Our history

In 1988, well known Adelaide law firms Aldermans and Piper Bakewell & Piper merged to become Piper Alderman, forming one of the largest firms in Adelaide.

1840s
William Bakewell commenced the practice of Bartley & Bakewell.

1892
In 1892, Arthur William Piper joined Bartley & Bakewell, which from 1922 was called Piper Bakewell & Piper. The firm acted for families and private clients as well as representing commercial interests in steelmaking, manufacturing, banking, insurance, primary production and retailing.

1928
Aldermans was founded by Sir Harry Alderman in 1928. By 1988, Aldermans employed seventy people, including nine partners, and focused on insurance and commercial law.

1988
Piper Alderman was formed in 1988, when Aldermans and Piper Bakewell & Piper merged to form one of the largest firms in Adelaide.

1998
National expansion commences – To best meet the needs of our clients operating in the eastern states, the firm established an office in Sydney.

2000
To best meet the needs of our clients operating in the eastern states, the firm established an office in Melbourne.

2004
To best meet the needs of our clients operating in the eastern states, the firm established an office in Brisbane.

2016
Piper Alderman merged with Adelaide based boutique corporate law firm Watsons Lawyers, boosting the energy and resources practice.

2017
On 1 November 2017, Piper Alderman merged with Melbourne based boutique corporate and commercial firm Norton Gledhill.

2018
Piper Alderman celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ‘Aldermans and Piper Bakewell & Piper’ merger, as well as the 20th anniversary of its national expansion into Sydney.

2021
On 1 July 2021, Piper Alderman opened a Perth office with a strong Employment Relations and Corporate practice.

We continue our growth as a national firm through responsiveness to clients and an innovative approach.