The Brief:
DLA Piper has poached three senior Clayton Utz tax partners.
The hires boost DLA’s tax capabilities across Melbourne and Brisbane.
DLA Piper has made a major play in the Aussie tax market, poaching three partners and a five-strong team from Clayton Utz.
Angela Wood, a market-leading tax disputes and litigation partner, joins as APAC Head of Tax Controversy in Melbourne. She’s led landmark cases before the High Court and Federal Court, with global recognition in transfer pricing, anti-avoidance and tax controversy.
Brendon Lamers, a tax and infra specialist with more than 25 years’ experience, joins as Australian Location Head for Tax in Brisbane. His deal sheet includes AirTrunk’s restructure and sell-down last year and AussieSuper’s 50% Ausgrid acquisition.
Andy Bubb, an emerging leader in international tax disputes, also joins from Clayton Utz, focusing on ATO audits and transfer pricing.
They’re joined by 5 team members: tax director Alex Lebsanft, senior associates Amahl Weeramantry and Patrick Norman, solicitor Darcy Grace-Cannon, and senior legal assistant Natalie Heaton.
Angela, Brendon and Andy are outstanding additions to our global tax team. Their combined experience in tax controversy, infrastructure and international tax strengthens our ability to deliver seamless, high-value advice across jurisdictions.
The hires follow DLA’s recent partner spree after hiring:
Mark Bennett, Tech & Real Estate
David Holland, Mergers & Acquisitions
David Kirkland, Debt Finance
Looks like DLA Piper is ramping up its Aussie expansion.
Source: DLA Piper