MDW lawyer promotion announcements – August 2021 August 10, 2021

In recognition of their impressive contributions to our firm, three lawyers will take on new roles

We are delighted to celebrate three promotions within our Commercial/Litigation and Wills and Estates teams:

• Kieran Best promoted to Senior Associate
• Miriam Corbould promoted to Associate
• Hayley Najim promoted to Associate

MDW Principal Jeffrey Pinch noted that all three lawyers demonstrate MDW’s commitment to legal excellence. “These promotions reflect our optimism, strengthening the firm’s ability to grow and excel” said Jeffrey.

Kieran Best – Commercial Litigation + Dispute Resolution Senior Associate

Since joining MDW in 2017 Kieran has become an integral member of the MDW Litigation team.  His promotion celebrates his knowledge in commercial litigation and dispute resolution law. Kieran has a particular interest in complex contractual and commercial disputes, with extensive experience acting across a range of areas and jurisdictions including:

• Partnership disputes
• Contractual disputes (including supply agreement and distribution agreements)
• Minority oppression claims under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
• Unfair preference and uncommercial transaction claims
• Winding up applications
• Claims under the Australian Consumer Law
• Retail tenancy and commercial lease disputes
• Building and construction disputes (domestic and commercial)
• Employment disputes
• Contractual interpretation
• Commercial and retail leasing (drafting and negotiation)
• Business and asset sale agreements
• Employment and executive agreements

In addition to Kieran’s practice in commercial litigation, he has developed particular expertise in assisting registered training organisations (“RTO”) in regulatory and compliance matters involving the Australian Skills Quality Authority and/or the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, as well as acting in a range of transactional matters such as acquisition or sale and/or restructures of RTOs.

Miriam Corbould – Commercial Litigation + Dispute Resolution Associate

Since joining MDW in early 2020, Miriam has been an exceptional addition to the commercial litigation team.  Contributing diverse skills and experience, she has been involved in various general litigation matters including:

• Business Disputes
• Contractual Disputes
• Negligence Claims
• Part IV Testator’s Family Maintenance claims
• Removal of Executor Proceedings
• General Wills and Estate disputes
• Claims under the Australian Consumer Law
• Debt Recovery
• Personal Injury Claims

Miriam enjoys being part of a high performing and collaborative commercial litigation team and endeavours to bring a strategic focus to her practice to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.

Hayley Najim – Wills and Estates Associate

Commencing at MDW in November of 2017 undertaking work experience after completing her law degree, Hayley was employed with MDW in February 2018 and as admitted as a lawyer in May 2018. Her promotion to Associate recognises her significant contributions to the firm’s Wills and Estates Team.

Hayley practises predominantly in the firm’s Mornington office and has a dedicated focus on advising clients in Wills, Estates and Trust Law including;

• Drafting simple and complex Wills
• Advising on Estate Planning
• Preparing Enduring and General Powers of Attorney
• Preparing Appointment of Medical Treatment Decision Maker Documents
• Drafting Company Powers of Attorney
• Advice on Succession Planning and Preparing/Amending Trust Deeds
• Making Applications for Probate and Letters of Administration
• Administering Deceased Estates
• Litigation for  all types of Will Disputes;  i.e. Part IV claims, removal of executors and breach of fiduciary duty of executors cases