Blair Strickland, a senior associate in the Perth office of global business law firm Squire Patton Boggs, was named the prestigious 30 Under 30 Award winner in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) category.
Hosted by Lawyers Weekly, the awards celebrate some of the best and brightest emerging leaders across Australia’s legal profession. Achieving 30 Under 30 status offers the foundation for career progression, providing industry-wide recognition.
This year, 656 submissions were received across 30 categories, with 283 selected as finalists and 30 ultimately leaving the event as winners.
Blair advises clients on corporate and commercial transactions, focusing on mid-market corporate advisory and private M&A. In the past 12 months, he has taken the lead role on multiple key transactions with an aggregated value well in excess of AU$500 million.
Comments in support of his nomination included, “Blair is the type of lawyer we want in our corner. He is cognizant of both the legal issues and the client’s commercial objectives, and is well accomplished in finding solutions to difficult issues. One of his great skills is his ability to push matters along and to get things done.”
Blair’s supervisor and mentor, Tony Chong (office managing partner, Perth), said, “It is hard to put down in words what exactly makes a young lawyer a rising star, suffice that most know one when they see one, and that has been the case with Blair.”
“Knowledge and accuracy in the law is one thing. What has surprised me is Blair’s ability to be creative and responsive, and to come up with solutions that are commercially desirable and sound during difficult phases in the transaction, particularly during the negotiation phase. We are very proud to have him on our team.”
A Wonnarua man from the Koorie language group, Blair is the co-founder of the firm’s Aboriginal Business Services group, which acts for a broad range of Aboriginal businesses and corporations of all sizes across Australia. He is also a director of an indigenous non-profit company, Enterprise Learning Projects, which provides practical support to enable remote Aboriginal community businesses to thrive, providing jobs and opportunities to community members.
Reflecting on his accolade, Blair commented: “I am very grateful to have won M&A category at this year’s Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards. However, I would not be in the position I am today if it was not for the opportunities that the team at Squire Patton Boggs has given me. We have an incredible team and a practice that spans public and private mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, and corporate restructures. With the continued support and guidance of the partners, I know that the team and I will continue to achieve great things.”