Holding Redlich expands government law practice with new Canberra office

Leading national law firm, Holding Redlich, has appointed partners Elizabeth Carroll and Paul Menzies-McVey, and special counsel Richard Monteleone, to lead a newly-established Canberra office as part of the firm’s strategy to build on its rapidly-growing government law practice.

Ian Robertson AO, Holding Redlich National Managing Partner, said increasing demand for legal services spanning a broad range of Australian government agencies and departments led the firm to establish a Canberra office.

“The opening of our Canberra office will enable us to much more effectively meet the needs of our Australian Government clients by boosting our national team with outstanding senior Canberra-based lawyers,” Mr Robertson said.

“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.”

Holding Redlich has a strong and long-standing track record of advising government clients at all levels, as evidenced by the firm’s appointment to 19 areas on the Whole-of-Australian-Government Legal Services Panel.

Elizabeth Carroll, who joins Holding Redlich from IP Australia, and is President of the ACT Law Society, said the value of face-to-face engagement with clients could not be under-estimated.

“I was attracted to Holding Redlich’s philosophy of putting the needs of the client at the centre of what it does, and for its reputation for high quality advice and service. This aligns strongly with my values and approach,” Ms 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,” she said. “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.”

Joining the firm from the Office of the National Data Commissioner, Paul Menzies-McVey said the Australian Government was a “complex ecosystem” for lawyers and being on-the-ground in Canberra was important to help clients navigate the evolving environment.

“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,” Mr Menzies-McVey said.

“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 provides legal services to governments of all levels and sits on the Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland State Government panels in addition to the Whole-of-Australian-Government Legal Services Panel. The opening of Holding Redlich’s Canberra office adds to the firm’s local presence in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns.

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