Hicksons hires Ryan as new employment partner
Warwick Ryan has joined Hicksons as an employment and workplace relations partner. He will work primarily from the firm’s Sydney and Newcastle offices. He was formerly with Swaab Attorneys.

Daly arrives at Johnson Winter & Slattery
Samantha Daly, a planning and environment lawyer, has joined Australian law firm Johnson Winter & Slattery (JWS) as a partner from McCullough Robertson. She is also the primary legal adviser to the NSW Minerals Council concerning environmental regulation of the mining industry. It is the first time JWS has had a planning and environment practice, which, the firm said, will support the corporate, property, construction and resources practice areas.

Corrs hires Fixler to boost patent litigation
Corrs Chambers Westgarth has strengthened its IP practice with the appointment of David Fixler, an experienced patent litigator, as a partner in Melbourne. His clients come from industries such as pharmaceuticals, mining, water filtration, fast-moving consumer goods, health insurance, IT and steel. While he knows patent litigation well, he will advise clients on all aspects of IP rights.

Liebich is back at Thomson Geer
Thomson Geer has hired Michael Liebich, a leasing specialist, as a partner in its property group. In fact, Liebich is re-joining the firm having been a partner there for six years up to 2000. He was a partner of Minter Ellison from then until his recent return to Thomson Geer. 

Hardwick adds to DibbsBarker’s FS team
Joanne Hardwick has become a partner of DibbsBarker in its banking, insolvency and disputes team in Melbourne. She will also be a member of the firm’s financial services industry group.

As a commercial litigation and specialist insolvency lawyer, Hardwick has worked with some of Melbourne’s leading insolvency practitioners, accountants, company directors, creditors and others in situations such as voluntary administrations, receiverships or liquidations.

IndusLaw gets stronger in Hyderabad
IndusLaw has added two new partners to its ranks in Hyderabad in India, with the appointment of M Arun Kumar and Deepak Chowdhury. Kumar, who becomes a partner in the firm’s energy, infrastructure and real estate practice, has worked on acquisitions, divestments and joint ventures, as well as renewable energy and core infrastructure and construction projects. Chowdhury is a specialist in infrastructure, energy and real estate transactions, with experience in public-private partnerships and renewable energy projects.