DWF has hired an equity partner from HFW to head up its real estate practice in Australia.

Richard Abbott, who specialises in high-end, complex property transactions, joins the listed firm in Sydney after spending more than three years at HFW, prior to which he worked at Australian firm Holding Redlich.

"With strong client relationships and international experience, we're confident that Richard adds significant bench strength to our corporate and commercial team," said Mark Hickey, chairman of DWF Asia-Pacific.

It is the latest regional hire for DWF, which earlier this month acquired an eight-lawyer firm in the mining and shipping centre of Newcastle and now has 180 employees across Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney.

In its global results earlier this month, DWF said it expects to increase its revenues by at least 10%.

In a statement, a HFW spokesperson said: "We thank Richard for his valuable contribution at HFW and wish him all the best for his future."