Recognition for our Australia team

The ranking, published by Lawyers Weekly, reflects the views of private practice lawyers across Australia on which firms they would most like to join.

In a highly competitive market of more than 7,000 law firms and over 150 national firms, this recognition highlights the strength of our offering and the impact of our continued growth in the region.

Importantly, DWF now sits alongside firms that have been established nationally for decades, demonstrating the strength of our presence and the reputation we are continuing to build in Australia.

Matt Curll, Managing Director in Australia, speaks here about the recognition, DWF's growth journey and what’s next for the business.

DWF has recently been recognised as one of Australia's most sought-after law firms. What does this recognition mean to you?

"This recognition is a fantastic reflection of the people we have across the business and the culture we've worked hard to build in Australia. While we're proud of our growth and achievements, it's particularly rewarding to be recognised as a place where talented people want to build their careers. Ultimately, our success is driven by our people, and this recognition reinforces that we're creating an environment where individuals can thrive, develop and contribute to something meaningful."

What has driven DWF's growth in Australia?

"Our growth has been driven by a combination of our great people, strong client relationships and a clear strategic vision. We've focused on building high-performing teams, attracting talented individuals who share our ambitions, and delivering consistently strong outcomes for our clients. Being part of a global business has also enabled us to bring broader capabilities and international expertise to the Australian market, while maintaining the local knowledge and relationships that are so important to our clients."

What makes DWF different from other firms in the market?

"DWF offers something genuinely unique to the Australian market. We combine the scale and opportunities of a global business with the agility and entrepreneurial mindset of a growing Australian practice. We have a collaborative culture where people are encouraged to contribute ideas and make an impact, regardless of seniority. We also offer a distinctive proposition through our integrated legal and claims capabilities, providing clients with solutions that extend across the entire insurance lifecycle."

How have you maintained DWF's culture while continuing to grow?

"Culture has been a deliberate focus throughout our growth journey. We recognise that growth is only sustainable if people feel connected, supported and valued. We've invested heavily in creating opportunities for collaboration, professional development and knowledge sharing across our offices and teams. We work hard to maintain an environment where people have access to quality work, supportive colleagues and genuine opportunities to progress their careers, while still feeling part of a close-knit team."

What's next for DWF in Australia?

"It is really exciting time for us. We are now well and truly established and connected into the global platform.  We are experiencing excellent organic growth with seven internal candidates recently being made up to our partner ranks, and we have some great partners from our global firm starting in Australia, headed by high profile Energy and Property Partners, Victoria Clucas (who has a leading MENA and APAC development role) and Bill Evans (our Global Head of Recoveries).  We are strategically looking to build out our depth in specialist areas including marine and cyber, as well as continuing to build our connection and presence with our global clients and the Australian insurance market. 

We are otherwise focusing on sustainable growth and continuing to strengthen our position in the Australian market. That means investing in our people, expanding our capabilities and deepening our relationships with clients. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to building a business that attracts outstanding talent, delivers exceptional client outcomes and provides exciting career opportunities for our people. The future is incredibly positive, and we're looking forward to the next chapter of DWF's growth story in Australia."