Hot on the heels of poaching six insurance law partners from Sparke Helmore in April, Hall & Wilcox has lured an additional 35 lawyers, paralegals and support staff from the rival firm.

The earlier raid involved former Sparke Helmore national insurance leader Rhett Slocombe and partners Grant Galvin, Simon Morgan, Daniel Stoddart, Nicholas Studdert and Joanna Turnbull, all of whom became Hall & Wilcox partners.

The latest additions include special counsel Nathan Kennedy, Joe Mancuso and Tanya Smart, plus senior associates Nikki Akhurst-Rasa, Melinda Andrew, Barbara Casado, Michael Dent, Kirrilee Kennedy, Amber Mahoney, Carl Newton, Jenny Nichols, Vanessa Porter and Melissa Zen.

Also moving are eight lawyers and 16 law clerks, paralegals, and administrative and support staff.

The former Sparke Helmore team will be based in Sydney and Newcastle.

“The Hall & Wilcox insurance team is now one of the largest in Australia and is positioned to provide a compelling national service offering to a wide range of clients in the insurance sector,” Hall & Wilcox Managing Partner Tony Macvean said.