Stikemans is first Canadian firm to move into Australia

Stikeman Elliott has become the first Canadian firm to open a branch in Australia.

The firm joins US firms Baker & MacKenzie, Coudert Brothers and Sullivan & Cromwell in Sydney.

"We're expanding in Asia so Sydney is a logical step", said the firm's senior partner Brian Rose. "Being here will give us access to quality lawyers."

Three lawyers will be located in Sydney. Brian Hansen, who is Stikemans' Asia Pacific coordinator, will move from the firm's Hong Kong base.

Elisabeth Turner, a corporate specialist from the Toronto office and Roy Randall, ex-senior partner with large Australian firm Freehill Hollingdale & Page, makes up the last member of the team.

Rose said he did not foresee further expansion in Asia in the near future. "We will consolidate our Sydney and Singapore operations and make sure these are functioning well," he said.

The Singapore office opened two years ago. In addition to offices there, in Hong Kong and in Sydney, Stikemans also has an office in Taipei.