Ms Townsend has expertise in acquisitions and disposals as well as commercial leases, restructures, contracts, financing and compliance-related matters, particularly in regards to automotive dealership businesses.

“Maria offers a rare combination of specialist skills and a comprehensive industry understanding, having immersed herself within the automotive sector for over 20 years,” said HWL Ebsworth managing partner Juan Martinez.

HWL Ebsworth is the only national law firm with a specialist offering in automotive industry practice in Australia, according to a statement from the firm.

Apart from her expertise in the automotive sector, Ms Townsend also works across transport, real estate, information technology and telecommunications sectors.

She also has experience advising lenders on financial structuring and the documentation of loans and security products.