Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP) is looking to expand its geographic spread and partnership as part of the firm’s strategy to serve clients nationally.

The Sydney-based firm will merge with Monahan + Rowell in Melbourne on June 1, and has already recruited an additional partner for that office from DLA Piper. The merger and lateral recruitment will see the firm jump to 37 partners by June 1, but they will not be stopping there. Managing partner Dunstan de Souza told ALB he is confident the firm will hit 40 or more partners by January 1 next year. “It’s necessary in order to meet the aims of our strategy,” said de Souza.    The firm, which focuses on the key areas of insurance, construction, property and dispute resolution, will ultimately also look to grow its geographical presence in Brisbane and Perth according to de Souza. “We are certainly looking at other markets,” he said. “Like any firm in our position, to service clients nationally you have to look at Brisbane and Perth.”

  However, in the short term, the focus is completely on Melbourne and growing that new office. M+R have a small commercial team in addition to its insurance practice and de Souza is already looking for additional partners to recruit in other practice areas. “We are absolutely keen to add to the numbers in construction, property and commercial litigators,” he said. “We are talking to a number of people in Melbourne already… We expect some good outcomes very soon.”