Sydney law firm Colin Biggers & Paisley (CBP) has formally merged with Melbourne firm Monahan + Rowell.

The merger is the result of a close relationship which began in 2004 when the two firms agreed to a referral-based alliance. The new firm, which will operate under the CBP brand, has 36 partners, over 100 solicitors and paralegals and a total of over 250 staff.

The focus of the merger is "Two offices - one CBP", with national client focus and a combined practice group structure taking precedence over geographic locations.

"This is a long-awaited moment for CBP," said managing partner Dunstan de Souza. "We have developed a strong and successful collaboration with Monahan + Rowell over the last eight years and a formal merger was the logical next step.

"Our strategic plan has set us on a steady course of expansion in our four key practice areas - insurance, property, construction and commercial dispute resolution. Monahan + Rowell's pre-eminence in insurance law makes them a perfect fit for us.

"After over 100 years as a one-city firm, we recognised that our client base was increasingly national and our future growth depended on geographic expansion. As the overwhelming majority of large Australian companies have head offices in either Sydney or Melbourne, it made sense for us to have offices in both cities.

"The lawyers at Monahan + Rowell are leaders in their fields of expertise and we wholeheartedly welcome them into our firm. I'm convinced that our combined strength and wider geographic coverage will bring significant benefits to both our clients and our staff."

For more information, please contact Sean Grant on 0404 084 890 or by email at svg@cbp.com.au.

About CBP

CBP was founded over 100 years ago and today has 36 partners and over 250 staff. The firm is highly regarded for its expertise in insurance, property and development, building and construction, environment and planning, dispute resolution and commercial and corporate law. The firm acts for major corporations, financial institutions, insurance companies, government departments and individuals.

CBP has associated firms in Adelaide and Perth. Through its affiliation with the ADVOC network of independent law firms, as well as its close association with Dubai firm LutfiCBP, it offers access to quality legal advice around the globe.

For more information please visit: http://www.cbp.com.au/