In my address at our annual cocktail function on 25 November, I highlighted the similarities between the venue – The Mint – and our own firm. How a winning balance can be achieved between heritage and the modern world. We are a firm proud of being one of the longest-established firms in the country. We embrace this history and leverage those characteristics that have contributed towards our success to take us forward – responsiveness, collaboration, commitment and quality. These distinguishing features will continue to define us and how we respond to the needs of our clients and our market.
2015 has been a year of consolidation for our firm, refocusing on the core needs of our clients and where we can truly add value. We have restructured our Strata practice and we have had the greatest numbers of promotions the firm has seen in its 156 year history. The 9 promotions (4 to Senior Associate and 5 to Associate) were made in our mid-year senior appointments and came from across the firm. Continuing to nurture and advance the skills and talents of this new generation enables us to foster our client partnerships. This we do as one firm across each of our 7 core service lines:
- Banking and Finance (headed by Nancy Bramley-Moore)
- Building and Construction (headed by David Andrews)
- Charities and Not-For-Profit (lead by myself, Bill d’Apice)
- Commercial (lead by Partner Nancy Bramley-Moore)
- Commercial Property (headed by Chris Drayton)
- Dispute Resolution (lead by Partners Stewart Roberts and Alex Kohn)
- Estates Planning, Administration and Litigation (headed by Paul Evans)
All areas of the firm have seen an active 2015 including a number of flagship deals and the launch of this, our new website, which sees us fit for the digital age. We received top scores for client service for the NSW State Governments’ insurer and our property team continue to go from strength to strength for clients such as Centuria – on their acquisition of the ATP as part of a consortia – and Huntlee/LWP – on the sale and completion of the Stage 1 release of a new residential subdivision in the Hunter Valley. In the Charities and Not-For-Profits team we continue to be at the forefront of developments in the sector, this year alone advising a vast range of entities from International to one-of-a-kind organisations. Our building team’s work has been in the press for our work representing the Owners Corporation at the Inquest and Inquiry into the tragic death of Connie Zhang and the fire at 4 West Terrace, Bankstown. Banking & Finance and Wills & Estates have both also undertaken a number of technically complex, unique and sophisticated matters over the course of the year.
As 2015 draws to a close, despite market volatility, there remains much optimism in the market. The legal sector remains dynamic, creating opportunities for a firm such as ourselves, to do what we do best – great people doing great work for great clients.
Season’s greetings to you and yours and on behalf of my fellow partners, the lawyers and staff at Makinson d’Apice we wish you all the very best for a successful 2016.
Bill d’Apice
Chairman
