In making the announcement, Middletons’ national managing partner Nick Nichola said: "It is personally very rewarding to see our home-grown lawyers progress their careers with the firm. Each of these appointees has demonstrated outstanding legal skills, determination and tireless effort over the years and is thoroughly deserving of their promotion."

Just three months ago the firm expanded into Brisbane, while continuing to operate offices in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

The new partners are:

Michael Forrest, Banking, Insolvency & Disputes, Sydney

John Makris, Workplace Relations & Safety, Sydney

The new special counsels are:

Carolyn Austin, National Precedents Manager

Mark Easton, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Sydney

Jacqueline Scarlett, Corporate & Commercial, Melbourne

The new senior associates are:

Nabila Baraka, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Melbourne

Caroline Cossio, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Melbourne

Nick Dahlstrom, Corporate & Commercial, Melbourne

William Dillon-Leetch, Corporate & Commercial, Sydney

Kate Forrester, Banking, Insolvency & Disputes, Sydney

Hayley Stephens, Property, Development & Construction, Brisbane

Jo Garland, Corporate & Commercial, Perth

Ena Hadzanovic, Workplace Relations & Safety, Melbourne

Phil Hustler, Banking, Insolvency & Disputes, Sydney

Lauren Mason, Property, Development & Construction, Sydney

Sandra O'Donnell, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Melbourne

Michael Polorotoff, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Sydney

Nerissa Rowe, Workplace Relations & Safety, Perth

Jodie-Leigh Smith, Workplace Relations & Safety, Sydney

Stephanie Tsang, Corporate & Commercial, Sydney