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Allens names new chair
Global law firm Allens has appointed a Brisbane-based practitioner as its new chair, effective 1 January.
Jerome Doraisamy
Chelsey Drake is set to assume the role of chair at BigLaw firm Allens, succeeding Fiona Crosbie, who has been in the role since the start of 2017.
Drake has been a partner at the firm for 15 years, the firm detailed in a statement, and has served as Queensland practice director since April 2021, as well as being a member of the firm’s executive committee since mid-2023.
She is a senior corporate practitioner, the firm continued, and has also been a member of the Australian government’s Takeovers Panel since 2016.
Crosbie’s second term in the role will conclude at year’s end, and she will continue to focus on her competition practice. Drake will assume the role of chair on 1 January 2025.
The news follows the appointment by fellow global firm DLA Piper of its new managing partner in Australia, as reported earlier this week.
Crosbie said: “On behalf of the board, I welcome Chelsey to this new role.
“Chelsey brings with her extensive experience and a proven track record of leadership within our firm.”
Drake said: “I’m thrilled about this opportunity and look forward to playing a larger role in shaping the future of Allens.”
And the firm’s managing partner, Richard Spurio, said: “We have all been extremely privileged to have had Fiona as chair, and we are incredibly grateful for the significant and enduring contribution she has made to our firm.
“She has chaired the board and represented the firm with great integrity and wisdom and with an unwavering commitment to service, collaboration and excellence.”
Jerome Doraisamy
Jerome Doraisamy is the editor of Lawyers Weekly. A former lawyer, he has worked at Momentum Media as a journalist on Lawyers Weekly since February 2018, and has served as editor since March 2022. He is also the host of all five shows under The Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network, and has overseen the brand's audio medium growth from 4,000 downloads per month to over 60,000 downloads per month, making The Lawyers Weekly Show the most popular industry-specific podcast in Australia. Jerome is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in NSW, and a board director of Minds Count.
You can email Jerome at:
