David Nolan, one of Herceg Lawyers' principals, had often referred litigation work to Mills Oakley. As time passed he developed a fondness for the firm and, after a meeting with the firm's CEO John Nerurker, he realised that working for Mills Oakley as a partner was the next step in his career.

"John approached me about work opportunities. He seemed very passionate about and committed to developing Mills Oakley into a full service firm, spanning across the Eastern Sea Board, with national clients. The firm seemed to be able to outmanoeuvre its competitors," Nolan said.

Although still in discussion with clients about the move, Nolan said that they have responded very positively and see it as a "great opportunity". He has previously acted on Capital Play's recent US$1.8bn (A$2.4bn) bid for three racetracks and associated gaming facilities in New York, Fluorotechnics' recent IPO and rights issue, and the sale of Gujarat NRE Resources (A$1.1bn).

"It's a collegiate and supportive environment, and I think there is excitement and passion here about building, developing, and growing the firm," Nolan said.

Mills Oakley recently recruited Lander & Rogers partners John Mazzotta and Damian Harriss to spearhead a new family law practice.