Watson joins the partnership from 1 July, with managing partner Guy Humble telling Lawyers Weekly that her appointment was driven by both clients and firm's having an increasing focus on corporate social responsibility.

"When you go through the tender process with banks or government agencies, they will ask about what sort of community programs and pro bono work the firm does," Humble said. "Heather's appointment recognises that."

Watson is the first partner to be appointed to the firm's non profit group and she becomes one of only a handful of dedicated pro bono partners within the corporate law sector.

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McCullough Robertson announced a raft of appointments this week , including six partners, two special counsel and nine senior associates.

In addition to Watson, Janelle Moody, Brendan Tobin, Cameron Dean, Michael Moy and Troy Webb will join the firm's partnership, while Charlotte Davis and Andrew Muir have been promoted to the position of special counsel.

Tobin's appointment to the partnership in Newcastle means that the fledgling office now has three partners and 10 total employees.

The Brisbane based firm opened its Newcastle office 18 months ago with one partner and one secretary. McCullough Robertson also has an office in Sydney.