Herbert Smith Freehills to appoint Matt FitzGerald as Joint Managing Partner of its Corporate practice

Brisbane-based Matt will succeed Carolyn Pugsley, who will return to full-time practice after four years in the role. He will work together with fellow Corporate Managing Partner, Mike Flockhart, who is based in London, UK, and will be responsible for leading the strategic direction of the corporate practice across the firm’s network of offices.

Matt has been a partner since 2009. He specialises in M&A in financial services and private equity, where he has advised listed and private companies and financial sponsors on M&A, strategic alliances and joint ventures.  

Matt is well placed for the role having held a number of leadership roles in the firm, including Office Managing Partner for the firm’s Brisbane office and deputising as Regional Head of Practice for Carolyn Pugsley during her last period of parental leave.

Ian Cox, Executive Partner, Practices at Herbert Smith Freehills, said that Matt FitzGerald’s leadership, together with Mike Flockhart and alongside Regional Heads of Practice Alberto Frasquet and Andy Blacoe, will form a strong team.

“Together, they will build on the Corporate group's successes, further developing our market-leading global practice and driving forward the approach needed to deliver our firm’s Ambition 2025 strategy,” Ian Cox said. 

“With his specific focus on Australia, Matt will lead our corporate team to help continue to grow our reputation as the go-to law firm for the biggest M&A deals, while supporting the growing demand in mid-market M&A deals across the Asia-Pacific.” 

“I’d also like to thank Carolyn Pugsley for her immense contribution in entrenching our market-leading position, and we look forward to keep building on the success of the Corporate practice as she returns to full-time legal practice." 

Matt FitzGerald said, "I am excited to take on this critical role and lead this fantastic, market leading team. I look forward to working closely with Mike and my colleagues as we achieve the next stage of our strategic plan and continue to help deliver outstanding results for our clients."