Photo: premier.vic.gov.au

The dedicated office for legal process work is an Australian first. It will act as the Australian, Asian and Middle Eastern hub for the firm’s global, 24/7 alternative legal services offering.

More than 100 new solicitors and paralegals will be employed over three years, with key senior staff also being moved to the new St Kilda Rd location.

The firm’s decision to open its new office in Victoria shows just how attractive the state is as an investment destination for the world’s leading companies.

Herbert Smith Freehills currently operates in 19 jurisdictions globally, with 26 offices across Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America. It employs more than 5,000 staff, with more than 850 based in Australia.

The professional services sector is currently worth an estimated $63 billion to the local economy and supports the jobs of more than 380,000 Victorians.

The Labor Government is supporting high growth sectors, such as professional services, through our $200 million Future Industries Fund to boost growth and create jobs for Victoria.

The diverse sector encompasses a wide range of Victorian services including finance, business and engineering design.