Geoff Charnock has joined Maddocks' corporate and commercial practice as a partner in Sydney. Charnock makes the transfer from Hicksons, where he was partner-in-charge of the corporate and commercial department. He also had a stint with Deacons in Sydney and Canberra.

Charnock's main areas of practice include mergers & acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures, shareholder agreements, structuring documents and private equity advisory work. The appointment brings the total partner numbers at the firm to 48.

Maddocks also announced the addition of senior associates Troy Gurnett, Duncan Hall and Katrecia March.