Mullins Continues to Grow with Key Senior Appointments

Mullins Lawyers has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Yvonne O’Byrne as Partner and the appointment of Are Watne to lead the firm’s Banking & Finance team, reinforcing the firm’s capabilities in Banking & Finance and Corporate law at a time of sustained activity across mid‑market transactions, lending, and regulatory advisory work.

The appointments reflect the firm’s continued growth strategy and respond to increasing client demand for integrated legal support across finance, transactions, and governance matters.

Are Watne joins Mullins’ Banking & Finance practice to head up the team, bringing experience from Arnold Bloch Leibler, Clayton Utz and HopgoodGanim. He has significant expertise in property and project finance, equity and structured finance, corporate debt transactions, and restructuring.

Are’s arrival strengthens Mullins’ ability to support the rapidly expanding second‑tier and non‑bank lending market, where parties are increasingly seeking flexible funding solutions.

Yvonne O’Byrne joins as a Corporate Partner, bringing experience from Clyde & Co, Gadens, and most recently as a Partner at Beauchamps LLP in Ireland, alongside several in‑house roles. Her practice spans mergers and acquisitions, corporate advisory, and regulatory and governance matters.

Yvonne’s appointment strengthens Mullins’ corporate offering as organisations navigate increasing regulatory complexity and transaction risk.

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

The appointments form part of Mullins’ ongoing investment in senior capability, strengthening the firm’s ability to deliver sophisticated advice while maintaining the agility and responsiveness it is known for.