MinterEllison
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Law, Professional services |
| Founded | 1827 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Australia, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, United Kingdom |
| Products | Legal services, Consulting, Project management |
Number of employees | Not specified |
| Website | www |
MinterEllison is a global law and professional services organization based in Australia. Operating from thirteen offices spread across five countries, it stands as the largest Australian law firm by lawyer headcount.
History
MinterEllison is acknowledged as one of the prominent Big Six legal firms within Australia.
The firm traces its origins back to Minter, Simpson & Co (established in 1827) and Perkins, Stevenson & Linton (founded in 1853). Its inaugural overseas branch was launched in London in 1974, followed by connections with China beginning in the 1980s.
In 1984, a merger between Minter, Simpson & Co and Perkins, Stevenson & Linton resulted in Minter Simpson. This was succeeded two years later by a union of Ellison Hewison & Whitehead with Gillotts and Minter Simpson, forming Minter Ellison. Subsequently, in 1992, merging with Morris Fletcher & Cross created Minter Ellison Morris Fletcher, ranking as Australia's fourth largest law practice at that time.
The firm continued to grow internationally with offices established in Hong Kong (2000), Shanghai (2001), and Beijing (2010).
In 2015, MinterEllison moved into new office spaces at Governor Macquarie Tower in Sydney and Collins Arch in Melbourne. That same year, the firm removed "lawyers" from its official name to highlight its expansion into consulting and project management services. Then-CEO Tony Harrington identified evolving market dynamics—including enhanced client internal legal teams and industry consolidation—as key motivators for this change.
The following year, MinterEllison introduced 'Flex', an alternative fee arrangement service, while broadening its non-legal consulting offerings. Its consulting expertise was further augmented by acquiring the boutique technology consultancy ITNewcom in July 2017.
Pro bono
In 2018, the firm recorded an average of 37 pro bono hours per lawyer on staff. Legal support is provided through partnerships with organizations such as Justice Connect, QPILCH, Public Interest Advocacy Centre, ACT Pro Bono Clearing House, and the Law Society of Western Australia. Additionally, it collaborates with the New South Wales Expert Advice Exchange and backs social initiatives including the Mwembe Foundation, FOCUS women's leadership program, and Third Link Growth Fund.
Pro bono contributions enhance community goodwill, support marketing strategies, and fulfill eligibility criteria for Commonwealth panel tenders. MinterEllison consistently surpasses its pro bono panel obligations.
Recognition
Recent accolades include:
- WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (awarded consecutively for 14 years)
- ITR Asia Awards 2018:
- Australia Tax Disputes & Litigation Firm of the Year
- Australia Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year
- Global Executive Mobility Tax Team of the Year in Asia
- Financial Times:
- Innovation in Legal Expertise 2018
- Innovation in Use of Technology 2015
Significant matters
The firm has overseen key transactions such as the long-term leasing agreements for ports including Brisbane, Darwin, Newcastle, Botany, Kembla, and notably the Port of Melbourne in 2016—leased for 50 years at $9.7 billion. It also played a role in the A$1.14 billion joint acquisition of Aquila Resources Limited by Boasteel Resources Australia Pty Ltd and Aurizon Operations Limited. Furthermore, it advised Lloyds Banking Group plc on divesting its Australian asset finance business Capital Finance Australia Ltd (CFAL) and corporate loan portfolio BOS International Australia Ltd (BOSI) to Westpac Banking Corporation for approximately A$1.55 billion.