Philip Walker SC

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 ...

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

Jeremy's practice spans work with a range of government and corporate clients. He has acted in claims before the High Court, Federal Court, various Supreme Courts and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Jeremy's administrative and regulatory law experience includes: advising Commonwealth agencies in relation to regulatory proceedings, including in relation to options and evidence required for declaratory, civil penalty and injunctive relief in accordance with the Regulatory Powers (Standard ...

Elissa acts for Commonwealth government agencies and entities, universities and private sector organisations on employment, workplace relations and safety matters. Her focus is public sector employment and workplace relations. Elissa advises on enterprise bargaining (including drafting, strategy, industrial action and approval challenges), employment litigation (general protections, unfair dismissal, discrimination and bullying), workforce planning and reform, misconduct and underperformance ...

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...

Hyans acts for Commonwealth, State and Territory government agencies and commercial clients on procurement, contracts and public law matters. Hyans advises on commercial contracts, corporate governance, statutory interpretation, legislative drafting, regulatory law, administrative law, privacy and FOI matters, and procurement and probity. His practice covers all aspects of government contracting from strategy and tender design through contract award and administration, as well as legal advice...

John Wilson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law. John, who practices law in Canberra, Australia, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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 ...

Shelley acts for local and national corporate clients across strata, development, building and construction sectors. Her clients include owners corporations, property developers, contractors, construction companies and corporate entities engaged in disputes and litigation often arising from real estate and construction activity. Shelley specialises in the resolution of corporate governance disputes, commercial and corporate contractual disputes, and residential and commercial construction dis...