Maddocks will open a new office in Canberra early in the new year to service its growing list of Commonwealth clients.

 

The new office will be headed by Ms Simonetta Astolfi, who has over 20 years’ experience dealing with high-level, complex public and private sector legal issues.

 

Ms Astolfi will lead a team of lawyers advising Commonwealth clients on regulatory issues, commercial matters and dispute resolution.

 

Mr Mark Henry, head of the Maddocks Government sector, said the opportunity to open a Maddocks office in the nation’s capital has been planned for some time.

 

“Maddocks has grown considerably in recent years, particularly since the opening of our Sydney office in 2002. Our Commonwealth practice is expanding rapidly and we are developing a growing reputation as a real alternative to the firms currently operating in Canberra,” he said.

 

Mr David Rennick, Maddocks CEO, said the new office would be the missing link in the firm’s already strong government practice, adding that close to half of the firm’s revenue is currently sourced from the public sector.

 

“A cornerstone of Maddocks’ strategy is to become a leading provider of legal services to government,” Mr Rennick said. “The Commonwealth’s desire to expand the range of firms from which it sources legal services, provides an opportunity for Maddocks to establish a local presence in Canberra.”

 

Mr Rennick said the firm is delighted to welcome Ms Astolfi as a significant addition to the Maddocks team.

 

“Simonetta is a clear choice to develop a government practice that will cater to the very specific needs of the Commonwealth, right on its front doorstep,” he said. “We believe our firm’s focus on government, combined with our commitment to client service and deep client relationships, will enable us to offer a very appealing alternative to existing firms.”

 

The Canberra office is expected to open in February 2012.