South Australia’s Defence and Space Landing Pad has welcomed another organisation into its growing innovation ecosystem at Lot Fourteen, with Perth-based law firm Bennett Litigation and Commercial Law establishing a presence.

Bennett, a first tier litigation and commercial law firm, is expanding into the state to work more closely with clients delivering complex defence and infrastructure projects in the state.

The firm’s focus is on building strong relationships with South Australia’s defence industry and fostering new connections with key stakeholders across defence, cyber and technology as it embeds itself within Lot Fourteen’s collaborative ecosystem.

Bennett Principal Shemali Samaraweera said the expansion strengthens the firm’s ability to support clients across maritime and shipbuilding at the state’s Osborne Naval Shipyard and reflects its recognition of South Australia’s leading role in advancing national defence capability.

“Our expansion into South Australia represents a natural progression of our sustained growth in the defence industry, building on our experience supporting clients across the strategically significant defence and maritime precincts of Henderson in Western Australia and Osborne in South Australia,” Ms Samaraweera said.

“Being part of the Defence and Space Landing Pad positions Bennett at the centre of innovation, enabling us to support industry in the delivery of complex projects while continuing to strengthen Australian Industry Capability.”

Bennett’s new Adelaide presence will initially be supported by a workforce of up to four staff from its Perth office, providing operational flexibility as the firm establishes itself within the state.

The move follows a period of continued growth for the firm, including the appointment of Edward Parra as Principal to bolster Bennett’s construction, infrastructure and defence project capability, and Matthew Barone, who strengthens the firm’s corporate transactional practice.

Mr Parra said the Adelaide presence enhances Bennett’s ability to support clients across key national defence corridors.

“With clients operating across Henderson and Osborne, and with our combined projects, infrastructure and construction and corporate capability, including private equity and M&A, we are well positioned to advise across the full lifecycle, from strategic transactions through to project delivery.”

Operated by Defence SA, the Landing Pad supports companies entering or scaling within South Australia’s defence, space and advanced manufacturing industries.

Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie welcomed Bennett to the Landing Pad, which continues to attract leading companies from across Australia and around the world who want to be part of Australia’s most complex defence projects.

“The arrival of Bennett demonstrates the strength of South Australia’s defence and space ecosystems and the opportunities the Landing Pad provides for companies to establish, grow and contribute to our state’s defence and space industries,” he said.

Visit the Defence and Space Landing Pad for more information.

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Photo: Defence SA’s Director Maritime, Mel Slater, and Director Corporate Services, Ilona Horan, with Bennett Law representatives: Bernard Lock, Principal Associate, Shemali Samaraweera, Principal, Nathan Ebbs, Managing Principal and Edward Parra, Principal