The partnership at Allens has elected Ian Wallace as the firm's new chairman of partners.

Wallace has been a partner at the firm since 1989 and has previously served as a member of the board and as deputy managing partner. He will succeed Ewen Crouch who has decided to step down when his current term expires at the end of 2012. Wallace will begin his term on 1 January 2013.

“Ian will take over the role of chairman at a very exciting time for Allens,” Crouch said. “During my four years as chairman, I have had the privilege of playing a role in the firm's consolidation as a market leader in Australia. There are terrific opportunities that lie ahead for Allens through our alliance with Linklaters. Ian is the right person to assist the firm in taking advantage of these opportunities.”

Wallace has built a career in the banking and finance sector, and has a particular expertise in structured finance transactions. “We are tremendously excited and energised by our future opportunities as we continue to strengthen and deepen our engagement with our clients, in conjunction with our alliance partner, Linklaters,” Wallace said. “I see one of my chief roles as chairman being to assist our partners and staff in their client engagements as we assist our clients in achieving their goals.”

Related stories:
Allens promotes former clerk to partnership 30 October 2012