Hamilton Locke

Here at Hamilton Locke, we’re for the future makers. All across the Tasman, we are working with clients who are evolving their industries and striving to make a difference. To us, it's not about the size of the client or the industry, but rather, the bold vision our clients are nurturing and their potential to move the world. A blank canvas doesn't intimidate us; it excites us. Whether it’s a new technology that’s disrupting an industry or a uniquely complex problem that requires innovation and pragmatism, our lawyers bring a highly commercial, uniquely multidisciplinary lens informed by deep collaboration and a highly innovative approach. At the heart of what sets us apart? Our people. Our People Experience (PX) helps us not only engage the best minds but also foster an environment that fuels continuous growth, both professionally and personally. We are Hamilton Locke - future-oriented, unshackled by legacy and committed to doing things differently.

Making moves and making it count — Hamilton Locke has ranked equal second in Mergermarket’s Australian M&A league tables for deal count in Q1 2025. Our highest ranking yet, this milestone reflects the high-impact work our team continues to deliver across a diverse range of sectors and deal types. It’s a testament to the trust our clients place in us to lead complex, high-stakes transactions with clarity, commerciality and confidence. According to Mergermarket's Global & Regional M&A Legal Advisory Rankings for 1Q25, the Australian M&A market experienced a surge in activity, with several firms achieving significant deal counts. Hamilton Locke's performance places us among the top legal advisors in the country, underscoring our commitment to excellence in mergers and acquisitions. We’re proud to support our clients on their most significant transactions and grateful to our team for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to continuing to provide outstanding service in the M&A sector. For more details, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQ6Jx--q

As Australia prepares to head to the polls, the future of federal privacy reform remains uncertain.   While federal reforms stall, Western Australia has taken a significant step forward with its first privacy law, the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act (PRIS Act), which is fast becoming a benchmark for best practice.   Our privacy expert James Patto recently spoke to Saloni Sinha from MLex on the topic unpacking what state-based law means for the broader privacy landscape in Australia. Notably, while the PRIS Act applies only to public entities, it introduces progressive measures that go beyond recent federal changes, including a ‘fair and reasonable’ test and a broader definition of personal information. The private sector and other jurisdictions are taking note.   Read MLex’s article here: https://lnkd.in/gzsKQfHA

Meet Charmian Holmes, Partner and Head of Funds and Financial Services.   From co-founder of the female-led law firm The Fold, to now one of Hamilton Locke’s leading legal minds, Charmian’s story is one of entrepreneurial spirit and transformation.   We sat down with Charmian to talk about her career-long commitment to pro-bono work, the big trends in financial services this year, and why it’s essential to stay curious.   “For younger lawyers who are trying to work out their passions, my advice is to just be curious. Go out and seek opportunities to work with organisations that you believe can make a difference,’” says Charmian.   Also, did we mention Charmian has an amazing collection of vinyl records? Read on for the full story: https://lnkd.in/gCZe3HkE

Spotted: our very own Justin Fox featured in The Australian Financial Review as part of its Best Places to Work stories!   HPX Group (which includes Hamilton Locke) has been recognised among Australia's Best Places to Work 2025 by The Australian Financial Review. An annual list that celebrates the achievements of the best small, medium and large organisations across the nation, this recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to our People Experience (PX), which empowers exceptional people to help businesses grow.   We particularly loved seeing the AFR spotlight our Da Vinci Development Program in its Best Places to Work series, highlighting Justin Fox’s "Gratitude Run" – a 1000km journey to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation inspired by his son's journey with diabetes. As a cornerstone PX initiative, the Da Vinci Development Program is just one of the ways in which we empower our people to thrive personally and professionally alongside Adventure Club, Dux Academy, and our annual PX Awards.   Read more about Justin’s story and the AFR Best Places to Work list: https://lnkd.in/geWrR8Ay

It was an absolute pleasure to have advised Software Combined Group on its acquisition of the Hero Software entities – a leading provider of next-generation energy modelling software used to meet and exceed NatHERS Energy-Rating compliance standards for new residential buildings in Australia. Our team, led by Gordon McCann and supported by Gonzalo Castro Sáenz del Castillo, assisted on the legal aspects of the transaction. The integration marks a key step in Software Combined’s growth in the energy-rating compliance sector, and we look forward to seeing Hero Software continue to thrive with the support of the Software Combined group. Congratulations to all involved! https://lnkd.in/giErQkSU

Hamilton Locke’s Carbon Capital team was delighted to be an official sponsor of the Climate Investor Forum, which took place in Melbourne last month. Carbon group lead James Delesclefs, along with Andrew Vincent and Janice Yew, were in attendance at the MCG, together with a selection of the biggest players in Australia’s energy transition.   We heard from panels of expert speakers on Australia’s role in global climate solutions, how to mobilise the capital needed to supercharge the transition, opportunities in climate investing and much more.   The Hamilton Locke Carbon Capital team specialise in matching capital to opportunity within Australia’s energy transition. Get in touch: https://lnkd.in/gVfKwmyN

The Cyber Security Act 2024 has introduced significant changes to Australia's digital regulation landscape.   A key aspect of these changes – the introduction of minimum cyber security standards for smart IoT devices.   With this regime, Australia continues its digital law uplift, requiring that manufacturers and suppliers ensure that IoT and network-connectable products adhere to these standards.   Manufacturers are now required to issue a statement of compliance with each product. Overseas manufacturers and suppliers selling smart devices in the Australian market also fall under this law.   Legislation comes into effect starting 4 March 2026.   Want to know if your product is affected, or if you’re prepared?   Get in touch with our expert James Patto or check out our latest article: https://lnkd.in/g4TReZ-u

Today we celebrate Sophie Bradshaw! Sophie has been nominated as a finalist for Cyber Security Lawyer of the Year at the Australian Cyber Awards hosted by Cyber Daily. The awards recognise leading businesses and professionals who've made significant contributions to the cyber sector across Australia – shining a light on industry advancements from defence and insurance to cloud services, technology, STEM, consultancy and ransomware protection. As a dual partner in Hamilton Locke and Helios Salinger, HPX Group’s dedicated privacy, cybersecurity, data governance and AI business, Sophie's nomination is very well deserved and a testament to her work within the industry. Congratulations, Sophie! Read more: https://lnkd.in/g3HJvRzj

Last week, Hamilton Locke hosted the 2025 Global Dealmakers’ Network conference in Sydney, bringing together top M&A practitioners from leading independent firms worldwide for a blend of thought-provoking discussions and engaging experiences.   On the formal side, we explored key trends shaping global M&A – including AI, foreign investment, and ESG – through insightful roundtable sessions. A huge thank you to our external speakers, including Aaron Black (Deloitte), Candice Heggelund, Kate Galpin (ASX), and James Posnett (ASX), for sharing their insights.   But it wasn’t all business! Our global colleagues got up close with Australia’s wildlife in a reptile encounter, took in the stunning views on a Sydney Harbour sunset cruise, and drew inspiration from Olympic gold medallist James Tomkins.   This week was a fantastic showcase of Hamilton Locke’s market-leading M&A capabilities, and we are proud of our ever-strengthening global connections. Until next time!