Charles Zhan

Melanie acts for Commonwealth government agencies, statutory entities and corporate clients. Melanie's clients operate across the full spectrum of Commonwealth activity. Her clients include Comcover, ATO and Departments including Finance, Defence, Home Affairs, Industry, Attorney-General's and Agriculture. Melanie joined Thomsons in July 2025 as part of the transition of the one of Australia’s premier Commonwealth government practices. Melanie’s practice spans litigation, dispute ...

Rebecca has extensive experience in advising the Commonwealth in relation to workers’ compensation matters. She is fully cognisant of the responsibilities of the Commonwealth in adhering to the Model Litigant Policy and the unique challenges that this can bring. In a previous role Rebecca successfully held the position of National Client Service Manager for Comcare, which, as a significant client, brought enormous responsibility from a business perspective. Rebecca is focussed on delive...

As Legal Director of the Planning, Environment and Local Government team Alice provides skilled and professional advice and representation for local government and private clients on a wide range of NSW and ACT planning, environmental and administrative law matters. Alice is a pragmatic and practical problem solver who works in partnership with her clients to deliver ‘on ground’ results. She enjoys providing strategic advice on how best to achieve her client’s goals, and spe...

John is a leading Commercial lawyer in Canberra and is renowned for his expertise, professionalism and integrity. With more than 40 years experience, John’s extensive business acumen enables him to quickly identify clients’ issues and work towards commercial results. Over John’s many years in practice he has been a key advisor in many significant and high profile property transactions including commercial property sales and purchases, land releases, joint ventures, building ...

Paul acts for Commonwealth Government agencies, statutory authorities and private sector employers. Paul joined Thomsons in July 2025, bringing with him deep Commonwealth client relationships built over an extensive career. Paul’s practice spans all aspects of employment and industrial relations, WHS governance, administrative law and government procurement. He advises on enterprise bargaining, individual and collective workplace agreements, discrimination complaints, investigations of ...

Lauren Armstrong is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Insurance Law. Lauren practices law in Canberra, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Lauren Armstrong since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Lauren Armstrong is held by other lawyers.

Sarah acts for Commonwealth Government agencies and private sector clients on defence and national security matters, export control and regulation, and government procurement. She is part of the firm’s defence and national security practice. Sarah advises on defence and national security legal frameworks, export control obligations under the Defence Trade Controls Act and associated legislation, and government procurement. Her practice spans the legal architecture governing Australia&rs...

Andrew has extensive experience in representing and providing high level, strategic and complex workplace relations advice to a wide range of Commonwealth departments and agencies over the last 15 years. This includes significant experience in litigating on behalf of the Commonwealth (generally on the instructions of Comcover) in the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Administrative Review ...

Catherine is a Family Law lawyer based in Canberra with Parker Coles Curtis . She is known for her clear communication, practical guidance and strategic approach, helping clients navigate complex family law matters with confidence and clarity during challenging periods in their lives. As an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL), Catherine regularly represents and supports children in family law proceedings, appearing in court and advocating for o...

Ian has broad experience across diverse jurisdictions and areas of law with a specialisation in commercial litigation, building and construction, and insurance law. He also has experience in professional negligence claims, leasing disputes, and personal injury. Ian is recognised by his peers in The Best Lawyers in Australia list in dual fields of litigation and insurance law. His broad experience, including his regularly acting for both plaintiffs and defendants, enables him to provide a bala...