In May 2020, Howard Obst, Principal Partner, Caroline Dew, Partner, Hilary Stokes, Senior Associate, lawyers and support staff will join Moray & Agnew Melbourne’s Professional Indemnity team. ‘In times of significant downturn, we remain committed to adding the best talent to our firm’ says Moray & Agnew Melbourne Managing Partner, Bill Papastergiadis. ‘For many years our Melbourne office has been arguably one of the fastest growing firms in Victoria, and we will continue to be so, even in these trying times. We are proud to announce that the Obst Legal Practice is joining us, and bringing some of the best and brightest litigators in the state to Morays’. Bill adds ‘This highly skilled professional indemnity focussed group adds to our already significant professional indemnity practice. With this team, Moray & Agnew Melbourne will boast one of the largest professional indemnity groups in Victoria and unrivalled depth in this area. The Obst team also provides us with further capacity and expertise to deal with the most complex litigated matters, both in professional indemnity and commercial areas. The forensic litigation skills of the Obst team translates comfortably into the Moray & Agnew property and construction teams, where the firm also enjoys an excellent reputation.’ Howard Obst agrees: ‘Having fielded approaches from many firms over the years, the fit of our team with Moray & Agnew felt as did Goldilocks – just right – so I am very confident we can add real depth to the already strong litigation practice. Out of all the numerous approaches I have considered, Moray’s outstanding reputation and leadership stood out to me. I have found their operational systems to been excellent and the cultural feel of the firm is exceptional. This will be a great home for all of us’. Anthony Scott, Senior Partner in the Melbourne Professional Indemnity team says: ‘Howard has vast experience, in particular in defending complex claims against solicitors. He is widely recognised as a leader in his field, and as both a talented lawyer and a highly skilled negotiator’. Geoff Connellan, National Managing Partner added ‘The first class lawyers from the Obst Legal Practice will not only add to the depth and skill of our insurance & commercial litigation in the Melbourne but increase the vast experience and skill of the Moray & Agnew offering nationally. Howard, Caroline and their team share the client focussed expertise of the Moray & Agnew national practice. We are delighted to welcome them to the firm’.