The London office of Mallesons Stephen Jaques has, in the past six months, made four significant new appointments to strengthen its corporate practice, and add further ‘on the ground’ capability in both finance and tax.

Partner, Ken Astridge’s recent move to London from the Sydney office has assisted in building up the London office’s banking & finance practice, marking an important step for Mallesons as it is the first posting of a specialist finance partner to the UK in a number of years. Ken’s practice covers syndicated lending, structured finance, securitisation and capital markets work. He also has extensive stamp duty expertise in particular, large secured financing transactions.

Nathan Parker joined Mallesons in London in January this year from Allen & Overy to assist in the development of the finance practice. Following a period of two and a half years in Mallesons’ Melbourne office, Nathan gained extensive experience in the banking and finance section at Allen & Overy and specialises in project and structured finance as well as syndicated lending and acquisition finance.

Senior Associate Tim Sherman brings a London presence to Mallesons' tax group. He joined the London team (from the Melbourne office) in January 2003. Tim will focus on corporate tax, including the taxation aspects of investment and trade between Australia and the UK. He is also an expert in taxation of international employee share ownership plans.

Senior Associate Larissa Hunter has been seconded from the Sydney office to boost the firm’s UK corporate expertise. Larissa specialises in M&A and will work closely with partner in charge, Tim Blue and existing corporate lawyers Sally Cormack and Susan Horan, further enhancing the already successful corporate team.

In making these announcements, Tim Blue said, “I am delighted to welcome such a wealth of talent and expertise to the London office. Mallesons is committed to building its London presence. I am particularly pleased at the increased focus on finance and believe that the addition of Ken and Nathan will add further value to the very successful UK team and provide increased benefits for clients seeking both regional and English law input to complex transactions.”

Mallesons’ expansion in London coincides with a renewed focus on the firm’s regional and international practice, which has also seen the firm’s Hong Kong office grow to 35 lawyers in the last 12 months.