West Australian firm Cullen Macleod has expanded by more than 15 per cent following its collaborative merger with boutique commercial practice Taylor & Taylor and the appointment of a new principal.
Cullen Macleod Lawyers has strengthened its commercial and disputes capabilities and expanded its presence across Western Australia through the integration of boutique commercial firm Taylor & Taylor into its operations.
The merger represents an expansion of more than 15 per cent for the Western Australia-based firm, with Taylor & Taylor founders Godfrey and Michael Taylor continuing their practice at Cullen Macleod Lawyers.
Under the new structure, Godfrey Taylor will serve as a consultant to the firm, while Michael Taylor will take on the role of director.
In a statement, the firm expressed that the move strengthens and expands its capabilities across key areas, including commercial disputes, resources-sector matters, and estate and succession planning.
Alongside the merger, the Western Australia-based firm has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sally Bruce, previously a partner at Perth-based Jackson McDonald, as principal of wills, estates and succession planning.
Catriona Macleod, director of Cullen Macleod, shared that the integration and new appointment position the firm to better support West Australian clients navigating increasingly complex legal challenges.
“WA clients want speed, sector fluency and judgment,” Macleod said.
“Bringing Taylor & Taylor into the tent and elevating estates leadership under Sally [Bruce] positions us to set the pace for the mid-market, especially when disputes escalate and decisions can’t wait.”
Fellow director Rick Cullen said the integration of the two firms allows them to focus on all aspects of the commercial life cycle.
“Clients value advice that anticipates the full life cycle of a matter,” Cullen said.
“This integration means we can move from structuring and risk to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation, without losing momentum or institutional knowledge. Continuity counts when volumes tick up, the work shouldn’t lose context just because it changes phase.”
Michael Taylor explained that the merger allows Taylor & Taylor to continue operating as usual while benefiting from a larger platform and greater resources.
“It’s the same trusted advisers with a larger platform and a wider runway,” he said.
“We’re keeping the responsiveness that built our client base, with added bench strength where WA businesses most often need it. That responsiveness is calibrated to a system finalising more civil matters year on year.”
