ACT Law Society president helps launch Holding Redlich’s Canberra branch

Author: Jacqueline So
Publication: Australasian Lawyer
Publisher: Key Media

Holding Redlich has opened its doors in Canberra and is building up its government law offering with some major hires – including the president of the ACT Law Society.

Elizabeth Carroll makes the jump from IP Australia to Holding Redlich’s partnership. She joins fellow partner Paul Menzies-McVey and special counsel Richard Monteleone in running the firm’s newest branch.

“The pandemic has increased the involvement of government in all aspects of our lives, and with that comes an expectation of accountability. Legal advice plays an important role in supporting responsiveness, without compromising on long-term implications,” Carroll said. “While the operating environment today has demonstrated the extent to which we can serve our clients remotely, a strong understanding of the local market dynamics is key to delivering what clients want.”

Holding Redlich national managing partner Ian Robertson AO explained that the establishment of the Canberra office, along with the new appointments, would help the firm to better cater to its Australian government clients.

“Holding Redlich’s newly appointed Canberra team has invaluable direct experience within government. Each has led the legal teams of government agencies and brings an in-depth understanding of the needs of Australian government clients, as well as the unique context in which they operate,” Robertson said.

Menzies-McVey, who brings to the table experience from his time with the Office of the National Data Commissioner, described the Australian government as a “complex ecosystem,” and highlighted the value of having an on-the-ground team of lawyers in Canberra.

“Having worked at senior levels within government departments and agencies for many years, I know the value of having lawyers who understand the various non-legal considerations that public service leaders must grapple with, as well as the breadth of legal issues facing government,” he explained. “Given where we are in the election cycle, there is likely to be increased demand for legal services during 2022 to support new initiatives, including legislative and technology projects.”

Holding Redlich sits on 19 areas of the Whole-of-Australian-Government Legal Services Panel. The firm is also part of the Victorian, NSW and Queensland State Government panels.

Including the Canberra branch, Holding Redlich now has five offices across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

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