Two sporting and legal giants join highly respected Melbourne-based law firm

Sporting and legal giants Malcolm Speed and Campbell Johnston have joined forces with the well respected Melbourne-based law firm Brian Ward & Partners Pty Ltd.

Both have strong links with the firm.  Cam’s arrival reconnects him with long term director Geoff Rees.  Together they won gold for Australia at the 1974 World Rowing Championships.  Malcolm Speed also has a long standing sports-based relationship with existing Managing Director Brian Ward: they are both foundation members of the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association. 

Cam Johnston has a long and distinguished legal career.  He is a former national chairman of partners of Blake Dawson.  More recently he was Executive Counsel to AWB Limited advising on a range of issues arising from the Royal Commission conducted by Commissioner Cole into the UN Oil-for-Food Program. 

Cam Johnston has joined the board and taken equity in the company.  Cam’s practice will concentrate on financing and debt restructuring, corporate reorganisation, corporate distress, generational succession planning, independent board and CEO corporate advisory and general corporate trouble shooting.

Malcolm Speed has a similarly distinguished career.  Malcolm, who spent many years at the Victorian Bar, rejoins the firm after a 15 year absence.  During this time Malcolm consulted to the sporting industry, served as the CEO to Cricket Australia and most recently as CEO of the International Cricket Council.

Malcolm Speed will also join the board of Brian Ward & Partners as part of a portfolio of non-executive positions and has taken equity in the company.   His role will be to act as an independent director, help mentor young lawyers and to assist the firm with its corporate objectives.
“This is an exciting new era for Brian Ward & Partners and we are delighted to welcome lawyers of Cam and Malcolm’s standing to the firm,” said Managing Director Brian Ward. 

“Our collective experience as lawyers and board members leads us to the conclusion that business leaders are often troubled by an issue that needs a fresh set of eyes, a steady hand and a determination to see the issue through to a proper conclusion.” he said.
For more information about Brian Ward & Partners visit www.bwplegal.com.au.