National law firm Piper Alderman has unveiled a new leadership trio, as the BigLaw player positions itself as the “firm of choice by the next generation of technology-driven companies”.
Melbourne-based corporate and commercial lawyer James Macdonald has been appointed as the new managing partner of Piper Alderman, marking the first time a Melbourne-based partner has headed up the firm in its 170-year history.
He is joined in the leadership ranks by two new deputy managing partners: Adelaide-based projects, infrastructure and finance lawyer Martin Lovell, and Sydney-based commercial litigation lawyer McKenzie Moore.
The trio took up their roles on 1 February.
The news follows the firm’s promotion of 10 lawyers to more senior roles in December, including two to its partnership.
Macdonald said the new leadership team heralds an era of transformation, as Piper Alderman seeks to drive innovation, talent development and further expansion while rolling out leading legal AI tools.
“While AI poses challenges for the legal industry, we’re tackling it head-on because we see huge benefits for our clients. We are already using AI tools to help combat cyber threats and phishing and augment document reviews and drafting,” he said.
“We believe AI has the potential to unlock more client growth whilst providing further administrative efficiencies.
“We take pride in delivering client outcomes with responsive, commercially decisive, expert advice on challenging legal issues, significant transactions, and complex disputes.
“We are the firm of choice by the next generation of technology-driven companies that are pushing boundaries across fintech, blockchain and emerging digital markets.”
Former managing partner Tony Britten-Jones, who held the role for over a decade, will now serve as Piper Alderman’s national head of real estate.
“We are pleased to have completed a smooth transition of leadership, ensuring stability for our clients, and we express deep gratitude to former managing partner Tony Britten-Jones,” Macdonald said.
“Over 11 years, Tony oversaw significant firm growth and a strategic national expansion. Martin and McKenzie bring an exceptional skill set and breadth of experience to their leadership roles, and together we will work to set the firm up for even greater success.”
Piper Alderman has over 90 partners in its offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin. It has, the firm said in a statement, grown revenue by 50 per cent in the past four years, bringing in $125 million in 2024–25.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of professional services (including Lawyers Weekly, HR Leader, Accountants Daily, and Accounting Times). 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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