KCL Law is delighted to announce the promotion of five outstanding lawyers — Daniel Bean to Special Counsel, Ainsley Atkins to Senior Associate, Catherine Emmerton to Associate, Ian Liu to Associate, and Kylie Marotta to Associate — across five key practice areas Employment and Workplace Relations, Estate Group, Owners Corporation, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Property, effective 1 July 2024.
Davina Onas, CEO, said: “These promotions are well deserved and recognise each individual’s respective talent, knowledge, and experience, along with their dedication and commitment to their clients.”
The Principal Lawyers and staff congratulate them all on their respective appointments and look forward to their continued success with the firm.
Daniel Bean, Special Counsel — Employment and Workplace Relations
Daniel Bean brings a wealth of experience in employment disputes, litigation, advice, and front-end drafting.
With over a decade of professional experience, Daniel provides comprehensive legal advice to medium to large companies in various industries, including transport, logistics, hospitality, technology, and entertainment.
He also regularly acts for executives, board members and CEOs. He is known for his expertise in drafting employee contracts, handling unfair dismissal and discrimination matters, and negotiating contract disputes.
Daniel routinely represents clients in civil jurisdictions, including the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Court, showcasing his skills as a seasoned litigator and adept negotiator.
Ainsley Atkins, Senior Associate — Estate Group
Ainsley Atkins is a dedicated member of the Estate Group. Her practice focuses on wills and estate disputes, trust disputes, contested probate applications, and guardianship and administration.
Since joining KCL Law, Ainsley has advised a variety of clients, including high-net-worth estates and families, professional trustees and professional advisers.
She is known for her diligence, sensitivity, and commitment to achieving practical resolutions to her clients’ legal issues.
Ainsley brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at a Melbourne-based law firm where she focused on estate and civil litigation.
Catherine Emmerton, Associate — Owners Corporation
Catherine Emmerton advises and assists owners corporations, managers, and lot owners on compliance, dispute resolution, common property defects, and debt recovery.
With almost 15 years of experience in strata management before joining KCL Law, Catherine has a deep understanding of the owners corporation industry.
She is committed to ensuring the best outcomes for her clients in a pragmatic and cost-efficient manner.
Ian Liu, Associate — Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Ian Liu practises in commercial litigation and has been with KCL Law since August 2021. He advises on a wide range of commercial disputes and is particularly strong in equity and trusts, the law of restitution, property law, and contracts.
Ian has successfully guided his clients from inception of a dispute to the end of contested trials in the superior courts.
He has an extensive knowledge of civil procedure and the rules of evidence. He has also established excellent working relationships with leading Victorian barristers.
Kylie Marotta, Associate — Property
Kylie has a broad range of experience in property, advising small-to-medium businesses, investors and private clients on matters including retail and commercial leasing, the sale and purchase of land and businesses, mortgage lending and other general property transactions.
Kylie is known for her collaborative approach, working closely with clients and other lawyers to achieve favourable and commercial outcomes.
She brings significant experience from her previous role at a mid-sized commercial law firm and is an active member of the Law Institute of Victoria.