Thynne + Macartney has been announced a Finalist in the Australian Law Awards in category 'Boutique Law Firm of the Year' for 2016.
“Thynne + Macartney has been a pioneer in legal practice in Queensland since our foundation in 1893. Our recognition in the Australian Law Awards for innovative law firm business practices demonstrates that this has not changed over time,” Bill Loughnan, Chairman of Partners said.
The firm is currently forging ahead, experiencing a significant expansion.
Julian Troy recently joined the Commercial Dispute Resolution team as Special Counsel. Julian is a Construction Law specialist and has over 13 years experience in building and construction law including front and back end work, and commercial litigation.
Over the next few weeks, Thynne + Macartney will also be welcoming other new members of their team.
A new Special Counsel will be coming on board to head the firm’s Employment & Industrial Relations practice and has almost 20 years experience in Employment and Workplace Health & Safety Law. Our new team member will bring a wealth of expertise in workplace disputes, drafting and advising on industrial instruments, advising and providing representation in relation to unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment matters, advising and providing advice on work health and safety matters, and policy development and training.
Our Business Advisory & Dispute Resolution team will also gain a new lawyer with over four years experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution matters including disputes related to commercial contracts, Australian Consumer Law, trade practices, negligence, bankruptcy and debt recovery.
“We are attracting the self-starters who want the freedom to forge their own path. It has been the foundation of our recent growth,” Bill Loughnan said.
In 2015, the firm explored the advantages of a younger partnership model as part of their succession plan. Tim Quirk, the Planning & Environment specialist, was promoted to partnership. The firm also acquired new partner, Mark Winn, to the Business Advisory and Dispute Resolution Team. Karen Gaston was also brought on board as Head of Private Clients.
As part of this ongoing quest to find a better way to practice the business of law, the firm has been undertaking a number of projects.
In 2015, Thynne + Macartney convened a branding committee to create a vision for the future of the Thynne + Macartney brand so the firm could move forward with their clients. This includes new communications initiatives that embody and reinforce the new positioning. Also, a full suite of staff benefits and initiatives to embed the new brand values in the corporate culture and support them over time.
Learning & Development has also been changing mindsets. Putting some control back into the hands of our staff members, our L&D Advisor ran focus groups to identify the knowledge “gaps” in client service and communication as a key factor in winning business and client retention. The strategy employed was a Blended Learning Program incorporating a face-to-face program, online survey/report, and opportunity for one-on-one debriefing.
The firm has been breaking down barriers in the community as well. Two of the firm’s lawyers rode in the 2016 RideWest; a seven day, 1,237km cycle from Brisbane to Longreach supporting the Royal Flying Doctors mental health program for rural and remote areas. Well over $10,000 was raised by the two riders. Thynne + Macartney has also recently formed a major partnership with Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) worth $25,000 over four years plus pro bono work. GMRF has a Veteran mental health flagship focus and all their research is veteran inspired, particularly in the area of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“This change in perspective regarding the leadership and strategic direction has shown measurable results. We have shown significant growth in the past financial year and this trend is set to continue into the foreseeable future,” Bill Loughnan said.
