Johnson Winter Slattery has appointed Liam Hickey as a partner in its mergers and acquisitions and private equity and venture capital practices, strengthening the firm’s capabilities in complex private capital transactions.

Hickey joins from Baker McKenzie and will be based in Melbourne. His practice focuses on advising private equity and venture capital funds, pension and superannuation funds, sovereign wealth funds, and global asset managers on a broad range of transactions, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital and growth equity investments, minority investments, and fund-related matters.

He brings cross-border experience to the role, having previously worked in the private equity team at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in Boston. His client roster has included major institutional investors and funds such as PSG, GSV, REST Super, Equis, and Norwest Venture Partners.

Johnson Winter Slattery said the appointment will further deepen its established M&A and private equity offering, particularly in handling complex inbound and technology-focused transactions. The firm operates as a leading independent Australian law firm with more than 500 professionals, including over 80 partners, across key cities nationwide.

KEY QUOTES:

“Liam has an outstanding reputation in the market as a high quality deal lawyer. Given his time in the US, Liam is well placed to guide US based private equity and venture capital funds on their investments into Australia. His appointment will deepen the strength of our M&A/PE practice, which is known for handling complex inbound transactions, particularly in the tech space.”

Jeremy Davis, Managing Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery

“I am excited to be joining JWS and look forward to working with the firm’s large and highly regarded private capital team. I was drawn to the firm’s focus and expertise on advising investment funds on complex private equity and venture capital transactions, particularly those involving a cross-border element.”

Liam Hickey, Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery