MEDIA RELEASE COURTESY OF: SYDNEY WRITERS' FESTIVAL

Middletons and the Sydney Writers' Festival (SWF) have jointly announced Middletons as the official law firm of the annual literary festival held in Sydney. The 2010 SWF will be held from Monday 17 to Sunday 23 May featuring the best of both Australian and international writers.

In announcing the partnership, Middletons' managing partner Nick Nichola emphasised the importance of the festival in "promoting a healthy discourse of ideas which stimulates our vibrant city and contributes to a proud tradition of Australian literary endeavour."

Mr Nichola also spoke about the importance written communication has for a full service commercial law firm. "At Middletons we place a great deal of importance on 'straight talking' in all forms of communication, but particularly in written advices for our clients. We are confident that it truly reflects who we are as a firm. No-one is interested in how clever we are if we can't clearly articulate the commercial application of the law."

Mr Nichola went on to say, "lawyers need to successfully advise and advocate on behalf of their clients and most often this must be expressed in writing. We strive for written excellence and truly embrace the concept of plain English in providing practical, commercial advice."

Chip Rolley, the artistic director of this year's Sydney Writers' Festival, welcomed the partnership with Middletons. "We are delighted to have Middletons on board as our exclusive provider of legal services," he said. "Over the years the Sydney Writers' Festival has become a vital part of the intellectual, cultural and social life of Sydney, drawing an average of 80,000 in attendance each year. Middletons shares our commitment to enriching Australian cultural life and their support will help us continue to bring exciting international writers and present them alongside the finest Australian writers."