Norton Rose closes Brisbane leasing practice after 13-strong walkout

The departure of the Brisbane real estate partner and his team of two lawyers and 10 paralegals marks the closing of Norton Rose’s Brisbane retail leasing practice.

Norton Rose Australia managing partner-elect Wayne Spanner said the firm now intended to focus on higher-end real estate work.

“This is a managed transfer of the high-volume leasing business in Brisbane to Gadens, and part of our strategy of wanting to focus on high-end, complex real estate work. This decision allows us to better focus on our core growth areas,” he said.

Gadens chairman Paul Spiro said: “We see a very strong alignment between the type of work that Cameron’s team does and our operational focus in the property and leasing sector. Cameron and his team will also provide additional resources for our existing clients and the expanded practice positions the firm well for continued growth.”

Gadens has recruited eight new partners in Brisbane this year. It also has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Port Moresby.

Norton Rose merged with Australian independent Deacons at the beginning of 2010.