Jackson McDonald unveils leadership and branding changes to start the decade

Jackson McDonald is starting the decade with what it calls a “generational shift” in its leadership, as well as a fresh visual identity.

The WA-focused firm has named Elizabeth Tylich as its new chairwoman. Tylich, who has been a commercial lawyer at the firm since 1999, succeeds Richard Sandover, who has held the responsibility since 2010.

The Jackson McDonald board has also added partners Alex Lustig, Anthony Bereyne, and Simon Moen, who replace board members who have reached the end of their terms. The board now consists of Tylich, chief executive Malcolm Shelton-Agar, partner Isla McRobbie, Lustig, Bereyne, and Moen.

Tylich said that there’s a discrepancy between the public perception of the firm and its identity.

“The public perception of Jackson McDonald doesn’t reflect who we are today,” she said. “We may have a long and stable history, but our team is very progressive and innovative. A majority of partners are in their 40’s, each a leader in their field and recognised in industry rankings.”

She also announced that the firm recently welcomed four new partners. Emma Chinnery, Adel van der Walt, Matthew Lang, and David Murphy – who joined the partnership at the start of the year – strengthen the firm’s expertise and commitment to clients, she said.

Along with the leadership revamp, Jackson McDonald has also rebranded. The new visual identity, which includes the new tagline “Multi-Sector Law,” is a result of listening to clients, Tylich said.

“We have changed our logo and updated our visual identity to better reflect who we are as a firm. Our tag line of “multi-sector law” shows our clients that we understand their business. But more importantly we have listened to them,” she said.  

“Using external consultants, we spent the past 12 months talking and listening to our clients to find out what they value and want from their legal adviser. In short it can be distilled into three concepts, experience, confidence and clarity. We have taken these concepts and are looking to embed them into every interaction we have with our clients,” Tylich said.

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Nonetheless, the firm, with its 27 partners and almost 200 staff, remains completely committed to Western Australia, the firm’s new chair said.

“It was gratifying to hear from clients doing business in WA that our WA-focus gives us a distinct advantage, from our detailed knowledge of state laws, being in the same time zone and able to meet with clients personally, and at short notice,” she said.

“In summary, we believe that these changes both better reflect who we are and allow us to meet the challenges that our clients are facing in an environment that is increasingly more complex and competitive.”