and broader expertise, while allowing us to continue doing the work we are passionate about - helping deliver the projects that shape communities across Western Australia and beyond.”

Source: Clayton Utz