The new partners are: Mark McAleer (energy, resources & infrastructure) in Perth; Alister Fitzgerald (real estate) and Michael Morris (telecommunications, media & technology) in Brisbane; Rachel Nicolson (pictured - litigation), Michael Ryan (banking & finance) and Geoff Sanders (corporate) in Melbourne, and Chris Prestwich (litigation) in Sydney.

Allens chairman Ian Wallace said: “The promotion to partnership is recognition of this group’s legal expertise and their deep engagement with the firm's clients throughout the region.

“This group of new partners is outstanding and we are confident they will play a crucial role in the firm's future.”

Wallace said the appointment of two Brisbane partners reflected both the growth of that practice and the firm's commitment to servicing its clients in the region.

“You're seeing us growing that practice, and our practice in Melbourne,” Wallace said.

“Plus we’re bringing through a new generation of Perth talent with the appointment of Mark McAleer, who’s already established himself as one of Australia’s emerging experts on large-scale energy & resources projects and transactions, and Sydney-based Chris Prestwich, who specialises in commercial litigation and corporate insolvency and restructuring.”

All appointments take effect from 1 July.