National law firm Mills Oakley will boost its property and health and life sciences capabilities with the addition of expert new partners Annoushka Scharnberg and Geoff Bloom. The latest appointments bring the total number of new entries to the firm’s partnership to 21 since January 2023.

Geoff Bloom moves to the firm following 14 years at HWL Ebsworth. Geoff provides commercial and regulatory advice to the health, life sciences and aged care industries, as well as privacy. Previous clients have included providers of IVF, pathology, radiology and cosmetic medical services. Geoff also does work for peak health professional bodies and the medical research industry. He joins forces with Dr Teresa Nicoletti’s successful practice group in the Sydney office.

“I chose Mills Oakley because it’s the kind of firm where I can improve my offering to the market,” Geoff said.

Annoushka Scharnberg joins the firm following 15 years at Adelaide firm Finlaysons. A property and construction lawyer, Annoushka looks forward to offering a full range of services from the Adelaide office to her extensive networks and the increasing number of developers entering the South Australian market. Mills Oakley will also support her advocacy roles with Urban Development Institute of Australia seeking to assist developers both in South Australia and nationally to create innovative and liveable communities for Australians. Annoushka says the firm’s focus on a women’s business network, plus retention and promotion of women were major drawcards to making the move:

“The number of women in partnership was really important, to see that clearly I had a voice,” Annoushka said. Flexibility and hybrid working conditions offered by Mills Oakley were also “what a working mother looks for”.

Mills Oakley Chief Executive Officer John Nerurker said the lateral hires reinforced the firm’s emphasis on growth in strategic practice areas of the legal sector.

“We are delighted to welcome Annoushka and Geoff to the partnership,” John said.

“Annoushka brings a strong track record of achievement and understanding of development law in both South Australia and across the country.

“Geoff has a niche practice, and clients will benefit enormously from his wide-ranging experience in the health and life sciences industries.

“We continue to identify emerging opportunities for Mills Oakley, and recruit the right people to best serve our clients’ needs.”