Lauren Abbott promoted to Partner in Brisbane real estate team

Piper Alderman has announced 27 promotions across the commercial law firm, including three Partners – one of whom is based in Brisbane.

The promotions, effective from 1 July, also include three Special Counsel, 11 Senior Associates, eight Associates and two in business services.

A Piper Alderman spokesperson said the appointments recognised the “exceptional talent of our people, and the strength of the firm’s capabilities across key practice areas”.

Lauren Abbott (top left) has been named a Partner in the Brisbane real estate team.

Ms Abbott joined Piper Alderman in 2018 as a lawyer in the real estate team and was promoted to Associate in 2019, Senior Associate in 2021 and Special Counsel in 2025.

She advises on a broad range of national property matters, with a focus on major capital transactions, including acquisitions, divestments, and developments across commercial, industrial, retail, and social infrastructure assets, as well as advising on and managing large-scale leasing portfolios for national landlords and tenants.

Ms Abbott is known for her commercial acumen and pragmatic approach, leading complex transactions and delivering clear, strategic, and commercially focused advice. She is a trusted advisor to clients across the property sector, recognised for her attention to detail and strong stakeholder management.

Managing Partner James Macdonald said: “We are pleased to welcome Lauren, Luke (Bone) and Travis (Shueard) to our partnership. Each has demonstrated outstanding legal expertise, drive and meaningful impact for their clients, their teams and the firm.

“We also congratulate all those listed below who have been promoted, whose hard work and commitment to excellence strengthen our firm and reflect the depth of capability we continue to build at Piper Alderman.”

A former Associate Madison Hopgood (second from left) has been promoted to Senior Associate in Brisbane’s dispute resolution and litigation team.

With five years’ legal experience, Ms Hopgood has developed strong expertise in commercial disputes and class actions, regularly advising alongside litigation funders, liquidators, and commercial clients on complex matters.

Her promotion reflects both her technical capability and the significant contribution she has made to the Brisbane team.

New Associates in the Brisbane real estate are Emily Hamilton and Giorgia Robertson (pictured above at right).

Ms Hamilton was admitted as a lawyer in the Queensland Supreme Court in December 2024 and admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in September 2022.

Ms Robertson has a strong foundation in residential, commercial and retail law. She advises on a broad range of real estate matters, including leasing, property development and trust and estate planning.

She was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in March 2025 and admitted as a barrister and solicitor to the High Court of New Zealand in December 2023.

Proctor helps firms and their teams celebrate promotions and new appointments. Please email details of any lawyer promotions or appointments to proctor@qls.com.au. Ensure you include some details of their areas of expertise and achievements, along with images.