Piper Alderman

Piper Alderman is a premier Australian commercial law firm with a rich history spanning over 175 years, providing comprehensive legal and commercial solutions to clients across Australia and internationally. The firm’s origins trace back to 1848 in South Australia, with the merger of Aldermans and Piper Bakewell & Piper in 1988 marking the formation of Piper Alderman. This foundational merger established it as one of Adelaide's largest law firms.

Since 1998, Piper Alderman has embarked on a strategic national expansion, establishing offices in major Australian cities including Sydney (1998), Melbourne (2000), Brisbane (2004), Perth (2021), and Darwin (2025/2026). This growth has seen the firm expand to over 90 partners and more than 400 staff nationally, cementing its position as a leading advisor to Australian commercial interests. They pride themselves on delivering tailored, up-to-the-minute, cross-industry legal advice to a diverse client base, from blue-chip corporations and large-scale enterprises to small family businesses.

A key differentiator for Piper Alderman is its independence; the firm is not formally aligned with a global law firm, allowing it to offer unbiased, effective cross-border legal services through extensive international networks like Legalink and TAGLaw. This unique structure enables a unified, national partnership approach to legal services, helping clients navigate the complex mix of state and federal legislation across Australia. The firm is recognised for its pragmatic approach, ability to facilitate complex deals, and successful execution of ground-breaking litigation.

Piper Alderman has achieved significant recognition and growth, with revenue increasing by 50% in the past four years, from $84 million (2020-21) to $125 million (2024-25). The firm consistently receives accolades in prestigious legal guides such as The Best Lawyers® in Australia, Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide, and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, with 66 lawyers recognised in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers® in Australia. Notable achievements include advising People's Choice on its merger with Heritage Bank to create Australia's largest mutual bank, acting as Australian counsel on the sale of Energy Exemplar in a deal exceeding $1 billion, and securing a $105 million settlement in the Qantas COVID Flight Credits Class Action.

In February 2026, Piper Alderman announced a new leadership team, with James Macdonald appointed as Managing Partner, the first Melbourne-based Partner to hold this role in the firm's history. He is supported by Deputy Managing Partners Martin Lovell (Adelaide) and McKenzie Moore (Sydney). The firm is committed to driving innovation, talent development, and further expansion, actively embracing legal AI tools to enhance client growth and administrative efficiencies.