Australian midtier firm Mills Oakley has poached a partner from Dentons and a senior associate from Baker McKenzie as it looks ahead to boost its mergers and acquisitions practice.

M&A lawyers Daniel Kirk joins from Dentons in Perth and Chris Taylor joins from Baker McKenzie in Melbourne. Both will start as partners on Monday.

"Despite the current subdued transactional environment, we believe in planning for the future," Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said in a statement. "The Mills Oakley corporate practice has always been an engine-room for growth in other parts of the firm and the arrival of Chris and Daniel will further enhance the team's offering."