National law firm Maurice Blackburn has named three new principals, one new special counsel, 13 new senior associates, and 18 new associates.
Maurice Blackburn has promoted 35 lawyers to more senior roles, including 17 in Victoria, 12 in Queensland, four in NSW, and one each in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Women account for 26 of the promotions, or about three-quarters of the total promoted, the firm said, including all three of the newly appointed principal lawyers.
The promotions span the firm’s abuse, asbestos and dust diseases, class actions, employment and industrial, medical negligence, injuries, social justice, and super and insurance practice areas.
The firm’s newly appointed principals are Katherine McCallum (class actions), Kirsten Van Der Wal (medical negligence), and Leah O’Keefe (asbestos).
Alan Watkins is the firm’s newest special counsel.
Those promoted to senior associate are Alicia Hancock, Andrew Herzig, Bethany Moore, Brittaney Webb, Codie Clarke, Jack Faine, Kyle Peart-Corr, Liam Kelly, Rebecca Coulter, Rebecca Barrand, Sarah Williams, Stephanie Esakoff, and Teagan Upton.
And the new associates are Abby Cullen, Alice Sinclair, Diana Lee, Eli Cavallaro, Elise Trower, Kailey Coble, Kate Ross, Lily Hart, Mariam Aboulfadil, Melanie Prew, Nadia Lucas, Ross Sottile, Sara Andersen, Sarah Avery, Shane Don, Simone McGoldrick, Tayla Mackrell, and Thomas Manousaridis.
All promotions are effective as of 1 January 2026.
Speaking about the promotions, Maurice Blackburn chief executive Jacob Varghese commented on the “significant numbers” of women recognised.
“The strong representation of women in these promotions – including all three new principal lawyers – is a testament to both individual success and our firm’s progress towards gender equality,” he said.
“Each promotion represents a significant personal achievement, acknowledging dedication, growing expertise, and increased leadership within the firm.
“At the same time, these successes highlight our collective progress as a firm, reflecting our ongoing commitment to enhancing both employee and client experiences.
“Those who have been promoted exemplify our shared mission to expand access to justice for all Australians.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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