MDW family lawyers promoted to key positions in Melbourne office

MDW family lawyers promoted to key positions in Melbourne office

In recognition of their standout contributions to our family law practice, four family lawyers will take on new roles

The Partners are pleased to announce four senior promotions within the firm’s family law team.  Nick Ellis has been promoted to Principal, Kate Whitehouse and Philippa Darlow have been promoted to Special Counsel and Nick McBride has been promoted to Senior Associate.

These four lawyers demonstrate our firm’s commitment to legal excellence and dedication to outstanding and professional client service.

Family law Principal, Nick Ellis

Over 8 years in practice and 6 years with the firm, Nick has become an essential member of the MDW family law team. He practices in all family law areas, with a particular interest in complex financial and cross-border disputes.  Nick is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a Family Law Rising Star for 2019 and 2020.  He sits on the Family Law Executive and Accredited Specialist (Family Law) committees of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Family law Special Counsel, Kate Whitehouse

Kate’s promotion celebrates her comprehensive knowledge in family law.  Kate was formerly a legal associate to the Honourable Justice Peter Young QC and the Honourable Justice Paul Cronin of the Family Court of Australia. She was admitted to practice in 2010 and has practiced exclusively in family law since that time, joining MDW in 2013.  Kate is an Accredited Family Law Specialist and she has been recognised by Doyle’s Guide as a Family Law Rising Star for 2020.

Family law Special Counsel, Philippa Darlow

Philippa contributes a wealth of diverse skills and experience to the family law team at MDW.  Her experience has ranged from working at a Women’s Legal Service in the Northern Territory to a top tier family law firm in Sydney, reflective of her broad interests and expertise across the field of family law.  After her admission to practice in 2004, Philippa spent approximately 10 years working at another well known Melbourne based family law firm.  She has been accredited by the Law Institute of Victoria as a specialist in family law since 2009.

Family law Senior Associate, Nicholas McBride

Since joining MDW in 2014, Nick has established himself as an invaluable member of the family law team. During his time working at the firm, Nick has earned a Master of Laws (Family Law) and has developed a reputation as a hard-working family lawyer with an impressive commitment to client service.  Nick sits on the Junior Family Lawyers Working Group, a sub-group of the Family Law Executive of the Law Institute of Victoria.

“We are delighted to announce these promotions which cement our firm’s longstanding reputation for excellence in family law and delivering wonderful outcomes for clients.  These promotions strengthen the foundation for the family law team’s continued growth and success.  Congratulations to Nick, Kate, Philippa and Nick for their well-deserved promotions” – John McBride and Margaret Neal, Principals.