Australian firm MinterEllison has lost another two partners from its practice in Canberra after it was downgraded in the government’s panel of legal service providers.

Nevin Agnew and Jeremy Johnson have joined Holding Redlich after the Australian firm was appointed to all areas of law on the new Whole of Australian Government Legal Services Panel.

The government usually chooses its private sector firms from a panel, which was most recently updated and consolidated in August. MinterEllison was approved as a legal services provider in three of the five separate practice areas listed.

Shortly after the new panel was announced, Clayton Utz poached four government partners from MinterEllison, increasing its Canberra-based partnership from 11 to 15.

Holding Redlich has also been growing in Canberra, hiring a team of seven lawyers from KPMG in October.

Commenting on the firm’s latest hires, partner and head of Holding Redlich’s Canberra office Elizabeth Carroll said, “The expansion of our team reflects our commitment to the Commonwealth and public sector. Nevin and Jeremy's expertise aligns perfectly with our focus on delivering exceptional legal services tailored to the specific needs of government agencies. We are excited about the collaborative opportunities this presents.”

Agnew advises insurers, private companies, and government clients in insurance-backed litigation for professional indemnity–medical, toxic torts, public liability, personal injury, investigations, coronials and public law.

Johnson represents Commonwealth departments, agencies and entities, as well as a range of corporate clients. He has acted in claims before the High Court, Federal Court, various Supreme Courts and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Australian and international firms have been launching new offices in Canberra or growing their existing teams as they compete for work from the Australian government.

MinterEllison has been contacted for comment.