Macpherson Kelley promotes eight including two new Principal Lawyers and two Special Counsels
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Macpherson Kelley is pleased to announce eight promotions commencing 1 January 2026, including two new Principal Lawyers and two Special Counsels. Nicole Treacey has been appointed as Wills and Estates Principal Lawyer in Brisbane and Barney Adams has been appointed as a Principal Lawyer in Melbourne’s Employment, Safety and Migration
Nicole Treacey is a highly skilled Succession lawyer with her practice primarily focussing on structures (such as companies and trusts), blended families and clients with complex circumstances, such as children with disabilities. She is recommended by Doyles Guide for Estate Litigation and Wills & Estates, and is a valued leader within the Brisbane office, having built its Wills and Estates practice from the ground up.
Barney Adams is known for his pragmatic and commercial approach to Employment law, having built a loyal and satisfied client-base over a number of years. With particular expertise in Work, Health and Safety, Barney is a trusted advisor for businesses looking to navigate high-stake circumstances, delivering technical advice in a straight and practical manner.
“Both Nicole and Barney are particularly skilled in the way they’ve been able to connect with clients building strong trusted relationships and offering unique commercial solutions that go above and beyond,” said National Managing Principal Grant Guenther.
“Their exceptional level of client service, technical expertise, and the positive contributions to Macpherson Kelley’s learning culture, establish them both as trusted leaders within their respective teams and offices. It is a pleasure to formally recognise their contribution as they join our growing cohort of Principal Lawyers,” said Grant Guenther.
Joining Barney and Nicole in their senior appointments are Catherine Ciccone and Jereome Keating who have been appointed as Special Counsel within the national Litigation team. Both Catherine and Jereome have been longstanding contributors to the firm, developing their skills and client-base, eventually evolving into leaders and trusted advisors for complex litigation matters. Catherine has distinguished expertise within insolvency and construction disputes, while Jereome’s practice encompasses contractual disputes, compulsory acquisition and proceedings under the Corporations Act.
Nicole, Barney, Catherine and Jereome join Damien Quick who has been promoted to Senior Associate as well as Blake Zhu, Jonas Schulz and Seterah Aminian who have been elevated to Associate.
The 2026 promotions follow Macpherson Kelley’s recent launch of a market-leading learning and development program offering transparent elevation pathways, and their expansion into the South Australian market in September 2025.
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Macpherson Kelley promotes eight including two new Principal Lawyers and two Special Counsels
Macpherson Kelley is pleased to announce eight promotions commencing 1 January 2026, including two new Principal Lawyers and two Special Counsels. Nicole Treacey has been appointed as Wills and Estates Principal Lawyer in Brisbane and Barney Adams has been appointed as a Principal Lawyer in Melbourne’s Employment, Safety and Migration
Nicole Treacey is a highly skilled Succession lawyer with her practice primarily focussing on structures (such as companies and trusts), blended families and clients with complex circumstances, such as children with disabilities. She is recommended by Doyles Guide for Estate Litigation and Wills & Estates, and is a valued leader within the Brisbane office, having built its Wills and Estates practice from the ground up.
Barney Adams is known for his pragmatic and commercial approach to Employment law, having built a loyal and satisfied client-base over a number of years. With particular expertise in Work, Health and Safety, Barney is a trusted advisor for businesses looking to navigate high-stake circumstances, delivering technical advice in a straight and practical manner.
“Both Nicole and Barney are particularly skilled in the way they’ve been able to connect with clients building strong trusted relationships and offering unique commercial solutions that go above and beyond,” said National Managing Principal Grant Guenther.
“Their exceptional level of client service, technical expertise, and the positive contributions to Macpherson Kelley’s learning culture, establish them both as trusted leaders within their respective teams and offices. It is a pleasure to formally recognise their contribution as they join our growing cohort of Principal Lawyers,” said Grant Guenther.
Joining Barney and Nicole in their senior appointments are Catherine Ciccone and Jereome Keating who have been appointed as Special Counsel within the national Litigation team. Both Catherine and Jereome have been longstanding contributors to the firm, developing their skills and client-base, eventually evolving into leaders and trusted advisors for complex litigation matters. Catherine has distinguished expertise within insolvency and construction disputes, while Jereome’s practice encompasses contractual disputes, compulsory acquisition and proceedings under the Corporations Act.
Nicole, Barney, Catherine and Jereome join Damien Quick who has been promoted to Senior Associate as well as Blake Zhu, Jonas Schulz and Seterah Aminian who have been elevated to Associate.
The 2026 promotions follow Macpherson Kelley’s recent launch of a market-leading learning and development program offering transparent elevation pathways, and their expansion into the South Australian market in September 2025.