• Abbey Burns - Abbey has been practising for many years in workplace relations, employment and discrimination matters, and has been with Russell Kennedy for 10 years. Abbey’s practice includes advising clients in a broad range of industries on workplace relations, employment law and discrimination matters.
• Aisling Denham - Aisling joined Russell Kennedy from the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office (VGSO). Aisling gained extensive experience acting for government clients across a range a matters including the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission) and public law litigation involving, State and Commonwealth supervision order and detention order applications, prosecutions, coronial inquests and advisory work
• Alexandra Lioudvigova - Alexandra is a lawyer specialising in administrative, statutory interpretation, regulatory, and criminal law.
• Amity Jarvis - Amity is a Senior Associate in the Corporate & Commercial team with broad commercial experience in a range of corporate transactions and advisory engagements. As well as practising in general corporate and commercial matters, Amity acts for both buyers and sellers in merger and acquisition transactions including business and share sale and purchase.
• Amy Jenkins - Amy Jenkins, Principal, leads our Family Law team. Amy has been working in the field of family law for more than 15 years and has a keen awareness of the challenges separated parties often face.
• Andrea Stefanesco - Andrea is a Principal in Russell Kennedy’s Victorian WorkCover Authority team. Andrea has extensive experience and expertise in personal injury workers compensation litigation and dispute resolution.
• Andrew Parlour - Andrew is a Principal in the firm’s Corporate & Commercial team and acts for a variety of clients including multinationals and small to medium sized enterprises across a variety of industries.
• Andrew Sherman - Andrew is a Law Institute Environment, Planning and Local Government Law Accredited Specialist. Andrew has particular skills in Water Law. His skills include major property and infrastructure projects with emphasis on negotiation skills and delivery of project outcomes.
• Anita Courtney - Anita is a leading lawyer in aged care who focuses on delivering quality and practical advice to her clients. She assists aged care providers in both home care and residential care to comply with their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 and its Principles including the Aged Care Quality Standards as well as other relevant laws.
• Anna-Lisa Ryan - Anna-Lisa has extensive experience in the Wills and Estates sectors from advising clients in relation to their estate planning wishes, to preparing documents that ensure a seamless transfer of assets and control of entities, to managing deceased estates.
• Anthony Massaro - Anthony has been practising for 20 years in workplace relations, discrimination and safety matters, and has been with Russell Kennedy for 21 years. He has been recognised since 2014 by Best Lawyers for expertise in Occupational Health and Safety Law. He has contributed to articles in The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Courier Mail and SmartCompany, and has spoken at various industry conferences.
• Audrey Rhodes - Audrey practices primarily in government litigation and administrative law. She provides both advice and litigation-based assistance to government clients and statutory authorities.
• Ben Dabscheck - Ben is a Senior Associate in the Disputes Resolution team with broad experience in general commercial litigation, building and construction, debt recovery, property disputes, intellectual property disputes, insolvency, debt recovery and partnership & shareholder disputes. Ben has conducted matters for both plaintiffs and defendants in all courts and tribunals of New South Wales, the Federal Court of Australia and Appellate Courts.
• Ben Keyworth - Ben is an experienced lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Family Law team. Having worked as a Judge’s Associate and Deputy Associate in the Federal Circuit Court in the Family Law and General Division, Ben is familiar with the Court system, how it operates and its expectations. As a result, Ben is able to provide advice and represent clients confidently and strategically as they navigate their way through their Family Law property and/or parenting matters.
• Ben Lloyd - Ben is a highly regarded senior member of our Government team with a wide range of experience in personal injury and coronial inquest matters. This includes representing members of Victoria Police in high profile matters including those arising out of deaths in custody, police shootings, appropriateness of aftercare and traffic management in bushfire situations.
• Ben Tallboys - Ben provides workplace relations, employment and governance advice to schools, councils, health and aged care organisations, and other corporate and not-for-profit organisations across Australia. Ben works tirelessly to help his clients achieve their desired outcomes, and manage financial, legal and reputational risk when dealing with legal issues and crises. Ben seeks to avoid disputes where possible, but is also a forceful and fearless advocate when required.
• Brendan McGing - Brendan is a Lawyer in the Insurance and Compensation Team and primarily practices in Workcover. He also assists in pro bono matters.
• Cameron Cox - Cameron is a Principal in the WorkCover team. He commenced at Russell Kennedy in 2009 in the field of banking and finance and joined the WorkCover team in 2014. Cameron advises and represents employers, insurers and the Victorian WorkCover Authority in relation to recoveries proceedings, serious injury applications, common law damages and statutory benefit disputes.
• Cameron Gould - Cameron’s litigation experience focuses on representing commercial and private clients in various disputes such as defamation, loan recovery, insolvency, contractual and maritime disputes. These disputes have involved issues concerning directors’ duties, professional indemnity, and the liability of the insured.
• Caroline Snaidr - Caroline provides legal advice in the area of Leasing and Property and Development.
• Chantal Reigo - Chantal has over 18 years’ experience representing clients both locally and internationally in commercial litigation, contractual dispute resolution and insolvency matters.
• Christina Kolovos - Christina Kolovos is an experienced litigator who has extensive experience acting for and advising the Victorian WorkCover Authority, authorised insurers, and self-insurers in relation to serious injury applications, actions for common law damages, and statutory benefit disputes including judicial review proceedings. She acts in complex causation, multi-party, and worker disputes.
• Christine Perkins - Christine is a member of our Government, Planning and Environment team practising in land acquisition and compensation law, acting for State and local government clients, statutory authorities and private clients.
• Christopher Littlewood - Christopher is a Senior Associate in Russell Kennedy’s Victorian WorkCover Authority team. He commenced at Russell Kennedy as a law graduate in 2020. He acts on behalf of the Victorian WorkCover Authority, their Agents and the insured in relation to serious injury applications, common law damages and statutory benefits disputes.
• Claire Alexander - Claire acts on behalf of various government clients and statutory authorities. Claire specialises in professional conduct, regulatory compliance and administrative review proceedings.
• Claire Robinson - Claire is an associate in Russell Kennedy’s Insurance and Compensation team. She acts on behalf of the Victorian WorkCover Authority, their Agents and insured in relation to serious injury applications, common law damages and recovery proceedings.
• Clare Hesbrook - Clare has over 15 years’ experience in Wills and Estates in both the UK and NSW and is a qualified solicitor in both jurisdictions. Clare is passionate about helping clients put their estate planning affairs in order and has a particular interest in international estates and complex wealth structures.
• Damian Lasocki - Damian has broad experience in a variety of commercial property transactions, practising primarily in the areas of property development, property acquisitions and dispositions, and commercial and retail leasing. He is licensed to practice in Australian jurisdictions and New York.
• Dan Saunders - Dan has vast experience in all areas of general commercial, tax and charity law. He has a wide network of not-for-profit (NFP) sector relationships, technical legal, research and analytical skills and vast experience in establishing charities and advising on seeking endorsement as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). He has a wealth of knowledge in advising on trusts, corporate restructuring, tax concessions and endorsements, corporate and charity governance, strategy, regulation and compliance.
• Daniel Silfo - Daniel has over a decade of experience in providing legal services to Local Government. Daniel has acted for over 50 municipalities, both suburban and rural and specialises in all matters to do with Local Government prosecutions and enforcement. Daniel has extensive experience in conducting prosecutions throughout Victoria and has obtained great results for clients for breaches in relation to building, planning and environment, public health, food, parking, domestic animals and local laws. Daniel also provides advice and training to Local Government on these areas.
• Daniella Li-Rosi - Daniella Li-Rosi is a senior member and experienced litigator who has extensive experience in the personal injury jurisdiction, specialising in statutory benefits, judicial reviews and common law matters on behalf of the Victorian WorkCover Authority and Transport Accident Commission.
• Darren Seidl - Darren Seidl is the practice group leader in the Russell Kennedy insurance and compensation practice. He commenced as an Articled Clerk at Russell Kennedy in 2008 and was promoted to Principal in 2016.
• David Kazatsky - David practices in general commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, building and construction law and insolvency. He has worked in large complex litigation matters, including class actions and has experience in insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings.
• David Ramsay - David is a highly regarded planning and environmental lawyer with extensive experience acting for government authorities, local councils and private clients. His key areas of practice include statutory and strategic planning, land acquisition and compensation, environmental licensing and compliance, local government law, contaminated land and water law.
• David Vorchheimer - David Vorchheimer is a Registered Planner and an experienced planning, environment and government Lawyer.
• Dee Divina - Dee is a lawyer in the Insurance and Compensation Team and primarily practices in WorkCover. She advises in common law and statutory benefits matters related to the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013.
• Despina Hrambanis - Despina is a commercial litigation lawyer based in Melbourne. She represents corporate, government and private clients in commercial disputes before State and Federal Courts.
• Donna Rayner - Donna delivers expert legal advice to owners, operators and developers of retirement villages in Victoria and New South Wales.
• Elizabeth Flanagan - Elizabeth's practice focuses on prosecution, enforcement and compliance for local government. She represents councils in the Magistrates’ Court, the Building Appeals Board and VCAT. She also provides advice and training to her local government clients - about amendments, building surveyors, building inspectors as well as about all aspects of carrying out a prosecution (from evidence gathering to the process through the courts).
• Ellen McSweeney - Ellen practices in the areas of local government, planning and environment. She has a strong background in town planning law and has acted on behalf of both private sector and government clients. Prior to the law, Ellen was a qualified town planner with experience working for State and local government and in the private sector.
• Ellen O'Neil - Ellen is a Senior Associate in the Corporate and Commercial team with broad experience in corporate and commercial law, with a focus on corporate mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory and governance, foreign investment, contract negotiation, equity capital markets and capital raising.
• Emily Tang - Emily supports our clients in a range of employment, workplace relations, discrimination and workplace safety matters. Emily is focussed on achieving strategic outcomes that work for the client, which includes managing financial, legal and reputational risk.
• Emma Dunlevie - Emma’s practice covers all aspects of leasing and licensing transactions. She acts for tenants, landlords, local government and state government authorities, as well as the not-for-profit sector.
• Emma Fitzgibbon - Emma practises primarily in government litigation, with a focus on prosecutions, and coronial investigations and inquests. Emma has previously worked within the public service for the Department of Justice, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Department of Transport and brings this experience to her legal role.
• Emma Jacobs - Emma practices broadly across the commercial sector, working primarily in the health, education, government and not-for-profit areas. She assists in providing advice on a range of commercial agreements and corporate transactions. Emma also has experience in helping clients to develop strategies and solutions in corporate governance and compliance.
• Erin Rooney - Erin is a litigation lawyer and acts on behalf of various government clients and statutory authorities. Erin advises these clients in the areas of administrative law, professional conduct, insurance litigation and personal injury.
• Felicity Iredale - Felicity works broadly across the commercial sector and advises both private clients and those in the health, government and not-for-profit sectors. She advises on a range of corporate transactions and commercial agreements, the creation of companies, trusts and not-for-profit entities as well as corporate governance and compliance.
• Felicity O'Brien - Felicity practices in the areas of administrative law, regulatory compliance and risk management, litigation, with a focus on aged care, disability and health.
• Gavin Kotnik - Gavin's extensive practice encompasses personal injury, public liability and professional negligence litigation.
• Gemma Getson - Gemma works across the commercial sector, advising public and private companies, state and local government, and not-for-profit clients. Gemma assists in drafting construction and commercial contracts and providing advice on a range of commercial agreements and corporate transactions. Gemma also helps clients to develop strategies and solutions in corporate governance and compliance.
• Gina Tresidder - Gina is a Principal in Russell Kennedy's Corporate and Commercial team, specialising in all aspects of Privacy, Data Protection, Information Technology and Intellectual Property.
• Hanna Kurspahić - Hanna practices primarily in government litigation and administrative law. Her experience includes advising government clients and statutory authorities on a broad range of legal issues and acting on their behalf in disciplinary proceedings.
• Harrison Gray - Harrison practices in the areas of workplace disputes and investigations, drafting employment contracts and policies, the interpretation of modern awards and enterprise agreements and in discrimination matters.
• Ian Pridgeon - Ian is a Special Counsel in the Government, Planning and Environment practice. He is a Law Institute of Victoria Environment and Planning Law Accredited Specialist and a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia. Ian's focus includes delivering quality advice to clients in the areas of town planning, local government, environment and statutory building control.
• Ilana Kacev - Ilana is a Law Institute Wills & Estates Accredited Specialist. Ilana’s well rounded experience across all aspects of estate matters enables her to provide her clients with strategic and objective advice in relation to both estate planning and disputes.
• Jack Davis - Jack is an experienced litigator, having acted for the interests of private and corporate litigants in most Australian jurisdictions. He has acted for plaintiffs and defendants in disputes involving commercial leasing and property, building and construction, contract, debt recovery, corporations law and insolvency, trusts, franchising, negligence and consumer law.
• Jack Kneale - Jack is committed to finding strategic resolutions to manage the legal, financial and reputational risks of clients. Jack works closely with Principals and Senior Associates at Russell Kennedy to advise clients across a diverse range of industries, including local government, education and aged care.
• Jack Noone - Jack is a lawyer in the Property team and works broadly across a range of property transactions including the sale and acquisition of retirement villages and other commercial properties, commercial and retail leasing and the acquisition and disposal of land on behalf of local governments.
• Jacqueline Vuong - Jacqueline is a versatile corporate and commercial lawyer and has experience in a range of commercial transactions including drafting agreements, negotiating contracts and incorporating companies.
• Jake Veale - Jake is a skilled corporate and commercial lawyer who is committed to working with his clients to deliver pragmatic legal advice. Jake has experience in corporate advisory and merger and acquisition transactions, as well as serving clients in the direct selling industry.
• James Lofting - James has practiced as a planning and environment lawyer in Victoria since 2004. He appears regularly at VCAT and PPV on behalf of landowners, developers and local authorities. He assists and advises developers in relation to the full spectrum of issues associated with the planning approvals and the land development process.
• Jamila Shirzad - Jamila works broadly across the commercial sector and advises both private clients and those in the health, government and not-for-profit sectors.
• Jaqueline Wilson - Jaqueline works broadly across the commercial sector advising a range of clients operating in the not-for-profit, medical colleges, health and aged care sectors. She advises on a range of corporate transactions, commercial agreements and governance issues.
• Jen Naughton - Jen Naughton is a Senior Associate in our Insurance and Compensation Team. Jen has extensive experience in insurance litigation matters specialising in personal injury, property damage, workplace litigation, worker’s compensation, public liability, product liability, management liability and statutory recovery claims. She has also spent time in-house as an employee relations specialist at an ASX listed company where she handled complex workplace investigations and Fair Work complaints.
• Jessica McKinley - Jessica is an experienced lawyer in Russell Kennedy's Family Law team with a focus in family law and wills and estate planning.
• Johanna Heaven - Johanna practices in the areas of administrative law, litigation, regulatory compliance and risk management, with a focus on health, government and aged care. She assists aged care providers in both home care and residential care to comply with their responsibilities under the Aged Care Act 1997 and its Principles and assists aged care providers in responding to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Johanna also represents clients in coronial inquests and Royal Commissions.
• John Corcoran AM - John has handled all aspects of commercial property work for more than 20 years for major developers, banks and government. In addition to his commercial practice, he specialises in the area of retirement villages and aged care. He has a national practice with many of his clients being Australia’s major providers of aged care and retirement villages.
• Jonathan Teh - Jonathan assists clients with commercial contracts for business operations through to technology services. He has experience in relation to business structures, including the creation and restructure of companies, trusts and not-for-profit organisations.
• Julie Colsell - Julie is a highly regarded legal practitioner within the compulsory land acquisition and compensation jurisdiction. Julie practices principally in this area and has done so for the last 15 years. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience having provided legal advice to a number of government authorities such as Department of Transport and Planning, Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, Department of Treasury and Finance, the Urban Renewal Authority Victoria (Places Victoria) and the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action.
• Karmen Markis - Karmen practices in the areas of government, environment and planning. Karmen advises local government authorities, state government, water authorities and private clients on planning, water, compulsory acquisition and environment law matters. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Karmen was a qualified town planner.
• Kat Tilnak - Kat has experience acting for both Plaintiff and Defendant litigants across state and federal jurisdictions. She practices broadly in commercial litigation and dispute resolution with a focus on building and construction disputes, debt recovery, contractual disputes, leasing disputes and insolvency litigation.
• Kate Littlewood - Kate is a valued member of our Corporate and Commercial team. Her primary areas of focus are mergers and acquisitions, business structuring (including succession), renewable energy and commercial contracts. Kate also practices in relation to other corporate-commercial advisory matters including in relation to consumer law, intellectual property, and corporate governance.
• Kathryn Bastounas - Kathryn has experience in a range of property transactions including complex acquisitions and disposals of land, legal due diligence, commercial and retail leasing and licencing agreements.
• Kathryn Elleman - Kathryn is an LIV accredited specialist in Property Law, practising in property development, and commercial property transactions. Kathryn has more than 25 years experience acting for property developers in relation to broad acre and medium density developments, including providing specialist owners corporations advice.
• Kelly Ralph - Kelly is an experienced employment and industrial relations practitioner with a strong understanding of commercial business drivers and objectives having worked in corporate environments before she was a lawyer.
• Krystal Pellow - Krystal is a Special Counsel in the firm’s Property & Development practice with a particular focus on sales and acquisitions, property development, and leasing transactions. Krystal advises private, corporate and institutional clients in a broad range of commercial property matters, including commercial, retail and industrial leasing for major landlords, tenants and statutory authorities.
• Kyle Gillan - Kyle is a projects and construction lawyer with extensive experience advising clients on the full life cycle of procurement and constructions projects from inception and design through to completion. Kyle’s experience includes advising on project design and project structuring, procurement strategies, drafting procurement documentation, contract negotiations and claims management.
• Kylie Walsh - Kylie is a litigation lawyer with over 10 years’ experience. Kylie acts on behalf of various government clients and statutory authorities and specialises in prosecution, enforcement, disciplinary and administrative review proceedings.
• Laura De Vuono - Laura practises primarily in government litigation. She acts on behalf of various government clients and statutory authorities, including the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (and the Boards) and the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
• Lauren Jones - Lauren is a cost-conscious lawyer who advises a diverse clientele, from individuals to large corporations, including not-for-profits. She approaches cases with a deep understanding of client needs, aiming for efficient and optimal outcomes through strategic counsel and effective advocacy.
• Lauren Millington - Lauren Millington is a Lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Government, Planning and Environment team and practices across areas of planning, environment, land acquisition, and building enforcement. Lauren advises both private clients and local government bodies in how to achieve their planning goals, in relation to planning permit appeals, planning panel matters, DCP and PSP operations, acquisitions, GAIC and enforcement. Lauren works on disputes in the Magistrate’s Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria, and the Supreme Court.
• Libby Pallot - Libby is the head of Russell Kennedy’s Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety practice and a partner of the firm. She has worked at Russell Kennedy for almost 25 years. Libby is an experienced practitioner in the area of employment law and industrial relations.
• Madeleine Anthony - Madeleine Anthony is a versatile lawyer in the Corporate and Commercial team with experience in corporate and commercial law with a focus on corporate advisory and merger and acquisition transactions.
• Malvina Hagedorn - Malvina has over fifteen years of experience specialising in migration and refugee law. She acts for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in a range of matters including visa applications and cancellations, judicial review, and citizenship. Malvina also has extensive experience in the design and delivery of community legal education on refugee, migration and human trafficking issues.
• Mandi Xu - Mandi is a newly appointed Principal in Russell Kennedy’s Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety team based in Sydney. She has extensive experience advising multinational and Australian businesses and public sector employers on contentious and non-contentious matters covering all areas of employment law and workplace relations.
• Marcus Heath - Marcus’ areas of practice include planning, environment, building, public health law, local laws/domestic animals and water law. He provides advice to local councils, government departments, water businesses and private clients and acts for clients in compliance and enforcement matters under a range of legislation.
• Maria Gomes - Maria is an experienced Associate at Russell Kennedy and is an integral part of the Family Law division within the dispute resolution team.
• Marika Hubble-Marriott - Marika is the head of the Dispute Resolution team, with over 25 years of experience. Marika has significant experience in conducting complex litigation in the superior courts and specialist tribunals and is a skilled advocate in all forms of dispute resolution, and in particular, mediation.
• Mark Bartley - Mark is an LIV Accredited Specialist in Environment, Planning and Government with over 30 years legal experience. He advises on all planning, environment and major project approvals, water law and governance. He frequently appears in VCAT, Planning Panels and Advisory Committees representing local government and statutory authorities as well as land owners and developers.
• Mark McKinley - Mark is the National Practice Group Leader of our Property and Development team. Mark has extensive experience in acting for and advising property developers, including preparing all pro forma sale contracts, development and marketing deeds, advising in relation to subdivisions and owners corporations, restrictive covenants and easements.
• Mary Pirozek - Mary Pirozek is a Lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Government, Planning and Environment team. Mary advises local government authorities, water authorities and private clients on planning, building, water, and environment law matters. Mary also appears in respect of planning, building, and environmental enforcement and prosecutions.
• Matt Taylor - Matt works predominantly for local government in prosecutions and enforcement in the Magistrates’ Court, the Building Appeals Board and VCAT.
• Matthew Beazley - Matthew’s practice encompasses planning, environment, local government and property law. He has appeared as advocate in the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Building Appeals Board, Planning Panels Victoria and Liquor Licensing Victoria.
• Matthew Stockdale - Matt is a Principal in Russell Kennedy’s Victorian WorkCover Authority team. Matt has worked in insurance and injury litigation acting for a wide variety of employers for many years. Matt's extensive experience includes acting on behalf of the Victorian Workcover Authority in relation to statutory benefits and common law claims under the Accident Compensation Act.
• Maurizio Capkovic - Maurizio began his career in Family Law, taking instructions and providing advice to de facto and married couples about their Binding Financial Agreements, whether they were entering into a new relationship, were getting married or were married or following their separation. Maurizo represented clients with respect to their Application for Divorce and was able to assist them with finalising their financial affairs by preparing new Wills, Power of Attorneys and Enduring Guardian, which is essential following the breakdown of a relationship if you want to protect your affairs.
• Michael Bragg - Michael practices primarily in the areas of construction and infrastructure focusing on “front end” contractual work. Michael assists in the drafting construction contracts and related documents.
• Michael Cassidy - Michael is an Associate in Russell Kennedy's Corporate and Commercial team, specialising in all aspects of intellectual property (IP) with a particular focus on trade marks. Michael works with clients to manage the full lifecycle of their IP from brand development, to forming protection strategies, to managing Australian and international portfolios, to strategic management and enforcement.
• Michael Dowling - Michael practices in the areas of property, local government, property development and subdivisions.
• Michael Gorton AM - Michael is an experienced commercial lawyer with a focus on the health sector. Michael's clients benefit from his practical and commercial approach. Through his association with peak industry bodies and his position on numerous boards, Michael keeps abreast of developments in his area of practice and is often asked to address public and private companies and government and non-government organisations.
• Michael Tsiavlis - Michael is an experienced litigation and regulatory lawyer. Michael advises government departments, agencies and authorities on their enforcement and investigative functions as well as appearing in Court for them as a solicitor advocate.
• Michael Webster - Michael possesses broad experience in various property transactions such as acquisition and sales of retirement villages, commercial and retail leasing, and diverse local government matters. Michael is committed to providing comprehensive and tailored solutions that align with his client’s objectives.
• Mitch Watkins - Mitch has experience in acting for both Plaintiff and Defendant litigants within the Victorian and Western Australian jurisdiction. He practices primarily in the area of insurance litigation (including large volume motor vehicle recoveries), advising on liability, quantum and risk. He also provides clients with advice regarding enforcement.
• Molly Lawlor - Molly works closely with Principals and Senior Associates at Russell Kennedy to support clients in a range of employment, workplace relations, discrimination and independent education matters. Molly is committed to helping clients reach their desired outcomes, and manage financial, legal and reputational risk when dealing with legal issues.
• Morgan Smithe - Morgan has experience in a many aspects of employment law, including workplace disputes, workplace investigations and the interpretation of awards and agreements. Since joining the Employment Law team at Russell Kennedy, Morgan has had a particular focus on advising clients in the independent education sector.
• Nathan Curcio - Nathan works broadly across the property sector and advises on a range of property transactions including commercial and retail leasing, licences, acquisitions and disposals of land and legal due diligence.
• Nick Bradley - Nick practices in the areas of government, planning and environment. He has a strong background in planning, having worked as a qualified town planner on several major state rail infrastructure projects prior to practicing law. He represents government and private clients in relation to complex government, environment and planning matters.
• Nick Finlayson - Nick is the Co-Leader of our Renewables team. Nick advises clients on all aspects of their real estate operations including acquisitions and divestment, development, design and construction, structuring and renewables projects.
• Nick Shying - Nick is an Associate practising commercial litigation in Melbourne. He represents corporate clients in litigation in state and federal jurisdictions, international commercial arbitration and pre-litigation dispute resolution. His experience includes disputes relating to contract law, corporations law, property law, administrative law, and equity and trusts.
• Nicolle Ang - Nicolle is an Associate in Russell Kennedy’s Government, Planning and Environmental team and primarily practices in the area of land acquisition and compensation. Nicolle is primarily involved in the land acquisition process from acquiring interests, instructing counsel and experts, to reviewing and considering claims for compensation made by affected parties, under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
• Olga Nazha - Olga is a litigation senior associate with experience in enforcement, prosecution, disciplinary and administrative review proceedings. Olga has experience advising and representing various government clients such as the Department of Health, the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
• Paul Gleeson - Paul is the Managing Director of Russell Kennedy. He is responsible for the delivery of the firm’s strategic goals and provides oversight of its operations.
• Paul Kitch - Having been a lawyer for close to 50 years, Paul has specialised in Worker’s compensation since 1989. In that time, he has acquired extensive experience through holding senior management positions with WorkCover insurers, WorkCare Appeals Board, Medical Panels and conducted litigation in all jurisdictions with Panel Solicitors for 20 years.
• Paul McCarthy - Paul leads our Finance Litigation team and acts for several of Australia's largest banks and other financial institutions in recovery matters and the enforcement of mortgage and other securities.
• Paul Somers - Paul practices in commercial litigation and has significant experience representing clients in building and construction disputes, breach of contract disputes, and property and insolvency claims. Paul provides practical and strategic advice to local councils, water authorities, and corporate and private clients, about litigation and alternative dispute resolution in all jurisdictions.
• Peter Andreakos - Peter practices in the areas of administrative law, regulatory compliance and risk management with a focus on aged care, disability and health.
• Rachel Budd - Rachel is a litigation lawyer qualified to practise law in Victoria, New Zealand and Scotland. She has experience in all aspects of case preparation, including Court appearances. Rachel advises government departments, agencies and authorities on prosecutions, disciplinary proceedings and enforcement functions, and appears in Court on their behalf.
• Rana Awada - Rana was admitted into practice in 2012 and has been practicing as a solicitor in the area of family law for 10 years. Rana has a passion for family law and prides herself on providing exceptional personal service by encouraging her clients to be actively involved in the resolution of their matters. Rana guides her client towards achieving amicable, practical, fair and cost effective solutions without the need to litigate wherever possible.
• Robert Parrish - Rob acts for the Victorian WorkCover Authority as a litigator. His experience includes instructing counsel in Supreme Court, County Court and Magistrates' Court proceedings. He also has experience is insurance claims and providing advice on occupational health and safety matters
• Rohan Harris - Rohan is Chair of the Russell Kennedy board and partnership. He is also a Principal of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial practice and acts for privately owned businesses as well as various Australian and multi-national corporations and not-for-profit organisations.
• Rory Maguire - Rory is a Principal in the firm’s Corporate & Commercial practice with extensive experience in corporate advisory and mergers and acquisitions matters, including negotiated acquisitions/disposals of companies and businesses, takeovers and schemes of arrangement, corporate fundraising and restructures, and shareholder and joint venture arrangements.
• Rose Raniolo - Rose is the head of Russell Kennedy’s General and Self Insurance team.
• Rosemary Southgate - Rosemary is a Principal in our Property and Development team and a Law Institute of Victoria Property Law Accredited Specialist. She is focused on delivering quality advice to her clients, practicing in the areas of commercial property, leasing, aged care and retirement villages. As part of her role she advises peak industry bodies such as the Property Council Australia in their dealings with Government.
• Samantha Taylor - Samantha has experience in a variety of commercial property transactions including sales and acquisitions and commercial leasing. Samantha advises both landlord and tenant clients in all aspects of leasing transactions, across all Australian jurisdictions. In addition to her leasing work, Samantha advises clients in respect of commercial sales and acquisitions, including preparing and reviewing transaction documents.
• Sarah Manly - Sarah acts on behalf of various government clients and statutory authorities including the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and Victoria Police. She advises these clients in relation to prosecutions, professional conduct, coronial inquests and administrative law. Sarah was recognised by Best Lawyers 2020 for expertise in Government Practice. Sarah has specialist expertise in representing parties in Royal Commissions, including the Financial Services Royal Commission, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Royal Commission into the Victorian bushfires.
• Sarah Newman - Sarah worked in a people and culture and industrial relations capacity for 10 years, including 4 years at an industrial organisation and over 2 years as the Head of Workplace Relations for a large independent school in Victoria.
• Sebastian Ficarra - Sebastian holds experience acting for and advising authorised insurers and self-insurers, in relation to common law, statutory benefit and public liability matters. He conducts litigation in the Supreme, County and Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.
• Sherelle Joseph - Sherelle is a Lawyer in the Dispute Resolutions Team with a focus on commercial and civil litigation and family law matters. She ardently works to provide sound legal advice and aid her clients in reaching settlement.
• Shi-Jing Wong - Shi-Jing is your go-to expert for all things related to workplace relations, offering practical advice on issues like Fair Work Commission matters, underpayment claims, employee disciplinary actions, and employment contracts and policies.
• Simone Green - Simone Green is a Principal in our Family Law team and is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law with the Law Society of NSW, with over 18 years experience as a Family Law Solicitor in all areas of Family Law practice.
• Sofia Lozanova - Sofia is an experienced Senior Associate in our dispute resolution team with almost a decade of post qualification experience. She advises and represents clients in all types of commercial litigation across state and federal jurisdictions.
• Solomon Miller - Solomon acts for a range of private and public sector clients documenting commercial arrangements, including acquisitions, restructures, joint ventures and the licensing of technology and intellectual property.
• Sonia Turnbull - Sonia provides specialist legal advice on planning and environment law, heritage, local government law, administrative law, statutory interpretation and renewable development.
• Stefan Fiedler - Stefan is a leading environmental lawyer who acts for local government, water corporations, waste and resource recovery groups and corporations across various sectors including waste management, resource recovery, infrastructure, manufacturing, organics, rendering, logistics and agriculture.
• Stella Richards - Stella works broadly across the commercial sector and advises both private clients and those in the health, government and not-for-profit sectors. Stella advises on a range of corporate transactions and commercial agreements, including corporate governance, intellectual property and construction projects.
• Stella Wild - Stella has more than 20 years' experience in leasing and licensing (commercial, retail and industrial) and has an excellent understanding of both landlord and tenant concerns in part due to her considerable in-house legal experience with both a national retailer and property developer prior to returning to private practice in 2008. Her expertise in commercial tenancy law is further solidified by her accreditation as a Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialist in Commercial Tenancy Law.
• Stephanie Francis - After working as a graduate trainee across each of Russell Kennedy’s practice groups, Stephanie commenced her career in the Insurance and Compensation Team, working on both common law and statutory benefits Workcover claims.
• Suzanne Manson - Suzanne mainly practices in compulsory land acquisition and compensation law and has extensive experience acting for Government departments, statutory authorities and private clients.
• Suzanne Rieschieck - Suzanne is a general commercial litigator, focusing on the Property, Building and Construction, Retirement Living and Education industries. She has experience in a vast range of disputes relevant to these industries, including with respect to leasing, adverse possession, breach of contract, defective building work, expert determinations and retirement living resident complaints, fee disputes, Australian Consumer Law matters and some defamation. Suzanne also has experience in Corporations Act matters involving Oppression, breach of director’s duties and insolvency. Suzanne provides strategic advice with a focus on practical outcomes.
• Tamika Chikulin - Tamika is a lawyer in Russell Kennedy’s Government, Planning and Environment team and primarily practices in the areas of planning, environment and Local Government advisory.
• Tanya Bloom - Tanya Bloom is a Principal in our Worker’s Compensation team. She has more than 15 years’ experience in personal injury, litigation, insurance law, employer liability and risk management.
• Taryn Ellerington - With over 17 years practising in the law profession, Taryn is an experienced private client lawyer with a demonstrated history of working across estate planning, property and commercial law. She is particularly skilled in and focuses on estate planning, probate and administration, succession law and estate dispute resolution.
• Victor Harcourt - Victor is a recognised senior practitioner in aged care, retirement living and disability law. With over 30 years’ experience, he is a trusted legal advisor and litigator to his clients. He practises in the regulatory compliance and public law area, as well as litigation and prosecutions. Victor has a Masters in Health and Medical Law, and was recognised by Best Lawyers as the 2023 "Lawyer of the Year" for Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law in Melbourne, he was also named Best Lawyers’ 2014 Melbourne “Lawyer of the Year” for Health and Aged Care Law. Victor has been recognised in 2014 - 2025 for his expertise in Government Practice and in Retirement Villages and Senior Living Law in 2017 - 2025.
• Walter MacCallum - Walter has over 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation in all court jurisdictions, acting for, and advising, individual clients, family enterprises, start-ups and commercial operations that range from small-to-medium enterprises to large corporations, including not-for-profits.