For much of Western Australia’s legal history, growth was measured in floorspace and headcount. That measure is losing relevance. Firms winning work in a more complex, time-sensitive economy are those growing through strategy, not size.
Williams + Hughes will merge with MDS Legal on 1 November 2025 and continue under the Williams + Hughes name. The transaction aligns capability, culture and commercial focus to meet rising demand from WA businesses. “This was not a decision around headcount. It was a strategic decision to tie in with partners who can deliver on client needs of sound judgement, speed, and accountability,” Director Dominique Engelter added.
A strategic step forward
Mergers have not been common in WA’s legal market but are emerging as a considered response to shifting client needs. Both firms point to shared standards of technical excellence and client service, and to the same opportunity: build depth where WA’s business landscape needs it most.
The state’s economy remains anchored by resources, yet activity is increasingly driven by private development, infrastructure, agribusiness, renewables and professional investment. Clients in these sectors expect advisers who translate legal analysis into operational decisions with schedule, approvals and commercial risk in mind.
Since 2014, Williams + Hughes has been a member of the global Meritas network. The combined firm will retain access to an invitation-only community of more than 9,000 lawyers in 93 countries, supporting cross-border matters and international benchmarking.
Bringing together MDS Legal’s experience with Williams + Hughes’ established base strengthens capability in two core areas: commercial property and litigation.
“For us, this merger is a strong fit. It combines complementary skills and expands and strengthens our client base,” said Digby Robinson, Director at Williams + Hughes.
Paul Donovan, a founding director at MDS Legal and incoming director of Williams + Hughes, said, “We are pleased to join a practice with real standing in the Perth market. Both firms share a commitment to excellent client service, grounded in strong legal knowledge and sound commercial judgment.”
Deepening legal experience
On the property side, the integration lifts capacity for complex leasing, acquisitions and development work. The combined team will service a larger portfolio of commercial, industrial and mixed-use projects. Ongoing advisory work with the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) highlights activity at the policy interface, where local knowledge is as material as the legislation.
On disputes, the merged practice broadens its bench for high-stakes commercial litigation. Focus areas include professional negligence, directors’ liability, construction and shareholder matters, alongside instructions from national insurers. This sits with a long history in commercial and corporate litigation and retains a partner-led model with short decision lines.
“We believe the merger with MDS Legal brings together two well respected, likeminded commercial litigation teams. Our clients will have the benefit of the combined team’s extensive experience across the full range of commercial litigation matters.” Tully Carmady, director at Willliams + Hughes.
People and profile
Publicly, the merger signals capability and reach. Internally, it reflects an evolution in the firm’s professional profile. Senior lawyers joining through the transaction add depth across multiple disciplines while consolidating property and disputes as cornerstones.
“For us, it is not about targets or trends. It is about building a team of exceptional lawyers who reflect our clients’ realities and expectations,” Director Digby Robinson said. “When expertise leads, everything else follows.”
Confidence in Western Australia’s future
At a time when some practices are consolidating nationally or shifting investment east, this merger signals confidence in the strength and sophistication of WA’s legal market. Clients are increasingly global in outlook yet local in operation. They want advisers who understand industry context and can provide clear, decisive guidance.
“Western Australia continues to mature as a market,” Director Dominique Engelter said. “Clients want lawyers who understand their industries and can provide clear next steps. This merger strengthens our ability to deliver exactly that.”
Redefining excellence through strategy
Like every industry, the legal profession is adapting to technology, client expectations and new economic settings. Some firms are expanding; others are specialising. Williams + Hughes positions this merger as targeted growth with strategic intent: more senior coverage where the work is most consequential, delivered through a partner-led WA model.
As service delivery evolves, clients expect efficiency, transparency and accountability. The combined firm is aligning systems and supervision, standardising risk protocols and maintaining direct partner involvement so decisions can be made quickly and responsibly.
Excellence today is measured less by footprint and more by capability depth and clarity of purpose. Through this merger with MDS Legal, Williams + Hughes aims to apply the same principles it has built over nearly four decades: precision, practicality and integrity, applied to a broader and more complex book of work.
Effective 1 November 2025, the merged practice will operate under the Williams + Hughes name across commercial, litigation, employment, intellectual property and resources. The focus remains consistent: deliver clear positions, tie advice to practical next steps and lead matters with accountable senior lawyers.
