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Global law firm Mallesons has appointed a new chair from within its own ranks, following the formal separation of the Chinese and Australian partnerships of King & Wood Mallesons.
Mark McNamara (pictured) has been named the new chair of Mallesons, elevating a long-serving leader who has been with the firm for more than a decade into the firm’s top leadership role.
He will formally step into the position on 30 June 2026.
This appointment follows closely on the heels of King & Wood Mallesons formally splitting its Chinese and Australian partnerships, effective 30 March 2026, bringing an end to a 14-year merger.
McNamara succeeds David Friedlander, whose five-year term leading the global law firm has come to an end; however, he will remain at the firm, transitioning back into his role as a mergers and acquisitions partner.
Reflecting on his tenure as chair, Friedlander expressed that it was the right moment for new leadership as the firm transitions to Mallesons and advances its 2030 strategy, praising McNamara’s strategic contribution and his ability to support the firm’s next phase of growth.
“It has been a joy to lead the board throughout one of the most transformative periods of the firm’s history. With our transition to Mallesons and the development of our 2030 strategy, it is the perfect time for Mark to take over,” Friedlander said.
“Since joining the board, he has made a significant contribution to our thinking on strategy and the impact of AI on our business and the profession at large.
“I am confident he will be an excellent chair and a strong complement to our world-class management team who will take the firm from strength to strength in this new era.”
Based in the firm’s Sydney office, McNamara has served on Mallesons’ board since 2024 and has led its private capital practice since 2012.
He specialises in private equity transactions, including management buyouts and leveraged buyouts, public takeovers, private M&A, and securities offerings.
In his first comments following the announcement, McNamara shared how he was both honoured and energised to lead the firm into its next phase, while also acknowledging Friedlander’s achievements during his tenure.
“I am delighted and honoured to be taking over the chair role. The firm is in a very strong position, and there is real momentum as we move forward under the Mallesons brand,” McNamara said.
“Dave has been a remarkable chair of the firm and has successfully seen us through a period of growth and change.
“I am very excited to be leading this next phase with our terrific board and exceptional management team.”
Renae Lattey, chief executive partner at Mallesons, highlighted her confidence in McNamara’s leadership, pointing to his strong market credibility, sharp strategic and commercial thinking, and progressive mindset to help shape the firm’s future strategy in a fast-changing market.
“Mark brings strong market and client credibility, strategic and commercial thinking, and a progressive mindset which will no doubt challenge and enrich our thinking and strategic planning around the future of our firm in a world that never stands still,” Lattey said.
She also paid tribute to Friedlander’s leadership, crediting him with guiding the firm through key milestones and major decisions over the past five years.
“On behalf of the partners and the executive team, I want to thank David for his outstanding leadership over the past five years,” Lattey said.
“He has been so invested in the success of our firm and has guided the board and the partnership through some defining decisions and milestone moments. I am personally very grateful for his support.”
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