MACPHERSON KELLEY - Key Persons

Alan Girle

al..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Employment, Safety and Migration

Alan Girle is renowned for being the first port of call when an incident occurs within the Work Health and Safety space. Recognised as an industry expert, Alan has built a reputation amongst clients, and the wider legal community, as a subject matter specialist when it comes to providing occupational health and safety advice. When it comes to government intervention, Alan prides himself on providing straight-talking and honest advice when managing a business's response. Prior to working as a leading lawyer in regulatory compliance, including safety, environment and transport prosecutions, Alan honed his skills working within government on legislative reform. It's Alan's unique skill set and in-depth knowledge of government regulation makes him a clear choice for clients when defending and negotiating government-initiated prosecutions. Alan lends his invaluable assistance by providing key advice on corporate compliance, advising on risk-prevention strategies, and navigating complex matters through to Court. Alan's achievements include being recognised by Doyle's Guide as a "Leading Workplace Health & Safety Lawyer" from 2014-2024 and being included in the 2014-2022 Editions of Best Lawyers for "Occupational Health & Safety Law". "Experienced and committed to protecting his clients, Alan is the go-to lawyer for government regulation."

Alanna Richmond

al..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Associate, Private Clients Wills and Estates

Alanna has practised exclusively in the area of wills and estates throughout her legal career. She found herself drawn to the human element of the practice area, motivated to help clients with matters that go beyond their professional lives and impact themselves and their families in a personal way. Alanna advises clients on their estate and broader succession planning and handles all elements of probate and estate administration. She also has a keen interest in all facets of estate litigation. She regularly acts for clients in relation to family maintenance and provision claims in the Supreme Court of Victoria, guardianship and power of attorney matters in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other estate related litigation matters. "I've been dealing with Alanna Richmond in a very personal and sensitive issue, she has been outstanding in communication, understanding and integrity" - client Areas of Expertise Advanced care directives

Alyce Johnson

al..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Planning and Environment

A committed negotiator and powerful advocate, Alyce Johnson provides creative solutions for clients looking to get their development across the line. Having worked for developers, private clients and councils, Alyce's breadth of experience in acting for a variety of clients as a planning and environment lawyer has led to a number of successful outcomes for clients. Alyce believes that sound advice early on is critical to paving the way for a successful development approval process. Her unwavering commitment to her clients' projects has seen her appear in the Land and Environment Court for a variety matters.

Andrew Kidu

an..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Commercial Pln

Andrew McAdam

an..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

For Andrew McAdam, technical skills are everything. His career, spanning close to 40 years, has been built on a combination of strong analytical and advocacy skills and an ability to really understand and talk to his clients. After beginning his legal journey with an inclination towards social justice, he went on to fine tune his technical skills in the area of professional indemnity insurance. Later Andrew succeeded in applying his commerciality to building his own practice, which received substantial recognition as a leading law firm in Insurance Law.

Andrew Mitchell - CIO

an..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Chief Information Officer

Andy Hur

an..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Senior Associate, Commercial

Andy (Dong Kyoo) Hur practices corporate and commercial law. Bringing a global perspective to his work, he holds dual qualifications in both Australia and New Zealand, coupled with fluency in Korean. He has particular expertise in M&A, corporate structures, banking and finance, as well as advising clients on their business-critical commercial contracts. Andy is known to his clients as a strategic, savvy and risk adverse advisor, who takes a pragmatic approach to dealing with their situations. He delivers practical and timely advice to his clients, suited to their commercial and operational needs. Having worked closely with multinational corporations and businesses across various industries, he is capable of obtaining favourable outcomes on his client's transactional matters (including in accordance with playbooks). Areas of Expertise Corporate structures and restructures

Ashleigh Pearse

as..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Senior Associate, Private Clients Wills and Estates

Always keeping the human element of Wills and Estates at the forefront of her practice, Ashleigh Pearse is empathetic and pragmatic in her advice to clients. She is also a fierce advocate, taking pride in producing successful outcomes for her clients.

Belinda Sigismundi

be..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Principal Lawyer, Commercial

Belinda Sigismundi has genuine passion for all things intellectual property is demonstrated by the integral role she plays in bringing her clients' innovations to life. Belinda is committed to understanding the needs and wants of her clients to maximise the value in their IP assets. She has known from day one that she wanted to dedicate her life to the practice of IP law. From working with small businesses where getting IP strategies and protection right can mean the survival of their business to managing large multi-jurisdictional IP portfolios for well-known global brands, Belinda provides solutions as innovative and impactful as her clients' ideas. Belinda sees her role as guiding her clients through their IP journey from creation and protection to commercialisation and enforcement of their valuable trade marks, designs, copyright and trade secrets. Her clients use words like trust, value, certainty and transparency to describe how Belinda interacts with them. Ultimately it is her focus on always putting herself in her clients' shoes and providing strong, bold recommendations that delivers her great results for them and, in return, their loyalty for her. Areas of Expertise Brand and technology licensing

Ben Webster

be..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Property and Construction

For Ben Webster, Property law is about putting the client first and making sure that they feel supported every step of the way. Ben is particularly passionate about talking straight and simplifying the complex for his clients - making him a sought-out resource for those navigating property in Queensland. Working with buyers, sellers, tenants, landlords and developers, Ben understands all sides of the equation, informing his strategy to achieve the best commercial and cost effective outcome. Ben understands the strategic decisions involved in buying, selling, leasing and developing property, and works closely with his clients and their advisers to ensure their goals are achieved. Ben Webster provided strategic legal assistance to a purchaser of a strata lot shopping centre in Fortitude Valley (17 Strata Lots) by assisting with the negotiation of the contract of sale, undertaking due diligence and reviews of leases and service contracts and attending to settlement and post settlement matters relating to the body corporate (Circa $34M). Ben Webster has acted for multiple commercial and residential (flat land and strata titled) property developers from site acquisition through to subdivision (including all pre-sales, preparation of sale contracts, project certification and titling) and disposal of lots between 2 to 175.

Brendan Herbert

br..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Principal Lawyer, Private Clients Family Law

Brendan Herbert knows from experience that everyone is vulnerable when they need family law advice; he knows their lawyer can have a huge impact on their lives. Guiding his clients through the rocky road of relationship breakdowns, Brendan works not only tirelessly but empathetically to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients and their families. Brendan's success with his clients' matters has a great deal to do with his approach. Never wanting to worsen the situation, Brendan works to take the heat out of the situation and those involved from the outset, resulting in calmer attitudes going into dispute resolution. Viewing what he does as a privilege, Brendan is driven by the fact that his extensive skills in all areas of family law provide him with the ability to improve his clients' circumstances as minimal fuss, stress and cost to the client as possible. Brendan Herbert represented a parent opposing the relocation of his children, seeking orders that the children to remain near him. Brendan's advice on this matter highlighted to the Court the risk that child's relationship with his father would not withstand the distance if he moved interstate with his mother. Brendan addressed the benefit of the child's ability to have a relationship with both parents, achieving a successfully outcome for the client at the interim and the hearing.

Brigid Clark

br..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Principal Lawyer, Employment, Safety and Migration

Brigid has a unique ability to mould to her environment and understand the commercial motivations behind her clients' needs. Her agility is her strong suit, having worked for ASX 200 companies and clients within both private and public sectors on a full spectrum of employment, industrial relations and work health and safety (WHS) matters.

Catherine Ciccone

ca..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Senior Associate, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Having her client's best interest at heart comes naturally for Catherine Ciccone. Not a believer in the one-size-fits all approach, Catherine puts herself in her clients' situation to understand their various needs. Catherine tailors a specific approach, solution, and result - each time. Catherine prioritises commerciality with her clients and can be relied upon for honest and straightforward communication when discussing potential outcomes. Up-front and thorough, Catherine ensures that each matter sets realistic prospects and that desired outcomes are met. Catherine's passion for dispute resolution stems from her innate ability to problem solve. She enjoys the challenge of working efficiently and practically through a matter. For Catherine, it's not all about the bookends. She ensures that her clients' interests are represented and protected throughout every step of the process - beginning, middle and end. Areas of Expertise Building and construction disputes

Catherine Tan

ca..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Senior Associate, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Catherine Tan always strives to go the extra mile for her clients to help produce the best possible outcomes. As a part of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, she fights hard, taking the time to listen and understand the matter at hand. Thinking strategically and with keen attention to detail, Catherine is able to identify issues that may have otherwise been overlooked.

Cathy Russo

ca..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Managing Principal Lawyer - Brisbane, Commercial

Cathy Russo has earned a reputation for being a relentless commercial lawyer and seeing a matter through, no matter what. Whether Cathy is working with a large private lending group on a multi-million dollar loan transaction or structuring a new acquisition for a business operator, she never loses sight of what's most important and keeps the client's best interests top of mind.

Chris Frawley

ch..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Principal Lawyer, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Building great relationships with clients is one of the most important aspects of being a lawyer for Chris Frawley. Being straight forward, responsive, practical and trustworthy are the keys to developing that relationship. Starting his career in personal injuries litigation and banking litigation, then moving on to the variety of commercial litigation and insolvency has given Chris extensive experience in a wide range of litigation. Chris and his team work for mainly small to medium enterprises across many different industries. The matters are usually of a commercial nature, not driven by insurance. Chris Frawley's client, a steel manufacturer in Thailand, had entered into a contract with a local business for the supply of steel. That contract was supported by a Standby Letter of Credit, providing security to the local entity. Following provision of the Standby Letter of Credit, our client became aware that, wrongly, the local business intended to call upon the Standby Letter of Credit. As a result, Chris commenced urgent Supreme Court proceedings and obtained an injunction preventing the local business from accessing the letter of credit. Also, subsequently obtained judgment for a monetary amount and freezing orders against the various defendants. By taking swift action to prevent the client being prejudiced, Chris was able to achieve a very positive outcome for the client in a reasonably short space of time. Chris Frawley acted for a well-known chef in a copyright dispute with his former publisher. The client commenced Federal Court proceedings over the issue of the publisher's entitlement to make compilation works of previous titles published by the author and alleging misleading and deceptive conduct. The proceedings were subsequently settled in favour of our client, with the publisher admitting it had engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct and agreeing to pay the client compensation for breach of copyright. Chris Frawley's client, an electrical services contractor, was involved in a dispute with various lighting suppliers over the supply and installation of an LED lighting system in a commercial premises in Sydney's CBD. After the client was initially unable to resolve the matter, Chris commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court, obtaining compelling expert evidence in support of the client's claim that the lighting system was defective. The matter settled at mediation on the basis of a significant payment of compensation to the client, thereby vindicating their position in pursuing the matter. Chris Frawley acted for a number of clients who had purchased residential units from a developer which subsequently went into administration and then liquidation. The liquidator proposed to ignore the binding contracts for sale and to resell the properties to new buyers. Our clients had already paid most the purchase price of the units and released the deposits to the developer. Chris maintained proceedings against the liquidator to preserve the original sale and ensure our clients acquired the properties and were given credit for the money they had already paid to the developer. In complex Supreme Court proceedings involving claims of competing interests in the land, Chris obtained judgment in favour of our clients, ordering the sale to be specifically performed, and obtained costs orders against the liquidators. One of the matters was appealed to the Court of Appeal where, again, Chris obtained a successful outcome for our client, together with a cost order against the unsuccessful party.

Christian Dreyer

ch..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Christian often says to new clients "If I had a magic wand, what would be the best outcome for you?" His sole motivation is to get them the result they need. By combining extensive expertise in commercial and property litigation with a candid approach, Christian often resolves matters early through informal negotiation and mediation, though he also has the experience and skills to litigate a complex matter to conclusion. Christian has also obtained a Masters in Applied Law, Majoring in Commercial Litigation from the College of Law.

Christina Cavallaro

ch..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Special Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Christina Cavallaro enjoys finding innovative ways to address her clients' concerns and ease the burden of complex litigation matters. Stemming from her passion and care for clients, Christina Cavallaro has honed her craft in litigation and dispute resolution for more than 15 years. Her success is forged on a foundation of trust as she advises her clients on how to achieve their desired outcome.

Colin Hanns

co..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Lawyer, Commercial

Growing up in a family innovation business, Colin Hanns has first-hand insight into the issues faced by start-ups, small-to-medium sized businesses and what keeps their owners up at night. As a member of the Intellectual Property ("IP") and Trade team, Colin applies this experience to bring innovative and commercial thinking to the problems clients face. Having worked on IP matters in Australia, the US and Asia, Colin brings a wealth of experience to managing intangible assets.

Craig Munter

cr..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Principal Lawyer, Property and Construction
Well - Known Property Developer

Craig Munter has over 25 years of experience in all facets of property law. His depth of knowledge has allowed him to deliver successful outcomes for a range of significant clients - including private individuals, corporations, property trusts and developers. Craig Munter acted for a New Zealand based private property investor which acquired multiple commercial assets as it expanded its Australian property portfolio. The projects involved significant due diligence, lease reviews, contract drafting and negotiating finance facilities with lenders. Craig Munter advised a well-known property developer on the development and subsequent sale of a strata residential complex in southern Sydney. Craig prepared the master contract, acted on sales off-the-plan and advised in relation to covenants and easements associated with the site. Craig Munter has assisted a significant landlord with its leasing portfolio across multiple commercial, industrial and retail sites. The work involved preparation of lease documents and side agreements and also transactions with leases including assignments, subleases, surrenders and termination.

Damian Paul - Chairman

da..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Chairman

As Chairman, Damian leads the Board, supporting the firm's strategy and senior recruitment and maintains relationships with key stakeholders in the firm. He's proud Macpherson Kelley is a firm living up to its values and that clients know when they come to us, they hear straight forward advice telling them what we'd do in their shoes.

Damien Quick

da..@mk.com.au

Job Titles:

Associate, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Damien has an innate drive to succeed, a quality that has served him well as a litigation lawyer. Damien's team-focused approach has seen him build strong client relationships, honing his ability to protect their interests and achieve results. Damien is well-placed to assist clients manage risk and resolve disputes of any nature and size. He draws on his broad-based commercial litigation and insolvency experience, including experience in complex multi-party and class action litigation, to devise and implement a strategy that will help the client achieve the best possible outcome in any given circumstances.