Law Partners Acquires Newcastle's Catherine Henry Lawyers in Strategic Merger
In a significant development for the Hunter region's legal landscape, specialist personal injury firm Law Partners has today announced the acquisition of Newcastle-based Catherine Henry Lawyers. The strategic merger brings together two highly-regarded practices with deep expertise in medical negligence, health regulatory matters, and professional negligence cases.
A Natural Alignment of Values and Expertise
Catherine Henry, founder and principal of Catherine Henry Lawyers, described the decision as "a natural one" for her team, citing the strong alignment of values between the two firms and their shared focus on client outcomes. "Law Partners shares our dedication to compassionate, high-quality legal representation," Ms Henry stated. "I couldn't be happier with the strong alignment between our practices and our combined ability to support clients through complex medical malpractice, health regulatory and professional negligence matters."
Established in 2009, Catherine Henry Lawyers has built a formidable reputation across medical negligence and institutional abuse matters, supported by an experienced team known for exceptional client advocacy and successful case outcomes. Under the agreement, all CHL staff and the practice itself will transition into Law Partners, with Ms Henry assuring clients they can expect minimal disruption to services.
Enhanced Opportunities and Regional Expansion
Ms Henry will continue in a senior leadership role within Law Partners' health law and medical negligence team, with her current team continuing to report directly to her. The merger will allow her to devote more time to her passion for advocating for regional communities and vulnerable groups. "I know it is a privilege to be a lawyer and believe the law should be used as a tool to improve our society," she explained. "I believe litigation is a tool for social education, and Law Partners shares that belief."
The acquisition also presents enhanced career progression opportunities for staff within the larger firm. Ms Henry, as founder of the Newcastle chapter of the NSW Women Lawyers Association, emphasized the importance of Law Partners' commitment to advancing women in the profession. "The fact that every lawyer progressing to partner at Law Partners in the last financial year was a woman is testimony to that commitment," she noted.
From a strategic perspective, the merger will enable expanded reach of medical negligence and health law work into regional areas where health outcomes often lag behind metropolitan centres. "We look forward to continuing to help rectify this disparity," Ms Henry added.
Strengthening Regional Presence and Capability
Law Partners founding partner Shane Butcher welcomed the acquisition, highlighting Catherine Henry Lawyers' exceptional reputation developed over many years. "Catherine Henry Lawyers has earned an exceptional reputation over many years, particularly for its work in medical negligence," Mr Butcher said. "Strengthening our presence in Newcastle and the Hunter region means we can support even more Australians who are seeking help with what can be very complex medical negligence claims."
The strategic acquisition represents a significant strengthening of Law Partners' capability while broadening its regional presence. The firm has reinforced its long-term strategy of growth through cultural alignment and client-focused excellence by bringing together two teams with complementary expertise and shared values.
For Ms Henry personally, the transition brings welcome changes. "Handing over the onerous responsibilities of managing the firm will, hopefully, provide the opportunity to spend more time with family, including my utterly delightful 21-month-old granddaughter, Isla," she shared.
Additional Hunter Business Developments
In other Hunter business news, Newcastle Greater Mutual Group has announced a leadership transition with non-executive director Darren Turner appointed as incoming chair. The retired PwC partner and proud Novocastrian brings more than four decades of experience to the role, including previous stints at Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent.
Meanwhile, Newcastle entrepreneur Brittney Saunders, founder of FAYT The Label, has joined a new Commonwealth Bank competition alongside notable figures including chef Adam Liaw and landscape designer Jamie Durie. The initiative aims to support small businesses through exclusive meet-and-greet sessions and social media promotion.
Additionally, Newcastle is developing an Australian Grower-Led Flower Pricing Guide ahead of the inaugural Flower Summit 2026, aiming to support fair and transparent pricing in the floriculture industry.
