Lawyers and advisors with the experience that makes the difference.
We bring together some of Sydney’s most accomplished legal and advisory professionals. Each is respected in their own right for sharp judgment and deep expertise. Collectively, they offer a breadth of capability, and a network of relationships, rarely found in a firm of our size.
With more than 40 years of experience, Michael is a nationally recognised advocate in employment and industrial law, known for his expertise in whistleblower protection, general protections and adverse action claims. He advises executives, boards and businesses across the full spectrum of workplace law – from restraint of trade and confidential information disputes to wrongful dismissal, discrimination and redundancy – appearing before courts, commissions and tribunals in all States and Territories. Clients turn to Michael when resolution matters most.
Anthony is a commercial litigation partner with broad experience acting for high net worth individuals, listed corporations and financial institutions across disputes spanning defamation, entertainment and sports law, intellectual property, banking and fraud recovery. Known for astute and commercially grounded advice, he brings strategic clarity to complex and high-stakes proceedings. Clients rely on Anthony for results that are both legally sound and practically achievable.
Chrystalla is an experienced litigation partner with more than 30 years at Supreme, Federal and appellate court level across multiple jurisdictions. She acts in estate litigation and family law – including contested estates, family provision claims and complex property and parenting matters – as well as commercial and corporate disputes, banking and finance, insolvency and professional disciplinary proceedings, acting for companies, financial institutions and high net worth individuals nationally and internationally, including clients in the US, Israel, Greece and Cyprus. Clients value her forensic precision, strategic depth and unwavering commitment to outcomes.
David is a personal injury specialist with over 30 years of experience in workers compensation, having acted for insurers, icare NSW and clients across road, rail, airfreight and aged care industries – including at NSW Court of Appeal and High Court level. A former arbitrator of the NSW District Court and Local Court, he brings forensic depth to complex common law matters and a practical instinct for devising exit strategies and resolving claims with speed and precision. Clients rely on David for advice that is timely, pragmatic and calibrated to what actually matters.
David is a Consultant with over 30 years of experience in complex commercial disputes, reputational protection, senior executive employment matters and shareholder litigation. He advises at board level on commercial agreements, alternate dispute resolution and financial risk strategy, bringing a big-picture perspective that translates into timely, cost-effective outcomes. His approach is strategic rather than merely tactical – focused on what actually matters to each client.
Wayne Penning is an independent consultant to GILLIS+Co. and has more than 30 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law. He has practised with leading international law firms in Sydney, Brisbane and Hong Kong.
Wayne advises listed and private companies, corporate advisory firms, private equity groups, consortiums, start-ups and not-for-profit organisations across a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. His experience includes equity and debt capital markets, initial public offerings, takeovers, private equity transactions, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructures, leveraged and management buyouts, corporate finance, intellectual property and general commercial matters.
Admitted in 1983 and a Registered Trade Marks Attorney, Peter brings over four decades of commercial legal experience spanning business acquisitions and sales, intellectual property commercialisation, shareholder agreements, capital raising and corporate governance across sectors including pharmaceuticals, hospitality, technology and professional services. He has founded and built his own practices, advised start-ups through to listed corporations, and is particularly sought after for his expertise in IP due diligence, exit strategies for SMEs and complex commercial transactions. At GILLIS+Co., Peter provides counsel that is commercially sharp, strategically grounded and built on a career of getting deals done.
A University Medal graduate of the University of Wollongong, Nicola has specialised in complex commercial, contractual and property disputes since 2013. Her attention to detail and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution consistently deliver strong outcomes and genuine value for clients. Nicola is a trusted voice in complex litigation where precision and commercial clarity matter most.
Kimberley is a Senior Associate with expertise across commercial law, property law and commercial litigation, advising individuals and businesses from start-ups to large corporations. Her strong analytical skills and attention to detail allow her to navigate complex matters, identify risk early and deliver solutions aligned to each client’s objectives. Clients value her for her reliability, her precision and her commitment to building lasting professional relationships.
Admitted in 2024, Laura holds a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Global Studies from UTS and brings a clear, strategic mindset to commercial litigation, insurance, construction, SOPA, employment law, workplace health and safety, debt recovery and family law. Her background in human resources adds a commercially grounded perspective that shapes her ability to approach complex disputes with precision and practical clarity. Clients and colleagues value her thoughtful, pragmatic approach and her genuine commitment to achieving effective outcomes.
Admitted in 2025 and a graduate of Macquarie University, Ben brings sharp intellect and meticulous attention to commercial litigation, personal injury, CTP, workers compensation, employment and defamation matters. He has a particular interest in contract law and the evolving legal landscape around privacy, intellectual property and AI. Clients and colleagues value his rigour, his capacity to manage complex caseloads, and his consistent delivery under pressure.
An RMIT graduate with experience across personal injury, employment and insurance litigation, Ebony brings rigour, precision and a client-focused instinct to every matter she handles. She works closely with clients and colleagues across legal research, drafting and case management – combining strong academic foundations with a practical, organised approach. Ebony is committed to delivering high-quality work and the best possible outcome for every client.
Aysel is the Practice Director who keeps GILLIS+CO operating with precision – bringing 25 years of experience in process optimisation, team leadership, financial management and project coordination. She oversees day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency, accountability and service standards that allow the legal team to concentrate on what matters most to clients. Her instinct for problem-solving and operational discipline underpins the firm’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure.
Mitchell is currently completing a double degree in Law and Commerce (Economics) at Macquarie University, and brings a sharp, interdisciplinary perspective and an acute interest in commercial litigation, arbitration and employment law to his work. His approach is defined by precision, diligence and a strong sense of professional responsibility – qualities that make him a reliable and valued support to the firm’s partners and solicitors. Mitchell is commercially minded, efficient and focused on delivering outcomes that matter to clients.
Ted is completing a double degree in Law and Economics at UTS, bringing an interdisciplinary perspective and an acute interest in employment law and commercial litigation to his work at GILLIS+Co. Pragmatic, thorough and experienced across all stages of litigation – from discovery and drafting pleadings through to hearing and trial preparation and court correspondence – he is a reliable and meticulous contributor to the firm’s legal team. Ted balances his academic and professional commitments with a consistent focus on achieving favourable outcomes for clients.
Elizabeth is currently completing a double degree in Law and Security Studies at Macquarie University. Having previously gained experience in general practice, she has developed a particular interest in medical negligence and workers’ compensation matters, as well as broader civil litigation.
Elizabeth brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to her work, combining strong legal research and drafting skills with exceptional attention to detail. Her approach is defined by professionalism, diligence and a strong commitment to delivering high-quality work, making her a trusted and dependable support to the firm’s solicitors. Elizabeth is client-focused, highly organised and dedicated to achieving practical, effective outcomes for clients.
Matt brings 25 years of technology experience to GILLIS+Co., built through long-term client relationships across professional firms, small businesses and venues in Sydney and internationally. He manages the firm’s technology infrastructure with a clear focus on user experience – ensuring systems work intuitively and efficiently so lawyers and staff can concentrate on what they do best. Clients and colleagues rely on Matt for technology that simply works.