National law firm Macpherson Kelley has announced the promotion of eight lawyers across the firm, including the appointment of two new principal Lawyers and two special counsel.
Macpherson Kelley has promoted eight lawyers to senior roles, including two new principal lawyers, two special counsel, one senior associate, and three associates, effective 1 January 2026.
The national firm’s newly appointed principal lawyers are Nicole Treacey, who will lead wills and estates from the Brisbane office, and Barney Adams, who will head employment, safety, and migration in Melbourne.
With nearly two decades of legal experience, Macpherson Kelley describes Treacey as a “highly skilled succession lawyer” whose practice primarily focuses on structures, blended families, and clients with complex circumstances.
Adams brings deep expertise in workplace health and safety and is recognised by Macpherson Kelley for his “pragmatic and commercial approach” to this complex area of law.
Grant Guenther, national managing principal at Macpherson Kelley, expressed how the pair’s promotion to principal lawyers was both well-deserved and a pleasure to recognise, reflecting their strong client relationships and leadership across the firm.
“Both Nicole and Barney are particularly skilled in the way they’ve been able to connect with clients, building strong, trusted relationships and offering unique commercial solutions that go above and beyond,” Guenther said.
“Their exceptional level of client service, technical expertise, and the positive contributions to Macpherson Kelley’s learning culture establish them both as trusted leaders within their respective teams and offices.
“It is a pleasure to formally recognise their contribution as they join our growing cohort of principal lawyers.”
Catherine Ciccone and Jereome Keating have been promoted to special counsel within the firm’s national litigation team, with Ciccone bringing deep expertise in insolvency and construction disputes, while Keating specialises in contractual disputes, compulsory acquisition, and proceedings under the Corporations Act.
Rounding out Macpherson Kelley’s latest round of promotions, Damien Quick has been elevated to senior associate, while Blake Zhu, Jonas Schulz, and Setarah Aminian have been promoted to associate.
This news follows the firm’s appointment of a new principal lawyer to their employment, safety, and migration team in early November last year.
