Mullins appoints Yvonne O’Byrne and Are Watne to expand senior leadership

Brisbane-based commercial firm Mullins Lawyers has bolstered its senior leadership team with two significant appointments, naming Yvonne O’Byrne as Partner and installing Are Watne as the new head of its banking and finance practice.

The firm says the appointments align with its broader growth strategy and respond to rising client demand for integrated transactional, finance and governance advice at a time of sustained activity across mid‑market transactions, lending, and regulatory advisory work.

Mr Watne joins Mullins with experience from Arnold Bloch Leibler, Clayton Utz and HopgoodGanim, with the firm citing his capability across property and project finance, equity and structured finance, corporate debt transactions and restructuring.

Mullins says the appointment is expected to strengthen its ability to service the fast‑expanding second‑tier and non‑bank lending market, where lenders and borrowers are increasingly seeking flexible funding arrangements.

Ms O’Byrne will join the corporate team as Partner, adding experience from Clyde & Co, Gadens and most recently as a Partner at Beauchamps LLP in Ireland. She has also occupied several in‑house legal roles.

Her practice includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory and regulatory and governance matters – capabilities that Mullins says will be critical for organisations grappling with heightened regulatory oversight and transaction risk.

Managing Partner Sam McIvor said the appointments reflected both market demand and the firm’s long‑term strategy.

“These appointments reflect the evolving needs of our clients and the strategic direction of our practice,” Mr McIvor said. “Are and Yvonne bring the depth of experience and commercial focus that align with the evolving Queensland market and our growth strategy.”

Mullins says the appointments are part of ongoing investment in senior capability, designed to support its delivery of sophisticated legal advice while maintaining the firm’s hallmark agility and responsiveness.

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