Lavan is delighted to announce our most recent appointments and promotions, effective 1 January 2026. These achievements reflect Lavan’s continued growth as Western Australia’s leading independent law firm.
From our Property & Leasing team, we are proud to congratulate Kealeigh Barker on her promotion to special counsel and Jack Hely on his advancement to senior associate. The Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency team is pleased to announce James Barrett’s promotion to special counsel, as well as the promotion of Linda Diep, Mitchell Davis and Jackson Flematti to associate. In our Family & Private Clients team, Dragana Blackwood has been promoted to special counsel and Lowri White to associate. Our Deals team celebrates the achievements of Jordan Grapsas, promoted to special counsel, and Ben Kruize, stepping up as senior associate.
We also congratulate Genevieve Mascarenhas on her promotion to senior associate in Lavan’s Employment, Safety & Education team, as well as Isabel Bartle’s promotion to associate in the Planning, Environment & Land Compensation team and Niamh Rooney’s promotion to associate in our Construction & Infrastructure team. Finally, in our Dispute Resolution & Investigations team, we congratulate Annie Harfoushian on her promotion to associate and Andrew Freeman on his appointment as associate.
On their promotion to the role of special counsel we congratulate:
Kealeigh Barker – Property & Leasing
Since joining Lavan in 2024, Kealeigh has brought extensive experience across litigation, wills and estates, personal injury, commercial matters and property services. Her strong commercial focus and commitment to growing her practice makes her a highly valued member of the team.
James Barrett – Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency
James is a valued member of the Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency team, known for his commercial awareness and ability to deliver high-quality, solutions-focused outcomes. He leads significant matters with autonomy, contributes to client strategy, and supports junior lawyers.
Dragana Blackwood – Family & Private Clients
Dragana is a strategic advisor, negotiator and litigator with extensive experience in family law, estate and succession planning and dispute resolution. Her promotion to special counsel recognises both her technical excellence and her dedication to the firm.
Jordan Grapsas – Deals
Jordan’s legal career at Lavan has progressed rapidly since starting as a clerk in 2018. He brings strong drive, sharp analytical skills, and a clear client-first, commercial focus to his work. With broad experience in M&A, ASX compliance, corporate governance, and strategic advisory, combined with a pragmatic approach, Jordan is a highly regarded advisor.
On their promotion and appointment to the role of senior associate we congratulate:
Jack Hely – Property & Leasing
Since joining Lavan in 2021, Jack has built strong experience across major property transactions, including shopping centre acquisitions, residential and industrial subdivisions, and complex leasing matters. He is also increasingly active in the agribusiness sector through industry engagement and agricultural transactions.
Ben Kruize – Deals
Ben has progressed from clerkship in 2020 to a central role within the Deals team, specialising in regulated and unregulated mergers, acquisitions and corporate advisory work across a wide range of sectors. His attention to detail, leadership qualities and strong contribution to mentoring junior lawyers make him a highly valued team member.
Genevieve Mascarenhas – Employment, Safety & Education
Genevieve joined Lavan in 2024 and has made a significant impact on the Employment, Safety & Education team. Her maturity, attention to detail and ability to turn complex issues into practical, high-quality advice make her a trusted advisor.
On their promotion and appointment to the role of associate we congratulate:
Isable Bartle – Planning, Environment & Land Compensation
Since joining Lavan as a clerk in 2018, Isabel has built a strong practice within the Planning, Environment & Land Compensation team. Her passion for planning and her active involvement in State Administrative Tribunal hearings continue to shape her expertise, contributing to her growing capability across a range of complex matters.
Mitchell Davis – Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency
Mitchell brings strong commercial awareness and practical insight to his work, regularly collaborating with senior practitioners to clarify complex issues and ensure high‑quality outcomes. He responds proactively to clients, communicates clearly throughout each matter, and works diligently to meet agreed deadlines.
Linda Diep – Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency
Well regarded for her technical capability, reliability and client‑focused approach, Linda has quickly established herself as a valued member of the Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency team. She continues to build autonomy in her work and is committed to expanding her legal knowledge.
Jackson Flematti – Restructuring, Disputes & Insolvency
Since starting at Lavan in 2021, Jackson has developed a solid foundation in restructuring, insolvency and commercial matters. He advises insolvency practitioners, financiers and companies, while also contributing actively to firm life.
Andrew Freeman – Dispute Resolution & Investigations
Lavan is pleased to welcome back Andrew as an associate in our Dispute Resolution & Investigations team. Andrew brings experience across a range of commercial disputes and has assisted on matters in the Supreme and District Courts of Western Australia, the Federal Court, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the State Administrative Tribunal.
Annie Harfoushian – Dispute Resolution & Investigations
Annie is an active member of the Dispute Resolution & Investigations team, where she has gained significant experience in matters progressing to trial. She applies strong litigation skills and sound commercial judgment to her work, contributing effectively to the resolution of complex issues and supporting high‑quality client outcomes.
Niamh Rooney – Construction & Infrastructure
Niamh joined Lavan in 2022 and has developed strong capability within the Construction & Infrastructure team, providing practical and commercially focused advice. She tailors her guidance to client sensitivities around cost and timing and continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing learning.
Lowri White – Family & Private Clients
Drawing on over a decade of family law experience in England and Wales, Lowri White has excelled in Lavan’s Family & Private Clients team while completing her Western Australian admission requirements. She brings technical skill, commercial awareness and positive energy to her work and the broader firm.
On announcing these promotions and appointments, managing partner Dean Hely said:
“We are pleased to recognise so many of our people for their hard work, dedication and contribution to the firm, and we are proud to see them continue to grow and develop as lawyers within the Western Australian community. On behalf of the partners and the wider firm, I extend our warmest congratulations to our well-deserving colleagues on their promotions. Each of these talented lawyers brings meaningful value to the firm and helps ensure our clients continue to receive exceptional legal services.”
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