ALB Fast 10 firm Macpherson+Kelley Lawyers (M+K) is to merge with Queensland firm BCI Lawyers in January 2011. On completion of the merger, M+K will have the capacity to service clients right along Australia’s eastern seaboard, including Tasmania.

“Our merger with BCI is an exciting step in the evolution of M+K into a national commercial law firm,” said M+K's national managing director, Damian Paul. "It means we have a strong foothold in each east coast capital city, including Hobart, and can service our clients nationally in all key areas of expertise.”

Earlier this year the firm added boutique Melbourne workplace and legal training firm Douglas LPT to the group through a merger. Tasmanian firm Dobson Mitchell & Allport was also acquired although that firm is yet to adopt the M+K brand.

As a result of the BCI integration, M+K will have a team of almost 140 lawyers, a total headcount of more than 260 people, and offices in Melbourne, Dandenong (Victoria), Sydney, Hobart and Brisbane, with satellite operations in Bundaberg (QLD) and Longreach (QLD).

Les Hancock, BCI's managing partner, said that there was a clear cultural fit between the two firms, and a common strategy in terms of meeting the legal needs of middle market businesses and asset owners. Hancock said BCI, which was established in 2005 to serve the Queensland middle-market, had watched the rise of M+K with great interest, and was impressed by the dynamism and determination of the firm to set a fresh standard for middle-market legal services. He said the combination of the firms would deliver increased value to existing and future clients, and provide BCI’s Queensland-based clients with access to additional legal expertise, especially where it involves interstate transactions and disputes.

BCI employs a team of 32, including 13 lawyers, all of whom will join M+K from 1 January 2011. Six BCI Lawyers will become M+K principals (partner equivalent), taking the total principal count to 50 nationally.

See the December issue of ALB to read more about M+K.

Related stories:

M+K adds Melbourne workplace and training firm 8 November 2010

M+K moves into Tasmania with Dobson Mitchell merger 12 July 2010