Media release | Gadens boosts corporate offering with trio of partner hires

National law firm Gadens announces the appointment of three well known corporate partners to its ranks, bolstering the firm’s corporate and M&A offering with Danny Simmons and Lynda Reid joining the firm during the first quarter, and Franki Ganter joining the firm in the second quarter, of FY26.

Danny and Lynda started at the firm on 1 July in Sydney, bringing a team of four, including Jana Jordan (Special Counsel), Associates Charlotte Ambler and Matilda Unwin, and Toni Jones (Legal Assistant). Franki will straddle the Brisbane and Sydney offices of Gadens from 1 October.

Mark Pistilli, Gadens CEO and Managing Partner, comments:

“To be a leading Australian law firm, we need market leading corporate partners like Danny, Franki and Lynda. Their appointments are a key part of our firm’s national growth strategy. We are focused on building strength in the areas that matter most to our clients. People are at the centre of this strategy, and over the past 12 months we have made intentional, considered appointments to the Gadens partnership to ensure we have the right expertise and leadership to meet client needs now and into the future.”

Jol Rogers, Gadens Co-Head of Corporate, comments:

“There is growing demand for strategic, commercially focused advice from our clients navigating increasingly complex commercial and regulatory environments. Danny, Franki and Lynda each bring a track record of guiding clients through major transactions and critical governance challenges.”

Danny Simmons brings over 30 years’ experience to the firm. He was a founding partner of Clifford Chance in Australia, and its inaugural head of Corporate, and most recently a partner at Mills Oakley. Danny is widely regarded as a corporate law expert, specialising in public and private M&A, proxy contests, board advisory, corporate governance, and corporate disputes. Danny also advises several prominent family offices.

Danny notes on his joining the firm:

“I’m excited to be joining the Gadens team. Gadens has long been recognised as a leading Australian firm known for its commercial acumen and strong client relationships. However, its growth and strategic re-positioning in recent years is what really inspired our team to join. I look forward to playing my part in the continued expansion of the corporate practice and joining a team that shares my commitment to delivering clear and considered advice to meet clients’ strategic objectives.”

Franki Ganter, previously a long-time corporate partner at Allens, is a public and private M&A and corporate advisory specialist. She advises listed and unlisted domestic and foreign clients across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy and renewables, funds and financial services, agribusiness and government, working closely with boards, executives and legal teams on complex transactions and strategic advice.

Franki comments on joining Gadens:

“I’m delighted to be joining Gadens during an exciting and transformative time for the firm and working with the national team to execute on its vision and strategy to be recognised as a leading independent national law firm.”

Lynda Reid is a seasoned corporate expert advising on complex deals, public and private M&A, fundraising, corporate disputes and shareholder activism. Formerly a senior lawyer of ASIC, where she began her career, and then partner of Mills Oakley, Lynda has a strong grounding in financial regulation, bringing sharp insight to her clients’ most complex matters.

Lynda says of her appointment to the Gadens partnership:

“Joining Gadens is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the growth strategy for one of Australia’s most respected legal firms. The focus on clients and a truly collaborative partnership is refreshing, and really aligns with my own values. I’m excited about the firm’s strong national presence, offering such an impressive platform to deliver services across teams.”

With these three partner appointments, the Gadens partnership will stand at 112 nationally, including six partner promotions made at 1 July 2025 and another four strategic lateral hires during the last year: Amy Kho (Sydney, Banking and Finance), Mitchell Wright (Canberra, Intellectual Property and Technology), Adrian Chotar (Sydney, Intellectual Property and Technology) and Pravin Aathreya (Melbourne, Banking and Finance).

Mark Pistilli adds:

“Gadens is now one of the Country’s largest full service independent law firms. Investing in talent with top-tier experience reinforces our commitment to building a firm that is modern, agile, and well positioned for sustainable success.”