MinterEllison partners exit to launch standalone firm

Michelle Power and Amanda Watt opened the doors of Power & Watt Mediation & Advisory on 20 March, after a combined 66 years of experience climbing the ranks at the national law firm.

During their time at MinterEllison, Watt and Power held senior leadership roles, with Watt serving on the board and chairing the diversity committee, and Power contributing as a member of the executive leadership team and as managing partner for markets.

The founders described that their departure from MinterEllison and the launch of their own firm reflects a “growing trend” of senior-led boutique practices, aimed at helping clients manage “sensitive and high-stakes matters”.

In a statement, the pair indicated that the boutique firm will specialise in mediation, strategic advisory, and fractional engagements, helping clients tackle complex disputes and address wider organisational challenges.

The pair explained that their firm takes a “different” approach, focusing on providing one-to-one attention for clients to bring clarity to complex issues and deliver practical outcomes.

“We are working differently – providing focused, one-to-one attention to a select number of client engagements,” the pair said.

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“This enables us to bring clarity to complex issues and deliver practical, considered outcomes.”

Under the new structure, Power will focus on commercial and real estate disputes, as well as international and family wealth matters, while Watt will specialise in employment and industrial regulation, supporting organisations in tackling governance, cultural, and systemic workplace challenges.