Freehills' Board Announces New Chairman

Freehills’ Board announced today that Robert Nicholson, a senior partner in the firm’s Corporate group, has assumed the position of Chairman. Mr Nicholson replaces the previous Chairman, Geoff McClellan, who steps down from the role following a very successful six year tenure. Mr McClellan will remain as a Board member of the firm and both partners will continue with their fulltime practices.

In making the announcement, the Board thanked Mr McClellan and acknowledged his enormous contribution to Freehills in his role as Chairman over the past six years, highlighting his instrumental role in shaping the firm’s strategic growth and development - including steering the firm through a very significant period in its history, moving it from a federated structure to a fully integrated client focused law firm, pre-eminent in its market. 

Following the announcement, Mr McClellan said that it has been a privilege to have been Chairman of the Board of Freehills, particularly throughout such an exciting and significant period of change and development.

“To see the firm go from strength-to-strength, to enjoy such stellar success, has been immensely rewarding, both personally and professionally,” he said.

“The decision to step down has not been an easy one. However, I am grateful for the past six years and the opportunities I’ve had to work with such talented, motivated and impressive people. The firm’s achievements have been the result of the enormous contribution from a great group of people, with whom I am immensely proud to work. I want, in particular, to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by our CEO, Gavin Bell, and his team.”

“I have absolute confidence that Robert’s wealth of experience as a senior practitioner and Board member and his intricate knowledge of the firm positions him particularly well to take on the Chairman’s role and I wish him every success.” he continued.

Mr Nicholson has been a partner in the firm’s Corporate group for 17 years and was first appointed to the Freehills’ Board in 2001.

Speaking of his appointment as Chairman, Mr Nicholson said, “I am extremely pleased to accept the position of Chairman of the Board and feel honoured to take the baton from Geoff and run with it through what I think is going to be a challenging and exciting time ahead.”

“Geoff has done a terrific job in this leadership role and leaves the role with the firm in a very robust position. After 17 years of economic growth, the Australian economy, and particularly the financial services sector, is entering some difficult times. This will present challenges and opportunities for Freehills which, fortunately, we are well placed to embrace.”

“Freehills’ strengths derive from its resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit as well as our values. We are focussed on developing fulfilling careers for our people and delivering services which not only meet the highest technical standards but are also specifically directed at our clients’ commercial objectives.”

“Since full national integration in 2001, the firm has developed a strong management team. We strive for the same professionalism in our own management as in the services we provide,” Mr Nicholson said.

Mr Nicholson will remain a fulltime legal practitioner, retaining his practice within the corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions and capital raising arenas.

Background information

Robert Nicholson
Robert has been a corporate partner at Freehills for 17 years. Based in Melbourne, he practices in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and capital raising, with a particular interest in energy, resources and infrastructure. Highlights of client work include acting for the state of Victoria on the restructure and privatisation of its state-owned electricity, gas and plantation assets and landmark transactions such as acquisitions of the Loy Yang A power station and Alinta. Robert has a passion for business – both the business of Freehills and the businesses of our clients.

Geoff McClellan
Geoff has been a partner at Freehills for 20 years. Based in Sydney, Geoff is widely recognised as one of Australia’s leading commercial litigators. His experience is with complex commercial disputes across a range of legal areas. Geoff also has an extensive tax litigation practice and heads up the Freehills national Tax Litigation group. Geoff retires today from his position of Chairman of the Board, he will remain on the board and fully engaged in practice as part of the firm’s litigation group.

The Freehills Board
Rebecca Davies
Gavin Bell (Chief Executive Officer / Chief Managing Partner)
Geoff McClellan
Robert Nicholson (Chairman)
Dr Helen Nugent
John Schembri
Jim Theodore
Jason Ricketts

Imogen Cornell
Public Affairs Assistant Manager
imogen.cornell@freehills.com
+61 2 9322 4709
+61 400 644 427