Twelve finalists have been carefully selected by the high-profile industry judges.

National firm finalists include Nikki Robinson from Clayton Utz. Ms Robinson is the national practice group leader of Clayton Utz’s real estate group, which was awarded Property Team of the Year at the Lawyers Weekly 2015 Australian Law Awards.

Colleen Platford, one of the first two women partners ever appointed at Gilbert + Tobin, is also a finalist. She was appointed to partner in 1995 and is now the most senior female litigation partner at Gilbert + Tobin.

Frances Williams from Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Sonia Apikian from Gadens are other national firm partners to be announced as finalists.

In the global arena, Kylie Lane from Ashurst is a finalist for the award, having been promoted to partner only two years ago. Despite spending half of 2014-15 on maternity leave, Ms Lane acted on a number of multi-billion dollar deals and has led some notable M&A deals in the Australian market.

Meanwhile, finalist Amanda Davidson joined Holman Fenwick Willan 12 months ago, bringing with her a team of 12 projects practitioners. Prior to her joining Holman Fenwick Willan, the firm didn’t have a presence in the major projects and construction practice area in Australia.

At the other end of the scale, Katrina Rathie from King & Wood Mallesons has 30 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer, including 21 years as a partner. Ms Rathie leads KWM’s Sydney office, which has more than 650 employees.

Other finalists hailing from global firms are Elspeth Arnold from Ashurst, Jo Daniels from Baker & McKenzie, Elizabeth Macknay from Herbert Smith Freehills, Sharon Henrick from King & Wood Mallesons and Sandra Steele from K&L Gates.

Lawyers Weekly congratulates all the finalists in all categories.

The winners will be announced at a black tie gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne on 27 November – tickets available now.