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Australian Law firm McCullough Robertson has launched a government-focused professional services unit, McR Defence.
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The business aims to support the Australian government in defence and national security matters through commercial, procurement and strategic advisory services.
“McCullough Robertson is no stranger to challenging the status quo, leveraging our national framework and resources, to better serve our clients with complementary services … We aim to think commercially about our clients’ needs and how we can create additional value for the businesses and government bodies we work with," said Kristen Podagiel, managing partner of McCullough Robertson.
The firm is based out of Brisbane and has around 50 partners many with experience in working across Australia’s Department of Defence, including the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and the national intelligence community.
Brett Sangster and Evan Economo will head McR Defence, both of which joined from Downer Group, an Australian engineering and infrastructure firm.
"This is a bold but exciting step for the legal industry to be extending their reach into commercial advisory and project delivery services. Defence programs and projects are complex and require the highest level of commercial leadership and input to help them to success. The infrastructure and reputation of a firm such as McCullough Robertson is the ideal platform to provide high-quality commercial services to help the government to deliver successful programs and projects," said Sangster.
Sangster, a former Army officer, had earlier spells at McCullough Robertson in 2006 and again in 2011, while Economo returns to private practice after more than eight years as deputy general counsel at Downer. He was previously a partner at Australian firm Gadens, having started his legal career at Norton Rose Fulbright.
"The role that critical infrastructure plays in our country’s future is often understated. The opportunity to further support our clients with complementary services founded on real expertise and experience is extremely valuable. McCullough Robertson is leading the way with McR Defence and tackling something previously relegated to the role of major consulting firm," said Economo.
McR Defence will operate out of the firm's Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra offices.
