We’re pleased to announce that MDS Legal will merge with Williams + Hughes with effect from 1 November 2025.

This merger brings together two highly respected and long-standing Western Australian law firms, combining strength, depth, capability and years of experience across commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, property and succession law practice areas.

The merger reflects both firms’ shared values, complementary expertise and a clear vision for strategic growth that will meet the evolving legal needs of Western Australia’s business community.

“For us, this merger is a good fit. It’s about combining teams with complementary skills and capabilities that will expand and strengthen our client base,” said Digby Robinson, Director at Williams + Hughes.

Paul Donovan, a founding director at MDS Legal and soon to be a director of Williams + Hughes, said, “We are excited to be merging with a legal practice that has so much prestige in the Perth market. MDS Legal and Williams + Hughes share a long-standing commitment to provide an excellence of service to clients, based on a strong knowledge of the law, sound commercial judgment and a drive to provide clients with the best legal services possible.”

At a time when many law firms are consolidating nationally, this merger represents confidence in Western Australia’s future, and in the value of an independent local firm built on local understanding, direct partner involvement and practical, commercial advice.

Our combined firms will operate under the Williams + Hughes name, and our main office will remain at the current Williams + Hughes premises in West Perth. Our Geraldton office will continue servicing clients in the Midwest region.