U.K.-listed law firm DWF has hired two principal lawyers to join its national property, planning and construction team in Australia.

Andrea Towson joins from local commercial law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler, where she was a special counsel, and Richard Skopal joins from Holding Redlich, another local firm, where he was a partner.

"The firm's ability to attract senior practitioners of their caliber is testament to the strength of our emerging brand in the Australian market," Scott Stewart, DWF's national head of property, planning and construction (Australia), said in a statement.

"Commercially-minded lawyers frustrated by slow-moving, traditional firms are liking what they see at DWF—a chance to make their mark as rapidly as their talent and ambition allows."

Towson is a planning and development specialist with experience in complex property due diligence, planning and environment law matters, owners' corporation disputes and compulsory acquisition claims, DWF said.

Skopal's focus is commercial property transactions, development projects and leasing work for both landlords and tenants. He acts for a variety of clients, from individuals to publicly listed companies, and specializes in providing practical and commercial legal advice to assist clients.

A spokesman for Arnold Block Leibler said Towson had been a valued member of the firm's property and development practice for more than a decade. "We wish her all the very best in her new role," he said.

Holdling Redlich could not immediately be reached for comment.

Principal lawyers at DWF are the equivalent of partners in other firms. The firm began 2020 with a series of hires in Europe.

READ MORE:

In Pictures: DWF Steps Up International Charge in a Busy Week of Hiring