David Hughes

The unexpected can strike at the worst possible time, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. That’s where I can help. I am a highly experienced Special Counsel with more than 30 years’ expertise in accident insurance law, 26 years’ specialist accreditation by the Queensland Law Society, Bachelors and Masters legal qualifications, and 20+ solely-held, prestigious industry recognitions. My early career as a lawyer was in a country law practice in Southe...

Malcolm is a corporate and commercial lawyer with over 20 years experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and commercial contracts. He has a particular specialisation in technology and intellectual property and has extensive cross-border experience. Malcolm has experience in a range of industries including manufacturing, FMCG, information technology, food and agribusiness and life sciences. Malcolm has been ranked by Chambers Global, Chambers Asia Pacific, Asia Pacific Legal 500...

Annie Smeaton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law. Annie, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Annie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Committed to helping his clients manage their risks and solve problems, Andrew specialises in all areas of construction law. He has worked on both transactional and disputed matters concerning the engineering, procurement, construction and operation of major projects across Australia and internationally. Andrew has advised in both private practice and in-house for some of Australia’s largest construction and engineering companies and understands the commercial and technical drivers in t...

Chris Ward is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Family Law Mediation. Chris, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Darren is a partner who specialises in the following areas within the property industry: large scale property and business transactions comprising due diligence, acquisitions, disposals and financing of those transactions in commercial property, tourism and health and aged care sectors commercial and retail leasing structured community title development including mixed use development liquor licensing and gaming rural acquisitions and disposals. In particular, Darren has extensive experience ...

Kirsten Van Der Wal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Negligence. Kirsten, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kirsten is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ben acts for clients across a diverse range of industries including mining, technology, medical and life sciences, building and construction, automotive, retail, food, and secondary and higher education. Ben also acts and has acted for major franchisors including G.J. Gardner, Lenard’s, Ray White Real Estate, Hog’s Breath Café, Domino’s Pizza and Refund Home Loans. He is based in Brisbane and advises national and international clients across the Federal Court of Austr...

Jonathan Duhs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Defamation and Media Law. Jonathan, who practices law in Brisbane, Australia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jonathan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Leahy is the Legal Practitioner Director of Cochrane Leahy Litigation. Richard was a partner in an award winning, national firm, practising in commercial and insurance litigation. Identifying a gap in the Queensland legal market, he has now created his own boutique commercial litigation firm, with an emphasis on expert but commercially pragmatic service for businesses and individuals.