A new digital law practice, an international insurance practitioner, a corporate and government leader and an Adelaide family law team continue national law firm Mills Oakley’s growth trajectory with the additions of Dalvin Chien, Johann Spies, Mark North, Kate Bishop and Jeremy Culshaw to the ranks.

The appointments bring the partnership to more than 150 for the first time in the firm’s 160th year.

A leading senior technology and data lawyer, Dalvin will join from Sparke Helmore. He brings 20 years’ experience in technology contracting, privacy, cybersecurity, security of critical infrastructure, data sharing, e-commerce and emerging technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). He has led deal teams for significant transactions and advised on ground-breaking issues for clients in the banking, government, technology, logistics and health sectors.

Dalvin said Mills Oakley’s collaborative culture, the autonomy to grow and lead a technology law practice in Sydney ‘from the ground up’, and to provide top legal services in a pragmatic and nimble manner were key attractions to making the move:

‘The Mills Oakley model will allow me to offer my clients excellent value while assisting them navigate an increasingly complex technology landscape brought on by a changed economy, AI and cybersecurity regulatory reform,’ he said.

Johann joins the insurance group in Sydney from Clyde & Co, where he spent eight years in Australia and South Africa. A senior commercial lawyer with 16 years’ experience, Johann is a senior commercial lawyer who specialises in providing regulatory, commercial and corporate advice. His practice has a particular focus on acting for reinsurers, insurers, MGAs and brokers, and other insurance value chain participants across the Australian, Southeast Asian and African markets.

Joining a large national firm with an established insurance practice was a major drawcard, Johann said.

‘Mills Oakley has outstanding expertise in the insurance industry, both within the insurance team as well as embedded within the broader offering that the firm provides. The value proposition for my clients is undeniable, and the collaborative and supportive culture in the firm ensures that clients will receive top excellent service in all their legal needs.’

Mark joins from Chamberlains, where he led the national corporate and commercial team for eight years and oversaw the growth of the Canberra-based firm to become chair. He brings significant experience in corporate, commercial and regulatory advisory practice areas. Mark has spent over 17 years in three private practices in Sydney and Canberra, as well as acting as legal counsel to a private equity firm in Sydney.

His practice comprises private small and medium enterprises (national and multinational), investment funds and family offices, public not-for-profits and industry associations, public companies (listed and unlisted), and Commonwealth service providers.
‘I’m delighted to join Mills Oakley as a partner – and am pleased that my team has come across with me to ensure we can continue to deliver the exceptional levels of service we have become known for,” Mark said. ‘By joining forces with a leading national law firm, we are excited to be able to offer our clients a wide range of complementary services that only a large firm like Mills Oakley can provide.’

Kate Bishop and Jeremy Culshaw will also establish a family law team in the Adelaide office. Kate joins the partnership after a decade with Culshaw Bishop Lawyers where she practised solely in family law. Kate’s commercial legal background also provides her the ability to advise on all forms of property settlements. She has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide in 2023 and 2024 as a South Australian leading practitioner in parenting and children’s matters. Kate has extensive experience in mediation, litigation and Appeal matters.
‘Combining national resources with a local identity will ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients,’ Kate said.

Jeremy will join on 18 December 2023 as a Consultant to the team. During his career of more than 36 years he managed the Perth office of Culshaw Miller Lawyers whilst acting as the Head of their Family Law team from 1993 to 2021. In 2014, Jeremy established Culshaw Bishop Lawyers in Adelaide and in 2018 co-established Culshaw Miller Badenoch Lawyers in Melbourne, both Family Law boutiques. In 2009 Jeremy became a member of the Family Law Council of Australia, advising the Commonwealth on matters relating to Family Law in Australia, a position he held for six years.

‘I look forward to the transition of Kate Bishop and our amazing staff to Mills Oakley and the continuation of the delivery of cost effective, robust and client focused advice to those in the South Australian community experiencing relationship breakdown,’ he said.

Mills Oakley Chief Executive Officer John Nerurker said the appointments added to a record number of recent lateral hires:

‘We are well on track to become Australia’s leading national law firm. In combination with internal promotions, the appointments of Mark, Dalvin, Johann, Kate and Jeremy reflect our ability to attract excellent people from across the legal field,’ John said.

‘Our strategy is very deliberate. We play the longer game.’

About Mills Oakley
Mills Oakley is a full service, national law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide.