Meredith Bennett

James undertakes a variety of complex corporate and commercial work in the State and Federal Courts of Australia. He acts for a broad range of domestic and international clients including ASX200-listed companies, high net-worth individuals, directors, shareholders, company liquidators, banks and government entities. James has particular experience in arbitration, contract law, construction litigation, competition and consumer law, insolvency, trusts and administrative law. Before joining Leve...

Jeff Baker’s practice focusses on structuring and documenting Banking & Finance transactions for financial institutions operating in the Australian market. He also advises offshore based lenders and borrowers, in respect of Australian transactions or the Australian aspects of arrangements focussed offshore. Over his career Jeff has developed valuable insights into the key commercial drivers that ensure financial transactions complete in a seamless manner and within requisite timefra...

James Ireland is a lawyer based in Brisbane with HopgoodGanim, where he focuses on government practice, land use and zoning law and planning and environmental law. He advises public and private sector clients on statutory planning frameworks, development approvals and the interaction between government decision-making and property rights. His work regularly involves navigating complex regulatory environments and responding to evolving planning policy. James is known for assisting clients thro...

Ann’s Vision Ann Janssen founded the firm in 2009 based on her vision to deliver first-class estate planning and administration services to clients at an accessible cost. Her reasoning was that if a law firm only focussed on this area of law, it would quickly become expert and efficient at it. This has proven to be true, and now Estate First Lawyers has become one of the largest estate planning teams of its type operating Australia wide. The firm consistently receives very high feedback...

Alison Ross is a Brisbane-based family lawyer at HopgoodGanim, where she advises individuals and families navigating separation, parenting arrangements and property matters. Her practice focuses on family law and family law mediation, with an emphasis on practical solutions that reflect each client’s circumstances. She is known for her calm approach and clear communication, particularly during periods of personal and financial change. Alison regularly assists clients in both negotiated ...

Matthew has over 25 years of China and Asia-Pacific legal and business experience, focusing on Intellectual Property (prosecution, litigation and transactions), Corporate (M&A) and International Trade. Matthew has been listed as a leading corporate/IP lawyer by various publishers and directories, and is an arbitrator (MCIArb) with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the Beijing Arbitration Commission, Asian International Arbitration Centre, CIETAC, the Maldives International A...

Deano is the managing Director of Simonidis Steel lawyers. From the commencement of operations in 2001, Deano has expanded the firm to the Gold Coast and more recently to Brisbane’s Northside to cater for a growing clientele. Practicing Family Law for 26 years, Deano has been Accredited by the Queensland Law Society as a Family Law Specialist due to both his experience and credentials in the field. It is no surprise that the hard work of Deano and the firm collectively were recognised b...

Michael is a qualified lawyer, with over ten years’ experience advising on taxation matters in roles with leading Australian law firms and the major international accounting firms. Michael specialises in transaction taxation and structuring as well as litigious disputes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Michael has acted for publicly listed and large private groups in both buy side and sell side transactions, as well as major restructures and corporate dealings. His transaction...

Chris Nyst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Chris, who practices law in Gold Coast, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. 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.

Richard Cowen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation. Richard, 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 Richard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.