Notable elevations include two new partners
Rigby Cooke Lawyers has promoted eight lawyers to bolster its expertise across five key practice areas. Among them are Victoria Comino and Christian Teese, who have been elevated to partners effective July 1, 2024.
Comino is now a partner in workplace relations. She brings over two decades of experience advising employers in transport and logistics, manufacturing, finance, security, pharmaceutical, residential construction, hospitality, professional services, and local government. Her extensive background underscores the firm's robust capabilities in addressing complex workplace issues.
Teese has also been promoted to partner specializing in wills, estates, and trusts litigation. With over 13 years of experience, he has represented administrators and trustees in estate and trust administration matters and assisted beneficiaries and other claimants in diverse estate issues. Teese's expertise also includes advising not-for-profit organizations and automotive companies.
“This is an exciting time for each lawyer receiving a promotion as they advance in their careers, particularly for Victoria and Christian, who are being promoted to partner. These promotions are truly well-deserved and recognize their respective talent, knowledge, and experience. They have all demonstrated steadfast dedication and commitment to their clients by consistently providing excellent service and making an outstanding contribution to both the firm and the broader profession,” Rigby Cooke Lawyers managing partner Bill Karvela said.
In addition to these partner promotions, Gemma Robinson has been named special counsel in planning & environment. With dual qualifications as a town planner and lawyer and over 15 years of industry experience, Robinson has a strong track record in planning appeals, planning panels, restrictive covenant matters, and property due diligence.
Marcus Schivo is promoted to senior associate in wills, trusts, and estates. He advises on various estate matters, including wills, estate planning, administration, and litigation. His experience encompasses handling complex estate administration and probate issues, including cross-jurisdictional estates and urgent limited grants.
Elise Jasper is now an associate in workplace relations who advises employers and employees on employment-related matters such as pay and entitlements, discrimination, staff conduct, performance management, restructures, redundancies, unlawful termination, occupational health and safety, and modern slavery obligations.
Jo (Taijun) Mao has also been promoted to associate in corporate & commercial, bringing extensive experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures. Mao works with local and international clients, providing comprehensive legal advice on corporate and transactional matters.
Another promoted associate is Ashwin Reddy in wills, trusts, and estates. He advises on wills, trusts, estate planning, probate applications, estate administration, VCAT Guardianship List applications, and litigation. Reddy has a background in financial services, tax, and accounting.
Lastly, Alexander Uskhopov is promoted to associate in customs and trade and provides procedural and legal advice on trade and customs law to importers, exporters, licensed customs brokers, freight forwarders, marine insurers, and Australian manufacturers. His work includes reviewing government agency decisions and handling litigious matters.
