Piper Alderman appoints three new partners and three special counsel

Piper Alderman has today announced 27 promotions across the firm, including 3 partners, 3 special counsel, 11 senior associates, 8 associates and 2 in business services. The appointments recognise the exceptional talent of our people, and the strength of the firm’s capabilities across key practice areas.

The partner appointments are Lauren Abbott, Real Estate (Brisbane), Luke Bone, Dispute Resolution & Litigation (Perth), and Travis Shueard, Commercial/ IP (Adelaide), bringing the firm’s total partnership numbers to 86, from 1 July 2026.

Partners

Lauren Abbott, Real Estate, Brisbane

Lauren 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. Lauren 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.

Lauren 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.

Luke Bone, Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Perth

Luke joined Piper Alderman as a Special Counsel in April 2024, and has over 12 years’ experience in commercial litigation and insolvency matters. He advises on a broad range of commercial and corporate disputes, regularly acting for directors, companies, insolvency practitioners and high-net-worth individuals, delivering strategic commercial advice and effective dispute resolution outcomes. Recognised for his pragmatic approach, technical strength, and ability to navigate complex matters, Luke is a trusted advisor who consistently delivers clear, commercially focused results.

Travis Shueard, Commercial (Intellectual Property), Adelaide

Travis joined Piper Alderman in 2021 as an Associate, rising quickly to Senior Associate in 2022 and Special Counsel in 2025. He is a specialist in intellectual property law, advising on disputes relating to trade marks, designs, copyright, patents and consumer law. Travis has acted in leading intellectual property cases and is recognised for his strategic approach to complex disputes. He has a particular interest in artificial intelligence, advising companies on the impact of this technology and contributing to policy and thought leadership in this field.

Travis is a recognised leader in the defence industry, advising a range of prominent defence companies on legal and regulatory issues. He currently serves as Deputy Chair of the Defence Teaming Centre, a national defence industry body, and was a founding director of Export Controls Australia Group.

Managing Partner, James Macdonald commented:

“We are pleased to welcome Lauren, Luke and Travis 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.”

The complete list of promotions with effect from Wednesday, 1 July 2026 is:

Media Coverage

• Corporate Ladder: Your weekly guide to executive appointments in South Australia – InDaily, 15 June 2026
• IP expert joins the partnership at Piper Alderman – The Advertiser (South Australian Business Journal), 16 June 2026