In its centenary year, leading independent law firm McCullough Robertson has announced 14 promotions effective 1 July 2026, including three female partners.
The new partners are:
- Nicola McMahon – Employment Relations and Safety (Sydney)
- Rachel Jones – Planning and Environment (Brisbane)
- Julia Lane – Construction and Infrastructure (Sydney)
Ms McMahon acts for both public and private sector clients across the full spectrum of employment and industrial relations matters. She has particular experience assisting international clients of all sizes with Australian domestic employment law issues.
Ms Jones is a specialist planning and development lawyer focusing on planning and environment litigation, advisory work and compliance. She acts for a diverse range of clients including private and commercial clients, property developers, submitters and local and state government departments across all facets of planning and environment law.
Ms Lane has extensive experience advising on a wide range of infrastructure, commercial and residential developments. She provides whole-of-project support to clients across diverse industries, including education, aviation, property development and government agencies.
Kristan Conlon, McCullough Robertson Chair of Partners, says:
“I am delighted to welcome Nicola, Rachel and Julia to the partnership, as we continue to provide opportunities for growth to our talented, down to earth and approachable people. They have all demonstrated their commitment to our clients’ success and live our values of ‘down to earth’, ‘committed’, ‘commercial’ and ‘generous’ in all that they do. As we celebrate our centenary, I am excited about the contribution they will make as partners and leaders in their fields, and the role they will play in shaping the next 100 years of our firm.”
In addition to the partner promotions, the following have also been promoted effective 1 July 2026:
Special Counsel
David Saunders – Construction and Infrastructure (Brisbane)
Esterina Azzi – Estates (Sydney)
Lisselle Lomax – Corporate Advisory (Sydney)
Senior Associates
Alex Claridge – Construction and Infrastructure (Sydney)
Caitlin Miller – Litigation and Dispute Resolution (Brisbane)
Grace Lancaster – Employment Relations and Safety (Sydney)
Hasmindar Dhillon – Litigation and Dispute Resolution (Sydney)
Karl Christensen – Employment Relations and Safety (Brisbane)
Melanie Gui – Insurance and Corporate Risk (Brisbane)
Talia Srage – Digital and IP (Sydney)
Ulani Powell – Planning and Environment (Brisbane)
Kristan Conlon, McCullough Robertson Chair of Partners, says:
“These appointments are evidence of our strong pipeline of talent, future partners and leaders of the firm. They bring fresh ideas and diverse perspectives and have demonstrated their commitment to our clients’ success and their ability to deliver quality solutions. I am excited to see their careers develop and the impact they will have on our clients and the firm into our next century.”