McCullough Robertson has appointed Simone Desmarchelier to the position of special counsel in its corporate advisory group. She has expertise in venture capital and private equity as well as in European and UK law. The firm said Desmarchelier had worked for a top tier Australian law firm in Sydney before joining McCullough Robertson.

Suzanne Oliver has joined Bain Gasteen Lawyers as a solicitor in the firm’s litigation and insurance group where she will be focusing on general insurance. Oliver specialises in litigation and insurance with experience in workers’ compensation, public liability, motor vehicle accidents and asbestos diseases. She previously worked for two Sydney law firms and a government legal office in London.

Norton White has appointed industrial relations and employment lawyer Richard Thompson as a partner. Thompson is an experienced IR lawyer and has represented employers in some high profile industrial disputes. He was previously with Lander & Rogers after some years in Latham Chambers as a specialist IR and employment barrister.

Sparke Helmore has appointed Matthew Smith as special counsel to its Brisbane workplace relations, safety & environment practice. Smith went to Sparke Helmore from an established workplace relations, safety and environment practice at the Bar. He has also worked as a general counsel and senior advocate at the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he headed the industrial advocacy team.