MADDOCKS - FIRM SPOTLIGHT

Priyanka Sharma
4 days ago
4 min read

Established: 1885 (2025 is our 140 year anniversary!).

Size (personnel): 700 Lawyers.

Office Locations (Australia): Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra,

Practice Areas: Commercial, Public Law, Construction and Projects, Dispute Resolution and Litigation, Employment, Safety and People, and Real Estate.

ABOUT MADDOCKS

Founded in Melbourne in 1885, Maddocks is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected independent law firms. With offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, the firm advises leading corporations, government bodies, and not-for-profit organisations across sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology.

Maddocks has a long-standing reputation for integrity, collaboration, and legal excellence, and is known for its strong public sector practice and commitment to pro bono work. The firm has advised Victorian local councils for over 100 years and continues to be deeply engaged with public interest legal work.

Today, Maddocks operates offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, employing over 600 people, including more than 80 partners. The firm advises clients across various sectors, including education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology.

HOW MADDOCKS EMBODIES ITS MISSION

Maddocks embodies its mission statement by focusing on making a difference for clients, the community and each other. Our people are supported to build strong working relationships, contribute to meaningful work and be part of a genuinely collaborative culture.

Do What Matters reflects this mindset. It encourages individuals to focus on work that has impact and aligns with their goals. This might include client matters, pro bono work or opportunities to grow within the firm.

We are known for being accessible and responsive. From the start of their careers, clerks and graduates are trusted to get involved and supported to succeed.

RECENT NOTEWORTHY CASES INVOLVING MADDOCKS

In the corporate space, we advised skincare brand Ultra Violette on its strategic partnership with a US equity firm, reflecting our expertise in cross-border M&A transactions. In the property development sector, we advised on Australia 108, a landmark project that has reshaped Melbourne’s skyline.

We also have a strong reputation in technology and innovation, having worked with clients such as Optus, Aristocrat Technologies, and Samsung on major technology acquisitions and commercial matters.

In the renewable energy space, Maddocks advised PCL Construction on the 94 MW Gunsynd Solar Project in Queensland, supporting Australia’s clean energy transition.

The firm continues to act for all levels of government across a wide range of complex legal issues, maintaining our long-standing position as a trusted advisor in the public sector.

ACHIEVEMENTS of MADDOCKS AND ITS PEOPLE

Recognised as a 2025 Top Graduate Employer by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) – medium size programs list.
Recognised as a 2025 Top Intern Program by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) – medium size programs list.
Australasian Lawyer – Winner, 2024 Law Firm of Year
Law Institute of Victoria – Presidents Award for Outstanding Service, awarded to Partner Lindy Richardson, Senior Associate Kirsten Sullivan and Lawyer Emily Fyffe
Urban Leader Awards – Legal, awarded to Partner Nick Holuigue
Australasian Lawyer – Future Legal Leaders 2025, R&I awarded to Senior Associate Mathew Gashi and Public Law awarded to Tara Schultz
Australasian Lawyer – Deal Maker of the Year – Debt Market, awarded to Maddocks Banking & Finance team and partner Ilan Kraus
Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards – Government Team of the Year
5 Star Employer of Choice in 2024
Elite Women in Law 2024 – Winner, Partner Breellen Warry for Public Law

WHAT SETS MADDOCKS APART

What sets Maddocks apart is the opportunity to do meaningful work in a supportive, high-performing environment. Our lawyers work closely with both private and public sector clients on complex legal matters and form strong working relationships across the firm.

We support our people to Do What Matters — professionally, personally and in the community. The firm offers genuine flexibility and is committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued and supported. Our pro bono partnerships, staff volunteering program and active Diversity & Inclusion networks give people the chance to contribute to the community in practical ways.

Maddocks has been recognised as a 2025 Top Graduate Employer by the AAGE, a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality since 2004 and was named a Silver Employer at the 2024 AWEI LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. With structured development programs and early exposure to real work and clients, Maddocks is a great place to build a long-term legal career.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR LAW STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

At Maddocks, penultimate and final year law students can apply for our Seasonal Clerkship Program, which offers firsthand experience across two practice areas, structured training, and the opportunity to work on active client matters. Clerks are supported by a buddy, coordinator, and supervising partner, and take part in development sessions, social events, and networking opportunities.

We recruit our graduates from our clerkship pool. Graduates complete three four-month rotations across different practice groups, supported by structured PLT training, regular feedback, and exposure to high-quality legal work. Our Graduate Program is designed to build capability, confidence, and career direction from day one, with opportunities for mentoring, pro bono work, client engagement, and professional development.

We offer an inclusive and supportive environment, where our people are empowered to grow and succeed.

THE FUTURE AT MADDOCKS

Our firm’s vision is to be the modern Australian law firm. Operational excellence is a key pillar in achieving this. We are investing in legal technology, to trial more effective ways of working. This focus on legal know-how is paired with a continued strong focus on our clients and relationships to keep us on track for continued growth into the next century.