Dentons continues to build on its Brisbane presence welcoming Craig Chapman and promoting Cara Richardson.

Craig Chapman, formerly Group General Counsel at Bank of Queensland, joins Dentons as a partner in the banking and finance team, and Head of the Brisbane office. Craig has a long and distinguished career with nearly three decades of industry experience. Craig has been selected by Australasian Lawyer as one of 2020’s leading in-house legal leaders and is also a finalist for Financial Services Lawyer of the Year at the 2020 Corporate Counsel Awards.

Cara Richardson has recently been promoted to partner in Dentons’ real estate group, and has specific experience working with large institutional companies dealing with commercial, industrial and retail leasing, disposal of businesses and land, acquisition of businesses and land and advising on property related matters.

Dentons’ Australia Chair and Australasia Region CEO, Doug Stipanicev, said the addition of Craig, and the promotion of Cara strengthens Dentons’ presence in the Queensland market, and increases the Firm’s client offering.

“Craig is an extremely highly regarded legal professional in the financial institutions sector, with a career spanning more than 30 years. We are delighted to have him join us”.

“Since opening in Brisbane, Dentons has always maintained a presence in the Queensland market and it is an important part of our client focused strategy”.

“In welcoming Craig and Cara to the partnership, we continue to build our strategy around what our clients in Queensland need, which is primarily within the financial institutions and real estate sectors. Given our commitment to the Queensland market, we are continuing to progress a number of opportunities to expand our local offering”.

Mr Stipanicev also said Dentons’ national presence across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth; and global footprint means that Dentons clients in Australasia will always have a team of experienced legal professionals ready to seamlessly continue to meet their needs.

Commenting on his move to Dentons, Craig said: “I have enjoyed my time in-house which has been incredibly rewarding and successful. I am excited to re-join private practice as a partner of Dentons with their strong history, capability and relationships in the banking and financial services sector, both in Australia and globally. I am also looking forward to the challenge of leading and growing Dentons’ Brisbane presence.”