Moray & Agnew merges with Greenwoods Law in Cairns

With widespread anticipation, Queensland’s Moray & Agnew recently revealed its acquisition of Cairns-based commercial law firm Greenwoods Law with effect from 1 July 2025. The firm, which has deep roots in the Cairns business sector and has been rendering legal services in the region for over 45 years, is being acquired by Moray & Agnew.

Partner and head of Moray & Agnew’s Cairns office, Andrew Kerr, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming transition and emphasized the seamless process they have been following alongside David Greenwood and Barbara McQuillan to ensure minimal disruption for clients. Recognizing the shared commitment of both firms in serving as trusted legal advisors, Kerr highlighted the potential for Moray & Agnew’s Cairns team to offer local expertise combined with national experience to Greenwoods Law’s existing clients.

According to Kerr, discussions held with clients and referrals of Greenwoods Law have yielded positive outcomes, setting an optimistic tone for the future collaboration between the two entities. The alignment of Greenwoods Law’s focus areas such as property, commercial law, and wills and estates with Moray & Agnew’s range of services in Cairns positions the national firm well to cater to the diverse needs of Greenwoods Law’s clientele.

The acquisition news coincides with Ian Denham’s appointment as Moray & Agnew’s new national managing partner and NSW managing partner. Denham takes over from Geoff Connellan, who has been in these leadership roles since 2018. With over 800 professionals, including 110 partners, Moray & Agnew is committed to providing clients, both local and international, with comprehensive legal services delivered seamlessly across its various offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, Perth, and Cairns.

Initially rooted in insurance law, Moray & Agnew expanded its services to include commercial litigation, construction and projects, corporate and commercial law, government, property and development, and workplace legal services to meet evolving client demands. The firm’s growth trajectory is further highlighted by its recent move of the Melbourne office to 333 Collins Street, showcasing a commitment to enhancing its operational presence and capabilities across multiple locations.

As Moray & Agnew continues to strengthen its position as a prominent legal entity, the acquisition of Greenwoods Law marks a significant step towards expanding its service offerings and geographical reach. The blend of local insights with national expertise positions Moray & Agnew’s Cairns team as a formidable player in the legal landscape, poised to offer a wide range of legal solutions encompassing various practice areas catering to the diverse needs of clients in the Cairns region and beyond.