AUSTRALIAPeople moves
Clayton Utz hires former HSF Kramer partners David Hugo and Jason Ricketts in Perth
Former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer partners David Hugo and Jason Ricketts are joining Clayton Utz in October 2026, closing the infrastructure, construction, and property boutique Chord Advisory that Hugo founded in 2024, Lawyers Weekly reported on October 5, 2026. Three more former HSF Kramer and Chord lawyers are joining them as Clayton Utz expands its Perth office.
Announcement (Lawyers Weekly) →
Key points
- David Hugo and Jason Ricketts, both former HSF Kramer partners, are joining Clayton Utz effective in October.Lawyers Weekly
- Hugo left HSF Kramer in 2024 to open Chord Advisory, a boutique specializing in infrastructure, construction, and property, which is shutting its doors.Lawyers Weekly
- Ricketts joined Chord after a stint as in-house counsel.Lawyers Weekly
- Ebony Garlick, Lynsey O'Neil, and Kirsten Whitburn, also formerly of HSF Kramer and Chord, are joining with them.Lawyers Weekly
- Hugo spent 14 years as an HSF Kramer partner and headed its projects, energy, and infrastructure group in Perth.Lawyers Weekly
- Chief executive partner Emma Covacevich said the hires bolster Clayton Utz's Western Australia capabilities as its Perth office expands.Lawyers Weekly
Sources1 article across 1 outlet
Lawyers Weekly