Lauren Smith

Joe is an employment relations lawyer with over 20 years’ experience specialising in workplace relations at mid-tier and employer associations. Joe’s experience extends to providing advice and representation in matters across Australian tribunals and courts, including the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Courts of Australia. Joe has also represented clients in various inquests and commissions of inquiry, including in the Independent Commission Against Corruption and various St...

Melissa Fenton is a partner in the insurance team at Colin Biggers & Paisley. Melissa has been a litigation lawyer for over 20 years and has extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution, professional indemnity and general liability claims acting for insurers and professionals in a variety of different fields. Melissa has experience in defending both large scale litigation and small claim matters, acting for an array of professionals, including architects, engineers, surveyors...

Stephen is a partner in the firm's Workplace Relations and Safety group and is the firm's Sydney Managing Partner. He has significant experience in all aspects of workplace relations and safety, and provides a wide range of strategic advice and protects clients' interests in all applicable Courts and Tribunals. Stephen's experience includes: advising on all termination of employment issues and procedures, including in respect of senior executives on questions concerning options, bonus entitle...

Michael is highly regarded for his corporate and commercial law expertise with a particular focus on financial services, insurance, reinsurance, capital markets, health and medical defence mutuals. Michael advises insurers, futures and commodities dealers, non-bank financial institutions, broking houses, health funds, health and medical service providers, medical defence mutuals, medical indemnity insurers and reinsurers. He regularly deals with regulators such as ASIC, APRA, Treasury, ASX an...

Tom Brennan SC specialises in conducting major disputes. Recent disputes conducted by him include: concerning claims to foreign state immunity in civil aviation regulatory, commercial, insurance and leasing disputes; disputes with Australian federal government regulatory agencies including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine...

Callan O'Neill is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Sports Law. Callan practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Callan O'Neill since 2026. 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 Callan O'Neill is held by other lawyers.

Luke Standen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Law and Information Technology Law. Luke practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Luke Standen since 2025. 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 Luke Standen is held by other lawyers.

Kate Rafton is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Family Law. Kate practices law in Parramatta, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Kate Rafton since 2024. 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 Kate Rafton is held by other lawyers.

Celia Wright is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Professional Malpractice Litigation. Celia practices law in Sydney, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Celia Wright 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 Celia Wright is held by other lawyers.

Courtenay Poulden was admitted as a Solicitor in 1986 and became a partner of the practice in 1990. He is accredited by the Law Society of New South Wales as a Personal Injury Law Specialist and is one of the contributing authors to the Personal Injury Law Manual in New South Wales, published by the Law Book Company. Courtenay has a long history of helping people who are disadvantaged by injury to get compensation. As well as being a judicial member of the New South Wales Rugby Union in his s...