Maddocks has appointed Barangaroo CEO John Tabart as an external board member for the company with an eye to developing the firm into a leader in infrastructure. Maddocks has traditionally been a strong player the property and government practice areas and CEO David Rennick said that the appointment of Tabart will help the firm combine those skill sets to create an infrastructure leader.

“Our aim really is to become known as the true leaders in government and infrastructure,” Rennick said. “Infrastructure is a relatively new focus for us but we’ve traditionally been very strong in property construction and planning and infrastructure is really an indicator of us going to the higher level in those areas.”

Tabart, who is also a non-executive director of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, will` use his contacts in the infrastructure sector to help promote Maddocks. “Because he’s led so many infrastructure organisations, he’s got great experience in business planning,” Rennick said. “He’s got a very insightful mind in how to develop business and to explore opportunities.”

Maddocks’ government work has traditionally been with state and local governments but Rennick aims to move into serving the federal government. As a result of the firm’s push into federal government and infrastructure work, Rennick expects to boost the number of Maddocks lawyers.

“We’re particularly looking in Sydney and we would be looking to attract partners and senior associates that have experience in those areas,” Rennick said. “This year has started well for us and we’re very optimistic for the future.”

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