New partner was most recently head of a legal giant’s Australian restructuring and insolvency practice
Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) has hired a restructuring and insolvency expert from a global firm.
Peter Smith has been appointed by the commercial firm as a partner after he made the move earlier this month from Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), where he was most recently head of the firm’s Australian restructuring, turnaround and insolvency practice.
The addition to the JWS restructuring and insolvency practice in Brisbane follows the appointments of Bruce Adkins and Stuart Clague in the same city last month.
Partner Joseph Scarcella said that the firm has one of the strongest restructuring and insolvency practices in Australia. “Our expertise is increasingly sought after to advise on many of Australia’s most complex and high-profile liquidations and restructures. Peter will further strengthen our capabilities and give our clients a platform in QLD to support their requirements in this area,” he said.
Smith is an expert in corporate restructures and corporate collapses, major strategic corporate disputes, investigations and remedial matters to a significant cross section of ASX100 listed companies. JWS said that he is known for his highly commercial and results-focused advice.
Smith is also a champion for change, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession. He jointly headed the introduction of HSF’s Australian LGBTI network. At the global firm, he was a partner champion for diversity and inclusion, JWS said.
The new partner said that JWS is unique in the market for the strength of its commercial expertise and the hand-on approach of its partners. Smith adds to the more than 60 partners at JWS.
