Effective 1 January 2026, Leanne Dearlove will be promoted to partner and Emily Panizza will be promoted to senior associate. 

Dr Andrew Murray, Managing Partner Colin Biggers & Paisley commented:

"Leanne and Emily are to be congratulated on their significant contributions to our practice and to their respective sectors of focus across employment and safety and insurance. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, these recent promotions reflect our continued growth and commitment to supporting and developing our talented lawyers delivering excellent legal services to our clients."

Leanne's practice focusses on assisting employers with a wide range of employment related issues, including restructures, performance management and absences. Leanne represents employers in litigation relating to unfair dismissals, general protections, stop bullying applications and assists clients with child protection issues. She works with insurers and their insureds, to resolve or defend claims arising under employment practices liability (EPL) policies.

Leanne has developed a strong client base and experience across the education, aged and in-home care, faith-based and not for profit sectors and has also built a growing portfolio of Queensland local government clients. 

Emily works with Australian and London insurers advising on professional indemnity matters involving accountants, liquidators and barristers, as well as construction professionals. Emily has six years commercial litigation experience, predominantly in financial services and class actions. 

This announcement follows the recent appointments below.

• Matthew Giles - Employment & Safety, Brisbane

• Chris Henderson - Property & Development, Melbourne
• Stuart Jackson - Property & Development, Sydney

• Mark Hogg - Property & Development, Brisbane
• Kate Clements - Insurance, Melbourne
• Gareth Gillespie - Insurance, Sydney
• Dylan Kay - Insurance, Melbourne
• Justin Langusch - Insurance, Brisbane
• Amy Leong - Employment & Safety, Melbourne